How to Flatten a Rug With Ease
Hey everyone! Today, I wanted to share some handy tips and tricks I use for keeping my homes rugs nice and flat. With a dog and two energetic kids, it’s essential to prevent tripping hazards and maintain my sanity. Check out these ideas on how to flatten your rug!
Rugs are not only functional decor items but also add character and warmth to your room. However, sometimes they arrive or develop wrinkles, creases, or bumps that can detract from their appearance and functionality. Flattening An area rug is essential to restore its beauty and usability. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various methods and tips to effectively flatten rugs and bring them back to their original glory.
Why Do Rugs Become Unflattened?
Before we diver head first into how flatten a rug, let’s understand why rugs can develop wrinkles and creases so we can prevent them in the first place.
Storage
Most often when purchasing a rug it comes rolled. You never really know how long that rug has been rolled it could have been multiple months or multiple years. Storing a rug rolled up can lead to severe bumps and creases in the rug. This also goes for rugs in storage.
Temperature and Humidity Changes
Fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels can cause rug fibers to expand and contract, resulting in wrinkles and unevenness in the area rug.
Heavy Furniture
Placing heavy furniture on a rug and leaving a crease for an extended time can cause the rug to conform to the furniture’s shape, leading to super stubborn creases and bumps in the rug.
How to Flatten a Rug
How to Flatten a Rug: Natural Unrolling
Lay the rug upside flat on a clean, dry surface and allow it to naturally unroll over time. Gently smooth out any wrinkles or creases with your hands. I would always recommend trying this method first as it does not run the damage risk associated with some if the other methods.
How to Flatten a Rug: Reverse Rolling
Roll the rug in the opposite direction of the creases and leave it rolled for a day or two. This will help to relax the fibers and release the wrinkles.
How to Flatten a Rug: Weighted Resting
Place a few heavy objects on the corners of the rug and leave them in place for a day or two. This will help to flatten out any unevenness from the weight of the furniture. I have done this with great results a few times. One time I was going on a trip and was not going to be home for a few days and my living room rug had this crease that was super stubborn. I literally placed every single book I own on that corner. When I came back it worked. It was pretty amazing and that rug to this day still does not curl up on that corner.
How to Flatten a Rug: Steamer and Iron Method
This method involves using a steamer or an iron as well as some other materials such as towels or blankets. You’ll need to place a towel over the rug and then use either the steamer or a low-heat setting iron on top of it while smoothing out the rug. This method is perfect for a super heavy rug or a rug that has tons of furniture that would have to be moved to remove the rug. This idea does not come without risk though. You will have to be extremely careful to not burn yourself or the rug so be careful if you decide to use this method to flatten a rug.
How to Flatten a Rug: Professional Rug Stretching
In extreme cases, consider professional help from rug cleaning and restoration services. They can use specialized equipment to stretch and flatten the rug effectively.
How to Flatten a Rug: Sunshine and Fresh Air
Take the rug outdoors on a sunny day, for best results try for a day where the temperature is above 80 degrees farenheit. Spread the rug out, I would recommend spreading it out on a tarp upside down so you don’t inadvertently fade the rug material. Leave it in the sun and fresh air for a few hours.and that should do the trick. This works best minor bumps and creases in rugs.
Use a Rug Gripper
Rug grippers are adhesive products that help keep rugs flat on the floor. These are especially effective for thin rugs placed on slippery surfaces, such as hardwood floors. You can buy rug grippers online or in stores and they’re usually very easy to install. I like these Gorilla Grip extra strong rug pads. they are perfect for keeping rugs nice a flat, especially ones that have doors pass over them. I think we all know and understand the struggle of a door getting jammed due to a creased/ non flattened rug.
Use Never Curl
Another genius invention to help keep rugs flat is never curl rug tape. To be honest the way the way the product is packaged and advertised it looks like one of those “as seen on tv” products but this product works wonders. This stuff looks like a piece of duct tape. You simply place the NeverCurl at the corners or edges of your rug and this will help them to lay flat. It can be used on large or small rugs.
Tips for Keeping Your Area Rug Flattened:
Use a Rug Pad
Invest in a quality rug pad that is appropriate for your rug’s size and type. Rug pads provide cushioning, prevent slipping, and help distribute weight evenly, reducing the chances of creases forming.
Choose the Right Size Rug
Ensure that the rug you choose is an appropriate size for the room and the furniture layout. A rug that’s too small can bunch up under furniture, while a rug that’s too large might get caught or folded under the furniture legs.
Rotate and Flip Regularly
Rotate your rugs periodically, especially in high-traffic areas. This helps distribute foot traffic and wear evenly, preventing specific areas from becoming overly compressed. Flipping the rug also reduces the wear on one side.
Lift and Adjust Furniture
When moving or adjusting furniture, lift it slightly rather than dragging it across the rug. Dragging furniture can cause the rug fibers to bunch up and lead to creases.
Proper Storage
When storing rugs, roll them loosely rather than folding them. Folding can cause permanent creases to form. Store the rolled rugs in a dry, cool area to prevent humidity-related issues.
Control Humidity and Temperature
Maintain a stable indoor environment by avoiding extreme fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Drastic changes can cause rug fibers to expand and contract, leading to wrinkles.
Gentle Cleaning
When cleaning your rugs, follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a professional cleaner. Harsh cleaning methods or excessive moisture can weaken fibers and lead to creasing.
Keep Pets and Children in Mind
If you have pets or children, encourage them to avoid jumping, rough play, or scratching on rugs. These activities can cause excessive wear and contribute to creasing.
Professional Cleaning and Care
Schedule regular professional cleaning and maintenance for your rugs. Professionals can identify early signs of wear and address any issues before they become more severe.
Vacuum with Care
Use a vacuum cleaner with adjustable settings to prevent excessive suction that can pull at the rug fibers. Avoid using the beater bar on delicate rugs, as it can cause damage and weaken the rug making it more susceptuble to creasing and bumps.
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How to Flatten a Rug: Conclusion
Flattening an area rug requires patience and the right approach. The method you choose will depend on the severity of the creases the rug’s material and the supplies you have on hand. Natural unrolling, reverse rolling, steam treatment, weighted resting, steam, and professional stretching are effective techniques to restore your rug’s beauty. By following the tips to prevent future wrinkles, you can keep your area rugs looking amazing for years to come.