So you just got a brand new rug. Nice!
You excitedly unroll it and lay it out on the floor. But then you notice something:
The edges are all curled up. And there are creases all over it.
What gives?
Well, getting wrinkles and curls with a new rug is totally normal. That tight plastic packaging isn’t kind to floppy rug fibers.
Fortunately, flattening a new rug is pretty straightforward.
In this comprehensive guide, as a professional custom rugs manufacturer, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to flatten a new rug in just a few easy steps.
Why New Rugs Get All Wrinkly
Before we jump into solutions, let’s quickly cover why new rugs tend to come all rippled and creased.
Shipping and Storage
Think about what happens during the journey from manufacturer to your front door.
That rug gets:
- Tightly rolled up
- Wrapped in plastic
- Stacked in a warehouse somewhere
- Packed into a shipping container
- Bounced around during transit
That’s a lot of compression, tension, humidity, and movement!
And it can easily deform the shape of brand new rug fibers.
Fiber Memory
Rugs can also come out creased due to something called “fiber memory”.
Essentially, the fibers get stuck in whatever shape they’ve been in the longest.
And after months compressed in tight plastic, is it any wonder that a rug doesn’t want to lay flat right away?
The good news is that with a little coaxing, you can get those fibers back into shape.
Which brings us to…
How To Flatten a New Rug
There are 5 main ways to remove creases and curls from a new area rug.
1. Let It Sit
After unboxing your new rug, lay it out on the floor as flat as you can.
Then just…leave it alone for 1-2 days.
Gravity and time should allow the fibers to settle back into their natural shape.
If you still have some spots that are extra stubborn after 48 hours, try one of these next steps.
2. Flip and Switch
If the edges of your rug curl under the rug, flip it over so that the backing is facing up.
The edges should naturally start to bend back down and conform to the floor.
You can even fold them under slightly to re-train the shape.
However, if your edges flip upward, fold them under the rug instead. That slight tension encourages the fibers to stay put.
Either way, check back after a few hours or overnight. At that point, most of the edges should lie flat against the floor.
3. Weight It Down
Placing some heavy stuff along the edges of your rug helps them conform to the contour of your floor.
Books and boxes work great. Just make sure to distribute them evenly so that the weight stays balanced.
You don’t need a ton of books…just enough to apply gentle, even pressure.
Leave the weights in place anywhere from a few hours to overnight. That gives the edge fibers time to flatten back out.
4. Roll It Back
Rolling your rug in the opposite direction realigns the fibers so they lie flat.
First, make sure to fully unroll your rug with the front/design side facing down.
Next, gently roll it back up the opposite way, with the backing side facing out.
Secure the rolled rug with twine, a strap, or even a belt. Then let it sit for 6-12 hours before unrolling again.
5. Apply Some Heat
Warmth helps to soften rug fibers so that they become more pliable.
On a sunny day, you can lay your rug outside to let the sun warm it up. Concrete or asphalt enhances this effect thanks to the radiant heat.
If the weather isn’t cooperating, break out your hair dryer instead. Set it to a medium temperature and hold the nozzle 6 inches above your rug. Slowly move it over each area until warmed.
Once the fibers cool, they’ll retain their new flattened shape.
Pro Tip: Always use heat carefully on rugs. It’s easy to scorch delicate fibers if you focus too much heat in one spot.
Maintaining a Flattened Rug
With a little TLC, your brand new rug will soon lie nice and flat.
But what about keeping it that way?
Here are my top tips for maintaining a smooth, ripple-free area rug:
- Rotate it once per year – Foot traffic can bend fibers over time. Rotating your rug prevents uneven wear.
- Shampoo it regularly – Thorough, gentle cleaning lifts fibers back into place. Just make sure to let it fully dry before placing furniture on top.
- Move heavy furniture often – Shift plant stands, chairs, and tables every few months to prevent indentations from forming.
- Address spots quickly – The sooner you deal with spills or stains, the less time they have to become permanent dents.
So there you have it…everything you need to know about getting a new rug to flatten out.
With this handy advice, you can finally enjoy that plush new rug instead of cursing its lumps and creases.
Now who’s ready to get their floor decor back on track?