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How to Get a Rolled-Up Rug to Lay Flat: Effective Tips


A rug that is rolled up may give you a few issues as you attempt to unfold it. Rolled rugs can easily curl or twist (and become wrinkled) at the edges, no matter how long they were rolled up to store, ship, or transport.

It is especially tedious when you need to rush to use the rug in your house. Luckily, these are some of the ways you can employ to successfully unroll a rolled rug and transform it to its normal shape, and thus, it is safe to walk on.

Methods to Flatten a Rolled Rug

1. Unroll the Rug and Lay It Out

The easiest initial move you can make is to roll out your rug and place it on an empty, dry space. This can straighten out some of the natural curling; however, you might have to resort to other practices to flatten out the rug in an entirely different way.

Start by unfolding the carpet on the location where you wish to lay it. Pulling the rug too tightly might cause the emergence of extra creases. Unfold the rug and push any wrinkles that you see away with your hands.

2. Use Weight to Flatten the Rug

This pressure can be applied by means of weight on one side of the rolled-up rug in order to flatten the curled edges and corners. This is effective where the rug has a stubborn curl or wave.

Once the rug is unrolled, place heavy objects in the corners and edges of the rug; this can be furniture, books, or specially designed rug weights. Keep the weights for at least 24 hours. When needed, repeat the process over the course of a few days until the rug is completely relaxed.

3. Apply Heat or Steam

Steam or heat may be used to loosen the fibres of the rug, making it pliable and enabling it to lie flattened more readily. Rugs of natural materials such as wool or cotton may also be washed this way.

Carefully apply heat to curled parts of the rug using a hairdryer, steam iron, or garment steamer. Keeping a distance of 6 inches between the fabric of the rug and the heat source, regardless of whether it is a heater or fire, will prevent direct contact, which may burn the fibers. Massage the heat into the fabric until you have smoothed the rug.

4. Roll the Rug in the Opposite Direction

When the rug is tightly rolled or folded, rolled in the other direction in which it is curled out, it may be possible. This can serve to offset the brim in the fibers of the rug and make it able to lie flatter more readily.

Roll the carpet back on the curl, but in the reverse direction to ensure the roll is not so tight. You may tie the roll together with rubber bands or string and wrap it up for a few hours or overnight. Once you have rolled the rug towards the opposite direction, unroll slowly and choose a flat place to lay it down.

5. Use a Rug Pad for Support

A pad under a carpet not only prevents slipping but also serves as extra reinforcement of your carpet surface, keeping it flat and secure on the floor. Another problem that may be avoided by a high-quality rug pad is edges curling.

After you unroll and flatten your rug, a rug pad should be put underneath it. Ensure that the pad corresponds to the size of the rug to give complete support. The rug pad will secure the rug and ensure that there is no occurrence of curling in the future.

6. Let the Rug Rest

Give your rug a break after using the heat, weight, or steam. Leaving the rug untouched should be done after a few hours/overnight, as this will allow the fibers to settle and the rug to lie flat with no pressure applied. This also enables the heat and pressure to function well.

Place the rug in a dry and well-ventilated place to spread the rug, and avoid placing it under direct sunlight, which desaturates colors. Leave the rug overnight (24-48 hours) and then make sure to see whether the curling is straightened.

DIY vs. Professional Help: What’s Best for Your Rug?

When faced with a rolled-up rug that just will not turn out flat, you may be tempted to ask yourself which would be best: tackling the situation yourself or calling in a pro. This will be determined by various factors such as the material in which the rug is made, its price, the age of the rug, and the extent to which it is curled or creased.

When DIY is a Good Option:

Most DIY solutions, like the use of weight, heat, and reverse rolling, are safe and effective when the rug is constructed with synthetic fibers, cotton, or a strong wool combination. Such methods are also the best ones in case the rug is not very expensive or antique. In the case of rugs transported or placed in storage for a few days, then some days of home treatment should be sufficient to fix them.

When to Call a Professional:

You should seek professional assistance when your carpet is:

  • Crafted with delicate or vintage fabrics like silk, vintage wool, or hand-knotted material.

  • Worth a fortune, either in money or in sentimental value.

  • Curled or creased severely, worse if any DIY has not worked.

  • Must be stained or cleaned in the process of flattening.

  • Rug professionals have their tools and techniques to flatten.

Rug professionals have their tools and techniques to flatten, clean, and restore rugs in a way that does not inflict damage. They are also able to recommend long-term care to avoid curling or wearing in the future.

Most common rugs will clean easily with the DIY techniques, being inexpensive. But, when your rug is costly, fragile, or you are in two minds about the material, professional assistance can guarantee that no harm will be caused to it, and the rug will be treated as it should be.

Conclusion

You can very well flatten a rolled-up rug, provided you use the right methods and have some patience. With the application of techniques like unrolling the rug, weight, heat, or spinning it in the opposite direction, it is possible through these procedures to flatten a rug and place it back in its natural condition. One should be very gentle with the rug and take care not to use too much heat that might break the fibres.

Whenever you are not certain or your rug is especially fragile, you might want to seek the help of a professional rug cleaning service so as to make sure that it gets the best treatment. MK Rugs has a professional rug care guide that can be used to preserve the beauty and life of your rug. To get additional information or to consider our collection, go to our site.

Disclaimer

Any information found in this blog is merely informational. Avoid heating or steaming your rug at all times. When in doubt about any cleaning technique or the fabric of your rug, one should seek the advice of a professional rug care expert. If you get your rug damaged in the process of flattening, MK Rugs will not be liable for the damage.

 

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