Say goodbye to curled corners and creases — here’s how to smooth out your rug in no time.
Bringing home a new rug is an exciting step in refreshing your space, but nothing spoils the look faster than a rug that just won’t lie flat. Whether it's curling at the edges, rippling in the center, or still rolled from shipping, a bumpy rug can be a trip hazard and a style headache.
But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through fast, safe, and effective ways to flatten your new rug, no matter the size, material, or how stubborn the folds are. Let’s get started.
🌀 Why Rugs Curl or Wrinkle in the First Place
Before jumping into the solutions, it helps to understand why your new rug isn’t flat to begin with:
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Shipping rolls or folds: Rugs are often rolled tightly or folded for compact shipping. This creates creases or memory curls that take time to release.
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Material stiffness: Some fibers, especially synthetic or tightly woven natural fibers, hold their shape longer.
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Temperature and humidity: Rugs stored or shipped in cold conditions may retain curves longer due to stiffened fibers.
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Backing tension: The rug’s backing material can contract or stretch unevenly, causing waves or corners to curl.
The good news? These are all temporary and fixable with the right approach.
🔧 Fast Ways to Flatten a New Rug
1. Reverse Roll It
One of the simplest and most effective methods:
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Lay the rug upside down on a clean floor.
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Roll it tightly in the opposite direction of its curl.
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Secure it with straps or string.
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Let it sit for a few hours (or overnight for thick rugs).
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Unroll and flip it — it should be much flatter.
This works especially well for curled edges and new rugs just out of packaging.
2. Apply Weight
Use heavy objects (books, furniture, or clean weights) to press down problem areas:
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Lay the rug flat on the floor.
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Place weights on the corners or edges that are curling up.
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Leave them in place for 24–48 hours.
Pro tip: Place a cloth or towel between the rug and the weights to avoid indentations or damage.
3. Use Heat (Safely)
Heat helps soften rug fibers, making them more pliable and easier to flatten. Here are two safe methods:
A. Steam It
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Use a handheld steamer or an iron on steam setting.
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Place a towel or cotton sheet over the rug.
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Gently steam the problem areas (don’t touch the rug directly with the iron).
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Press down lightly with your hands or a flat object.
B. Let the Sun Help
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Lay the rug in a sunny room or outside on a clean, dry surface.
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Let natural warmth soften the fibers for 1–2 hours.
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Apply weights after warming for best results.
Caution: Avoid prolonged direct sunlight on dyed rugs, as it may cause fading.
👉 Related: How to Clean and Maintain Your Rug
4. Use Rug Pads or Non-Slip Mats
A rug pad isn’t just for slip prevention — it also helps rugs flatten faster and stay flat. Choose a high-quality rug pad that:
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Fits the full rug dimensions
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Has a strong grip
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Adds cushioning
Place the rug on top of the pad and smooth it out, then add furniture or weights to reinforce the flattening process.
❌ What NOT to Do When Flattening a Rug
While the internet is full of DIY hacks, some methods can do more harm than good:
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Don’t soak your rug in water. It can damage backing, warp the shape, or lead to mold.
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Avoid high heat. Using a hairdryer or iron directly on the rug surface can melt fibers or cause burns.
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Don’t cut curled edges. This will damage your rug permanently.
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Avoid pinning with sharp objects. Tacks or staples can leave holes or tears.
If in doubt, take the gentle route — patience and proper handling always pay off.
🧼 Extra Tips for Long-Term Rug Care
To ensure your rug stays flat and beautiful:
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Rotate regularly: Prevents uneven wear or curling in high-traffic areas.
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Vacuum carefully: Use low suction and avoid beater bars on delicate fibers.
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Store rolled (not folded): If storing your rug, roll it with the pattern facing outward.
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Keep dry: Dampness can cause wrinkling, mildew, and fiber distortion.
👉 Read: Can You Vacuum All Rugs? A Cleaning Guide by Rug Type
✅ Final Thoughts: Rug Wrinkles Are Temporary
It’s totally normal for a new rug to arrive curled or wavy. With the right technique — and a little bit of patience — you can have it flat, functional, and fabulous in no time.
Whether you go with the reverse roll trick, steam method, or just a few heavy books, these simple fixes can restore your rug to showroom-perfect status fast.
🛒 Looking for rugs that are easy to maintain and made to last?
Explore Ustide’s full rug collection now →
