How to get creases out of a rug
Rugs are rolled for delivery, so a little curl or a few creases are normal when you first unroll one. Most disappear in a day or two. Here is how to speed it up.
First: give it time
Unroll the rug on a clean floor in a room at normal temperature and leave it flat for 24 to 48 hours. Most rolling marks relax on their own as the fibres and backing settle.
Reverse roll
For stubborn curl, roll the rug the opposite way, pile side out, fairly tightly, and leave it for an hour or two. Unroll and lay flat. Repeat if needed. For a single curled corner, roll just that corner backwards for a few minutes.
Weigh it down
Place heavy, flat objects (books, a table leg on a protective pad) on creases or corners overnight. Put a cloth between the weight and the rug if the object could mark the pile.
A little warmth
A warm room helps the backing relax. Sunlight for an hour or two can help too, though avoid long exposure that could fade colours. For synthetic rugs, warm air from a hairdryer on a medium setting, held 20 to 30 cm away, softens a stubborn crease; work it flat with your hands. Do not do this on viscose.
What not to do
- Do not iron the pile.
- Do not fold a rug to store it; always roll it, pile side in.
- Do not wet a rug to flatten it, especially wool, viscose or jute.
A non-slip underlay also keeps a rug flat once the creases have gone. See how to stop a rug slipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for a rug to flatten?
Usually 24 to 48 hours. Thicker or larger rugs can take a few days.
Why does my rug curl at the corners?
Mostly from being rolled for delivery. Reverse rolling the corner and weighting it fixes it.
Can I iron a rug to remove creases?
Not on the pile. On some flatweaves, a cool iron through a damp cloth on the back is possible, but check the care notes first.
Will rug tape stop corners curling?
Yes, double-sided rug tape or corner grippers hold corners down on hard floors.
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Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.