How to Flatten a Carpet: 6 Proven Techniques

It can take a lot of time and effort to find the perfect area rug that adds pop of color, connects multiple design elements in a room, or defines a seating area, so once you’ve found the right rug for your space, all you have to do is unfold it and enjoy. Unfortunately, irregular edges and corners can ruin the fun. If the carpet is uneven, it can cause tripping and safety hazards, causing the robot vacuum cleaner to not work properly and leaving the floor prone to spills, cracks, and scratches. So how do you flatten a carpet? Here are some tips and tricks, from weighing to hiring a professional, that will be helpful for carpets in any area.

1. Let It Rest

Usually, the fibers of the carpet only need to be slackened after unfolding, especially if the carpet has been sitting in the packaging for a long time, such as from the warehouse to your front door. If the edges are curled upwards, place the rug on a flat, hard surface and fold the edges down slightly. Leave the carpet on for a few days to allow the fibers to stretch.

2. Flip It Over

If the edges are curled, turn the rug over and let gravity do its work. To speed up the process, you can roll up the corners once flipped to help train them. For plush rugs, curling the corners will do the trick. If it still doesn’t work flat, roll up the rug in the opposite direction so that the backing is facing outward, then secure it with twine or straps. Keep it in that position for a few days to reverse the rug’s curly pattern.

3. Reduce Weight

If these methods don’t work, use a tried-and-true method to press the edges of the carpet. Heavy objects such as books, furniture, or moving boxes can be a great way to help force the fibers to flatten.

4. Heat

If your carpet is creased by folding, heating is a good option to flatten it. There are a few different methods that you can use that involve heating. On sunny days, try placing a rug on the ground in direct sunlight. The heat from the sun and the asphalt or concrete underneath will help to eliminate any creases or wrinkles. If you try the reverse roll method, place the rolls outside in the sun and let the heat speed up the flattening process.

If you don’t have a clean outdoor area, try using a hair dryer or iron to flatten the carpet. The key to both methods is to keep the device moving to prevent damage. Set the hair dryer to a low heat setting, place it 6 to 9 inches away from the back of the carpet, and constantly sweep the fibers to help remove creases. If using an iron, use a lower setting and place a barrier (kraft paper or thin towel) between the carpet and the iron, then constantly move the iron to the corners and creases.

5. Get a Grip

There are plenty of corner tools, weights, and adhesive jigs in hardware stores and online that promise to help secure carpet edges. As an economical option, paint tape or double-sided carpet tape can be applied around the edges to train carpet leveling. Remove the tape after one to two days.

Corner clips have a dual effect, which is to depress the corners of the carpet and prevent it from sliding on the floor. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and price points. When choosing an adhesive, be sure to check the list of materials to avoid choosing materials that could damage hardwood or natural stone.

6. Call a Professional

When dealing with an old-fashioned, expensive, or fragile rug, it’s best to call a professional. They can steam the fibers or stretch the carpet to remove creases and smooth out the corners.