| Oftentimes new rugs from the dealer or rugs that have been rolled or folded for storage may not return to their original intended shape when first laid (even over a pad). Many larger rugs have been barrel-rolled – a method of folding and rolling to make them more compact for easier handling and delivery. These folds are caused by the foundation yarns being stretched while folded or rolled. Although most will release over time, there are ways to accelerate this process. And wrinkles in an area rug are not only an eyesore but can be a tripping hazard as well. Here are 5 Suggestions to Get the Creases and Fold Marks Out of a Rug: 1. Back-roll or reverse roll the carpet. This is the easiest way to deal with a rug that does not lay flat. Fold the rug in the opposite direction it curls or creases. Be careful! If you hear cracking noises stop immediately. That means the backing is dry rotted! 2. Place heavy furniture or weight on the rug. This should accelerate the settling time at least twofold. 3. Wait for the rug to settle on its own. Allow the rug to sit open for several weeks and it should naturally release tension from a hard roll or fold especially in higher humidity environments. 4. Place the rug up-side-down outdoors under the sun on a clean, dry surface in temperatures between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Direct sunlight for several hours should help the rug release tension naturally and at the very least make it more supple for reverse-rolling as noted in suggestion. 5. If all else fails above, call us to “steam” the rug with a steamer or truck mount and dry it on an air table. |