This will cause the fibers to relax and the area rug will begin flattening itself.

Many methods for flattening an area rug require no tools or materials.

Additional supplies, if necessary, may already be found in your home.

Brown and green rug with corner curled up

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

If that happens, your next step depends on how the corners curl.

If they curl upward, fold them slightly under and leave them alone for a day or two.

to help force the carpet fibers to relax and flatten out.

Green and brown rug flipped over to help flatten

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

It effectively flattens existing creases and prevents new ones.

Read the packaging to determine if the adhesive is heavy-duty or easy to remove.

test whether the tape is specifically used for indoor, outdoor, smooth, or textured surfaces.

Green and brown rug back-rolled to help flatten

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Use a barrier between the iron’s heat and the rug.

Kraft paper works well for this purpose.

Never use thinner printer paper or wax paper as a barrier when ironing.

Green and brown rug flattened with iron and craft paper in between

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Hold the hairdryer 6 to 9 inches from the rug to prevent the fibers from melting.

Use a sweeping motion on a low to medium setting instead of holding it steady in one position.

Area rugs are easier to maintain than wall-to-wall carpets.

Green and brown rug placed in sunlight to help flatten

Yes, steaming can help flatten a rug but this method is best left to the professionals.

Steaming can potentially damage a rug.

Don’t try DIY steaming unless the rug is colorfast and washable.

Blow dryer gently heating a green and brown rug to help flatten

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

After washing, your rug will need heat to help it lay flat.

Leave it in the sun for a few hours to help eliminate wrinkles as it dries.

If this doesn’t work, follow the steps above.

Steam brush passing over green and brown rug to flatten

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

The AllModern Ovid Rug on a wood flooring folded over to expose the underside

Uphome Round Rug

Best Places To Buy Rugs Featuring Rugs By Allmodern, Pottery Barn, Revival and Ruggable on Blue Background

A foot stepping on a rug that is on top of a rug pad