Getting Wrinkles out of a Folded Carpet

Patience

• As the adage says "Good things come to those who wait." If the wrinkles in your carpet are minor and not a tripping hazard, the easiest solution may be to do nothing. In many cases, minor wrinkles will relax over time as you and your family walk on the rug.

Reverse Fold

• Loose wrinkles may be removed by folding the rug in the opposite direction of the crease. Use care when using this method; some carpet backings are not very pliable. If you hear a crackling noise, stop immediately. Forcing the fold could damage the carpet's backing.

Weight

• Use weight on the wrinkle or crease to encourage the carpet to relax. Make sure the carpet is pulled taut and place a heavy object on the crease. Books work well for this as they are flat and easily moved. Leave the books in place for a day or two before removing. If the crease is still evident, turn the rug upside down and gently spray the wrinkled area on the carpet back with water. Replace the weights and leave in place for another day or two.

Sun

• If your climate cooperates, place the rug in direct sunshine for one to two hours. An ideal temperature of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit will encourage the creases to relax naturally. Lay your carpet on a clean concrete slab such as your driveway or patio. Do not use this method for carpets with dyes that are sun-sensitive and never leave carpet outside overnight.

Steam

• If other remedies prove unsuccessful, consider steaming the carpet. This should be done by a carpet professional. He will be able to accurately assess if the carpet is wrinkled from improper storage or is suffering from a structural defect. If you decide to steam the carpet yourself, place a white cloth over the area to be steamed and do not keep the steamer in place any longer than 30 to 45 seconds. Prolonged exposure to steam may darken the yarn of the carpet. Do not use a steam iron on the carpet. The heat of the iron could damage the carpet fibers and void the manufacturer's warranty.