How to Lay a Rug Rolled Up for Years

It may be said that the earliest area rugs were animal skins strewn across a cold cave floor. Early humans were probably not too concerned about creases in their carpets, but area rugs that have been stored for a long time can develop wrinkles and folds and refuse to lay flat. While not as crucial as keeping saber-toothed cats at bay, rugs that don't lay properly create tripping hazards in the home and may cause permanent damage to your carpet.

Vacuum
Iron

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any protective paper or covering that's been rolled with the rug, and lay the carpet out flat in on open space.
- 2
  Thoroughly vacuum the rug to remove dust that may have settled in the nap during storage.
- 3
  Roll the rug in the opposite direction to the one in which it was rolled for storage. Roll it tightly and then unroll, pressing it smooth as you go.
- 4
  Steam out wrinkles or creases with an iron set on "wool." Press the iron with the nap, never against it. Rub your hand along the carpet to determine which way the nap runs. The direction in which the pile feels smooth against your hand is "with the nap."
- 5
  Contact a rug-care professional about sizing and blocking your area rug if it is severely wrinkled or stretched out of shape.

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