Can You Repair Warping Rugs?

Oriental rugs and other large throw rugs benefit from regular steam cleaning, which removes dirt and oils in the carpet that vacuum cleaners can't remove. After steam cleaning -- or after a spill, flood, pet accident or other contact with moisture -- the rug's backing may relax and temporarily bubble or warp. Drying the rug thoroughly and properly as soon as possible should fix the warping and prevent further damage.

Squeegee with long handle
Wet vac
Fan

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the rug flat on a clean outdoor surface and use a squeegee to squeeze out excess moisture. Push the squeegee in the direction of the fabric. If you don't have a squeegee or the appropriate outdoor surface, use a wet vac to suck out as much moisture as possible.
- 2
  Roll the rug up into a cylinder and stand it up vertically until water stops dripping out.
- 3
  Lay the rug outside on a clean area or hang it on a clothesline in the sun to dry. If weather conditions make this impossible, elevate the rug flat indoors and point an oscillating fan in the rug's direction to speed up the drying process. Once the rug is completely dry, the warping should disappear.

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