Home Garden

How to Remove Wrinkles From Nylon Area Rugs & Carpets

Misshapen nylon rugs, caused either by wrinkles, folds or dents, create an uneven treading surface and pose a tripping hazard that is usually preventable. When preparing rugs for market, manufacturers often steam and stretch the fabric so it will lay flat. Warming the rug or carpet relaxes the fibers so it can be manipulated. While water is not required for this process, using steam is an effective method of applying indirect heat to the carpet or rug. Other methods of applying heat to small synthetic rugs is to tumble them in a dryer or to hang them on a clothesline.

Things You'll Need

  • Garment steamer or pressing iron with steaming capability
  • Carpet rake (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Put water in the appropriate reservoir of your garment steamer or pressing iron. Turn the appliance on to heat the water until it is able to produce steam.

    • 2

      Hold the nozzle of the garment steamer or pressing iron approximately 1 inch from the rug or carpet. Move the appliance over the wrinkle, fold or dent to warm the fabric. If you are able to remove the rug or carpet from the floor, turn it over and apply steam to the backside as well.

    • 3

      Allow the rug or carpet to dry for four or five hours to let the steam and gravity reshape your rug. It may be necessary to fluff the nap of your rug or carpet with your fingers or a carpet rake before it has completely dried.