How do you flatten the sides of a rug?

Rugs can develop lumps and bumps in high traffic areas, causing the sides of the rug to start curling up. This not only looks bad, but it’s also a safety hazard that can cause people to trip. Luckily, there are some simple ways to flatten the sides of a rug and restore it to lay flat on the floor.

Why Do Rug Sides Become Bunched Up?

There are a few common reasons why rugs develop lumps and flattened sides over time:

• Foot traffic – The most common cause is simply from people walking over the same areas of the rug day after day. This constant pressure causes the rug fibers to become crushed and flattened in high traffic zones.
• Furniture placement – Heavy furniture like couches and beds placed partially on top of a rug can cause fibers to become smashed down. Even light furniture legs resting on a rug over time will flatten fibers.
• Improper installation – If a rug is not properly stretched and secured when first installed, it can easily shift around and develop flat spots along the edges.
• Excessive moisture – Spills, pets accidents, or high humidity levels can cause certain spots on a rug to attract moisture. As those areas dry out repeatedly, it can lead to flattening and matting of fibers.
• Shedding fibers – Natural fiber rugs like wool and cotton will slowly shed some fibers over time. Areas where these shed fibers accumulate can create lumps and flattened sections.

Materials Needed to Fix Flattened Rug Sides

Luckily you don’t need any special tools or materials to breathe new life into a rug with flattened sides. Here are the basic supplies you’ll need:

• Vacuum cleaner – Use a vacuum with an adjustable beater bar and height setting. This allows you to agitate the fibers without pulling too aggressively.
• Rug rake or groomer – A specialized tool like a rug rake can comb through flattened fibers to fluff them up.
• Steam cleaner (optional) – For rugs made from natural fibers like wool or cotton, a steam cleaner can provide a deeper refresh.

Fluffing Up Flattened Rug Fibers

The first step is to gently fluff up the matted down fibers along the edges and any problem spots. Here are some tips:

• Vacuum the entire rug on the highest carpet setting so the beater bar agitates the fibers without pulling too much. Go slowly and focus on problem areas.
• Use a specialized rug rake to comb and lift the flattened fibers. Rake across the problem areas until fibers begin standing up again.
• For stubborn spots, use the edge of your hand or fingers to lightly tease and scrape the matted fibers to loosen them up.
• Avoid excessively brushing or combing a rug, which can lead to increased shedding. Be gentle as you agitate the flattened fibers.

Be patient and work methodically across the problem zones. It can take 15-20 minutes of fluffing and raking to see noticeable results lifting flattened fibers. But the time invested will be well worth it.

Using Steam to Rejuvenate Flattened Rug Fibers

For rugs made from natural fibers like wool, cotton, jute or sisal, a thorough steam cleaning can work wonders for flattened and matted sections. The combination of heat and moisture relaxes the fibers and allows them to return to their original shape.

When using a steam cleaner on a rug:

• Always check the rug manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations first. Some rugs with glues or backings can be damaged by excessive moisture.
• Target the steam at flattened sections, not entire rug. Less moisture is better.
• Keep steam head moving continuously to avoid over-wetting any areas.
• Allow the rug to fully dry before walking on it or returning furniture.

A light overall steaming is usually safe for most rugs if done carefully. But even just targeting the edges and problem spots will help relax and rejuvenate matted fibers.

Securing Rug Edges to Prevent Re-Flattening

Once you’ve restored a rug’s flattened edges and sections, it’s important to take steps to prevent those high traffic areas from quickly matting down again. Here are some tips to secure and protect a rug’s edges:

• Use rug tape – Apply double-sided carpet tape along the edges on the underside of the rug. The tape keeps the edges securely in place.
• Install a rug pad – A dense rubber non-slip pad prevents the rug from shifting and edges from lifting up.
• Limit furniture – Keep furniture legs completely off rugs to avoid indentations along the edges.
• Rotate occasionally – Periodically move the entire rug in a quarter turn to distribute wear in different areas.

Securing and protecting the edges and high traffic zones will help keep the rug fibers standing tall for longer.

When to Call in a Rug Professional

For rugs that are heavily matted, have adhesive breakdown, or localized deeper damage in the fibers themselves, it’s best to call in a professional rug cleaner.

Signs you may need professional rug service include:

• Bubbling or delaminating along rug edges
• Corner fiber damage from excessive flattening
• Mildew or moth damage
• Pet urine stains have caused browning and matting
• Weak adhesive and separations between rug backing layers

Rug cleaning professionals have specialized tools and techniques beyond just fluffing fibers on the surface. Their processes may include:

• Submersion washing and controlled drying for deeper, even cleaning
• Fringe repair and serging along damaged edges
• Rug padding replacement
• Application of new latex backing for stability

For valuable handmade or badly damaged rugs, the cost of professional cleaning and restoration is well worth it to extend the life of the rug.

DIY Preventative Rug Maintenance

Once you’ve flattened and secured the edges of your rug, be diligent about regular vacuum and occasional deeper cleaning to keep it looking great.

Vacuum Weekly

To prevent areas from re-flattening, vacuum rugs at least once per week. Adjust the vacuum height to agitate fibers without excessive pulling. Focus on high traffic zones and edges prone to matting.

Shampoo Annually

Give natural fiber rugs a boost of rejuvenation once a year with an overall shampoo cleaning. Rental machines are available, or you can have a rug professionally cleaned.

Inspect for Damage

Check along rug edges and backs regularly for signs of delamination, shearling, or backing breakdown. Catching problems early makes repairs easier.

Rotate Occasionally

Change the orientation of area rugs every few months to help distribute wear and avoid the same spots flattening repeatedly.

Protect Edges

Keep furniture completely off area rugs and use rug pads, tapes and grippers to secure edges prone to lifting and flattening.

Tips for Preventing Rug Flattening

While fixing an already flattened rug is important, prevention is ideal. Here are some proactive steps when purchasing and placing rugs:

• Quality over size – Splurge on the highest quality rug you can afford in a smaller size. Higher quality fibers and construction hold up better.
• Wool is best – Wool rugs maintain their original shape and bounce back better than other fibers.
• Handmade is superior – Hand knotted rugs are more durable than mass produced options.
• Add rug pads – Use a dense non-slip pad under all area rugs to prevent movement.
• Rotate periodically – Change the orientation of rugs every few months to redistribute wear patterns.
• Limit direct sunlight – Prolonged direct sunlight can dry out and damage rug fibers.

Choosing quality rugs suited for the space and properly caring for them is the best way to add years to their lifespan.

How to Flatten the Sides of a Rug – Conclusion

Rugs with flattened, curling edges or lumpy surfaces can be restored surprisingly easy with some simple tools and techniques.

For the best results:

• Fluff up matted fibers using your hands, a rug rake, or vacuum beater.
• Use localized steaming to relax and rejuvenate flattened natural fiber rugs.
• Secure edges in place with rug tape, pads, or grippers.
• Consider professional cleaning for excessively damaged or soiled rugs.
• Be proactive with frequent vacuum, annual cleaning, and proper rug placement.

With some periodic maintenance and TLC, rugs can maintain their original shape and lie flat for many years before requiring anyprofessional repairs or replacement.