Unrolling a brand-new rug should be an exciting design moment—but those annoying creases, folds, and wrinkles can quickly ruin the look. Whether it’s a tightly packed washable rug, a folded delivery, or long-term storage, rug creases are one of the most common complaints we hear from customers.
At JONATHAN Y, we understand the frustration—and we’re here to help. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to get creases out of rugs using safe, effective, and expert-approved techniques. Whether your rug is cotton, wool, synthetic, or jute, we’ve got the answers.
Why Do Rugs Get Creases?
Creases and wrinkles form when rugs are rolled or folded tightly—especially during shipping or storage. These indentations may look severe at first, but in most cases, they’re temporary and easily fixable.
Several factors contribute to rug creasing:
Compression during packaging
Folded storage instead of rolled
Material “memory” (especially jute, wool, and synthetic blends)
Humidity or temperature changes
Heavy furniture pressing into the pile
Knowing the cause of your rug’s creases can help determine the best removal method.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Rug Creases at Home
The good news is most creases don’t require professional intervention. You can remove them at home with minimal tools and a little patience. Here’s a breakdown of proven techniques.
1. Let It Settle Naturally
The simplest solution? Time.
Lay the rug flat, right-side up, in a warm, well-ventilated room. Let it sit undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours. This allows the fibers to “relax” and regain their natural shape.
For best results:
Place the rug on a flat surface (no carpet underneath)
Use light furniture or books to hold down curled corners
Avoid walking on the rug until the creases soften
Many JONATHAN Y rugs, especially those in the Washable Rug Collection, naturally flatten within a day.
2. Reverse Roll the Rug
If your rug was rolled tightly, try reverse rolling to counteract the pressure points.
Simply roll the rug in the opposite direction of the crease, then hold it in place with twine or soft straps for several hours. After unrolling, place it flat and apply gentle pressure with weights if needed.
This is especially effective for:
Medium-pile rugs
Synthetic blends
Lightweight washable rugs
3. Use a Hairdryer for Heat Application
Heat softens the rug backing and helps it lay flat. One safe method is using a hairdryer.
Set the hairdryer on medium heat
Hold it about 6 inches above the creased area
Keep it moving to avoid overheating one spot
As you warm the rug, press down with your hand or smooth it flat
This works best for polyester, cotton, or blended-fiber rugs. For natural fiber rugs, apply heat more cautiously.
4. Use a Clothes Steamer
If you have a fabric steamer, lightly steam the back of the rug. Steam relaxes the fibers without saturating the material.
Flip the rug over
Apply steam to the backing only
Once soft, flip it upright and press flat with books or weights
Avoid steaming wool rugs directly on the pile, as this can cause shrinkage. For washable synthetic rugs from JONATHAN Y, steaming is a safe and effective method.
5. Lay the Rug in the Sun
Sunlight naturally softens creases by warming the rug.
Place your rug outside (pile-side up) for 1 to 2 hours in direct sunlight. This is especially helpful for large rugs that need full relaxation.
Tips for sun-curing your rug:
Don’t leave it out too long—UV rays can fade colors
Rotate the rug halfway through for even exposure
Weigh down the edges for quicker results
This works well for outdoor rugs, synthetic rugs, and cotton-based blends.
6. Use a Steam Iron with a Towel Barrier
A classic way to fix deep creases is using a steam iron—but it must be done carefully.
Place a thin cotton towel over the crease
Set the iron to a low or medium steam setting
Gently press the towel over the rug crease for 10–15 seconds
Repeat as needed, checking frequently
Never apply a hot iron directly to the rug pile—this can melt synthetic fibers or damage dyes.
7. Try the Wet Towel Trick
If you don’t have a steamer or iron, try this moisture-based method:
Dampen a towel with warm water (not soaking wet)
Place it over the crease
Press down with something heavy (like books or a board)
Leave overnight
This technique is particularly effective for cotton and flatweave rugs.
How to Fix Creased Corners
Corner curls and edge creases are among the most common rug issues—and the easiest to solve.
Option 1: Flip It Over
Sometimes flipping the rug upside down for a day or two helps corners relax into shape.
Option 2: Tape It Down
Use rug gripper tape or double-sided carpet tape to anchor curled corners to the floor. This works well on hardwood, tile, and laminate floors.
Option 3: Apply Heat
As with center creases, use a hairdryer, steamer, or iron (with towel barrier) to warm and press curled corners flat.
Preventing Creases in the Future
Once you’ve removed those pesky wrinkles, take steps to prevent them from coming back.
Always roll rugs, never fold them for storage
Use rug pads to keep rugs in place and reduce movement
Rotate rugs every few months to even out wear
Avoid placing heavy furniture on just one section of the rug
Keep rugs dry—humidity can warp the backing
A flattened rug not only looks better—it lasts longer and performs better.
Best JONATHAN Y Rugs That Resist Creasing
All JONATHAN Y rugs are designed with structure and durability in mind, but some are particularly resistant to wrinkling and creasing.
✅ Washable Rugs
Soft, flexible backings that lay flat quickly. These rugs are made for easy unrolling and fast recovery from packaging.
✅ Modern Rugs
Short-pile, sleek construction that prevents folding or puckering. Perfect for high-traffic living rooms or minimalist spaces.
✅ Natural Fiber Rugs
Flatweave texture means fewer folds and better grip when laid out. Jute and cotton blends settle easily with weight and time.
Explore the full line of Washable Rugs, Natural Fiber Rugs, and Modern Rugs at JONATHAN Y.
FAQs – Getting Rug Creases Out
❓ How long do creases take to disappear naturally?
Most creases vanish within 24–48 hours when rugs are laid flat. Thicker rugs or tightly folded ones may take longer.
❓ Can I vacuum over rug creases?
Yes, gently. Use suction only (no beater brush) and vacuum in the direction of the crease to help smooth it out.
❓ Will walking on a creased rug help flatten it?
Light foot traffic can help—especially when combined with other methods like heat or weights. Avoid stepping on sharp corners until they’re flat.
❓ Is it safe to iron all rugs?
No. Only use a steam iron with a towel barrier, and never on high heat. Avoid ironing high-pile, wool, or delicate rugs.
❓ What’s the fastest way to fix a deep fold?
Reverse roll the rug, apply light heat (hairdryer or sunlight), and weigh it down. This multi-step method gives the best results in a few hours.
Final Thoughts
Creases in your rug are common—but totally manageable. With the right techniques and a little patience, your rug can go from wrinkled to refined in no time.
From gently applied heat to smart moisture tricks, the solutions we’ve shared here are safe for most rug types and ideal for use at home. Whether you’ve purchased a modern washable rug, a boho-inspired medallion rug, or a natural fiber jute rug from JONATHAN Y, your rug deserves to look and perform its best.
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