Maya Ellison
If you've just purchased a new outdoor plastic rug, or have one that's been in storage for a while, it might be curled, wrinkled, or misshapen. Luckily, there are several easy and inexpensive methods to flatten your rug and get it looking neat again. Some of these methods include laying the rug out in direct sunlight, using a hair dryer or iron on a low setting, or weighing down the corners with heavy objects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Between 75°F and 80°F |
| Time | Leave the rug in the sun for a while, or for a day or two |
| Techniques | Lay the rug flat, use a hairdryer or iron, use carpet tape, or weigh down the corners with heavy objects |
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What You'll Learn
Weigh down corners with heavy objects
Weighing down the corners of your outdoor plastic rug with heavy objects is an effective way to flatten it. This method is ideal if the corners of your rug are curling upwards. To start, lay your rug on a clean, flat surface outdoors. This could be a patio or a concrete or asphalt surface. Ensure that the temperature is between 75°F and 80°F, as the warmth from the sun will help to relax the fibres of the rug, making it easier to flatten.
Once you have laid out your rug, identify the corners that are curling upwards. For each of these corners, place a heavy object on top. You can use a variety of items as weights, such as books or pieces of furniture. The weight of these objects will help to press the corners down, forcing the carpet fibres to relax and flatten out.
It is important to allow the rug sufficient time to flatten under the weight of the objects. Depending on the severity of the curling, you may need to leave the weights in place for a day or two. During this time, avoid disturbing the rug or moving the weights, as this may impact the effectiveness of the method.
If your rug's corners are curling downwards, a slightly different approach is recommended. Instead of placing weights directly on the corners, you should first flip the rug over. Then, curl the corners that are curling downwards under the rug, and apply weight to those sections. This technique will help to straighten and flatten the rug fibres.
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Use a hairdryer or clothes iron on a low setting
Using a hairdryer or clothes iron on a low setting is an effective way to flatten an outdoor plastic rug. This method is particularly useful for synthetic rugs, where gentle heat from a hairdryer helps relax the fibres.
If using a hairdryer, set it to a low heat setting and hold it 6 to 9 inches away from the backside of the rug. Keep the appliance moving to prevent damage, using a sweeping motion over the fibres to help remove creases.
For an iron, again, use a low setting and place a barrier, such as kraft paper or a thin towel, between the rug and the iron. Then, continuously move the iron over the corners and creases. You can also try using a damp towel and ironing on low heat for stubborn creases.
Always check the rug's care label before applying heat or moisture.
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Roll in the opposite direction
If your outdoor plastic rug has curled up at the corners, one way to flatten it is to roll it in the opposite direction. Start by unrolling your rug and laying it out flat, smoothing it as much as possible. Then, roll it up again, but this time in the opposite direction to how it was curled.
If this doesn't work immediately, leave the rolled-up rug for a day or two before unrolling it again. This gives the fibres time to relax and the rug will start to flatten itself. You can also try flipping the rug over and curling the corners under, or weighing down each corner with a heavy object like a book or piece of furniture.
For a faster solution, you can use double-sided carpet tape. Apply the tape to the back of the rug and adhere it to the floor to hold the rug in place and flatten existing creases. Be sure to read the packaging first to ensure the tape is suitable for your floor surface and won't cause any damage.
Alternatively, you can try using heat to flatten your rug. Spread the rug out in direct sunlight, ideally on a warm day between 75°F and 80°F, and the sun's heat should release any creases or wrinkles. You can also use a hairdryer or blow dryer on a low to medium setting, holding it 6 to 9 inches from the rug to prevent the fibres from melting.
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Lay on a flat, warm surface in direct sunlight
Laying your rug out in direct sunlight is an effective way to flatten it. The sun's heat will help to relax the fibres of the rug, allowing it to flatten out. This method is best done on a warm, sunny day, when the temperature is between 75°F and 80°F. This is because the ground will have had time to absorb the heat from the sun, making it more effective at releasing creases and wrinkles from the rug.
To use this method, simply lay your rug out on a flat surface outdoors, ensuring that it is clean concrete or asphalt. The surface should be dry, as this will help the sun's heat to be absorbed. You can then leave your rug in direct sunlight for a few hours.
If your rug has been exposed to moisture, a few rain showers and subsequent exposure to hot sun will also help to flatten it. This is because the water can help to weigh down the rug, forcing the fibres to relax.
For best results, you can also try flipping the rug over, so that any curled corners are facing downwards. This will help to flatten the rug and prevent future curling.
If you are in a hurry, you can also try using a hairdryer on the back of the rug to apply gentle heat. However, be sure to hold the hairdryer 6 to 9 inches away from the rug to prevent the fibres from melting, and use a sweeping motion rather than holding it in one place.
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Use carpet tape to adhere to the floor
Carpet tape is a great option to flatten an outdoor plastic rug. It is versatile, quick, and easy to install. Carpet tape is also a cheaper alternative to rug pads, offering great adhesion and the ability to prevent fraying.
When using carpet tape, it is important to first ensure that both your floor and rug are clean and dust-free. This will help the tape adhere better and create a strong bond. Next, cut the tape into strips of suitable lengths. Depending on the specific instructions of your tape, you will then stick one side of the adhesive either to the floor where you want your rug to be or to the bottom of your rug.
Afterwards, peel off any covering on the other side of the tape. If you applied the tape to the floor, place your rug on top, and gently press down on the rug where the tape is to ensure it adheres well. If you applied the tape to the rug, carefully lay the rug down on the floor, making sure to smooth out any creases or wrinkles. Finally, walk gently over the rug to help secure it in place.
When choosing a carpet tape, opt for one that is specifically made for area rugs and is compatible with your flooring type. Silicone-based tapes, such as the XFasten Double-Sided Carpet Tape, are durable, safe for carpets, and easy to remove without leaving a sticky residue. Heavy-duty rug tape is another option, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and can be used on wooden flooring. However, be cautious when using tape on hardwood floors as some tapes can react with the wood and cause damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Spread your rug out in direct sunlight, ensuring the temperature is between 75°F and 80°F. The sun's heat will help release any creases or wrinkles in your rug.
Leaving your rug out in the sun for a few hours should be enough to flatten it. You can also leave it out in the rain and hot sun over a few days, which will help remove any folds.
You can use a hairdryer or blow dryer to apply gentle heat to the back of the rug. Ensure you hold the dryer 6 to 9 inches away from the rug and use a sweeping motion to prevent the fibres from melting.
Yes, you can try using double-sided carpet tape. Apply the tape to the back of your rug and adhere it to the floor to flatten existing creases and prevent new ones. Alternatively, you can try unrolling and rerolling your rug in the opposite direction to smooth out any curls.
If your rug corners are curling upwards, try folding them slightly under and leaving them for a day or two. If they are curling under, flip the rug over and curl the corners under, or weigh down each corner with a heavy object to help flatten the fibres.
