A rug can really tie a room together, but not when it’s curled up at the edges or wrinkled like a shirt that missed its date with the iron. Here’s the best and cheapest way to flatten a rug, plus six alternative methods if the first one doesn’t quite do the trick for you.

Best and Cheapest Way:

The Ice Cube Method – Place an ice cube on the areas of the rug that are refusing to lie flat. Leave them to melt. As they melt, the water will penetrate the fibers of the rug, relaxing them. Once the ice has fully melted, gently blot out excess water with a sponge or cloth. Lay something flat and heavy over the area until it dries. This method is perfect because it uses minimal equipment and costs almost nothing.

Alternative Methods:

1.Reverse Roll – Roll your rug in the opposite direction it curls. Keep it like this for a day or two, and then attempt to lay it flat again.

2.Sunning Your Rug – If weather permits, laying your curled-up rug outside in the sun for an afternoon can help. The heat softens the fibers and makes it more pliable.

3.Ironing – Covering your rug with a damp towel and gently ironing over the problem areas can flatten it out fast. Use steam and medium heat but be careful not to apply too much pressure.

4.Heavy Books – This is an old-school method. Place heavy books or furniture over curling edges for a few days.

5.Adhesive Strips – You can find special adhesive strips designed for rugs that keep corners down without damaging them.

6.Professional Stretching – If you’ve tried everything else or don’t want to risk DIY methods on a valuable rug, professional stretching is an option though not necessarily cheap.

Flattening your rug doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated; with some patience and these methods, you’ll have a perfectly flat rug contributing to the aesthetics of your space in no time!