Wrinkles in area rugs are common and caused by humidity changes, heavy furniture, or rug cleaning. Learn why it happens and how to fix it with expert tips from Alec’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning.

What Causes Wrinkles in Area Rugs – And How to Fix Them

If you own a custom area rug, chances are you’ve dealt with the frustrating issue of wrinkles or ripples forming across the surface. Not only are they unattractive, but they can also create tripping hazards. The good news is, there’s a simple explanation—and usually an easy solution.

Why Do Rugs Wrinkle?

Most high-quality area rugs are made with natural fibers such as wool, cotton, silk, or linen. Some rugs are hand-woven, while others include a backing made of natural materials like cotton or jute. Regardless of construction, these fibers all have one thing in common: they naturally expand and contract with changes in humidity.

This means that as the seasons shift—or even when you run your heating or air conditioning—your rug may slightly grow or shrink. In some cases, it can move by a couple of inches.

The Role of Furniture

Wrinkling often occurs when heavy furniture is placed on top of a rug. The weight of the furniture prevents certain sections from moving with the natural expansion and contraction, while the free areas continue to shift. The uneven movement is what causes ripples or wrinkles to form.

After Rug Cleaning

Another common time wrinkles appear is right after a rug is cleaned. Whether it’s cleaned in-home or sent out for a more thorough wash, the fibers are exposed to a different level of moisture than they’re used to. Once placed back in your home, the rug needs to readjust to its normal environment. If furniture is on top during this transition, wrinkles are much more likely.

Seasonal Changes

It’s not unusual to notice wrinkling as the weather changes from season to season. Going from humid summer air to dry winter heat—or vice versa—causes natural fibers to adjust. Fortunately, this is a temporary situation.

The Simple Fix

Most of the time, wrinkles can be resolved without professional intervention. The easiest fix is to:

1. Remove heavy furniture from the rug.

2. Allow the rug to sit naturally for a few days.

3. Let the fibers relax and evenly adapt to the room’s humidity.

In most cases, the wrinkles will smooth out on their own as the fibers balance out again.

Expert Help When Needed

If wrinkles persist, or if you want professional advice on caring for your rugs, Alec’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning has decades of experience with fine fabrics and fibers. We understand how rugs behave in different environments and can help restore them to their best condition. Call Alec at 781-871-1415 or e-mail Alec at Alec@Alecscarpetcleaning.com 

[caption id="attachment_2744" align="alignnone" width="415"] Wrinkles in area rugs often appear due to humidity changes and furniture weight—but they can usually be fixed easily.[/caption]