If you have a rug that has started to get wavy, then the chances are the rug will continue to get wavier and wavier as time goes by. This can be something of an issue if you have just looked up ‘rugs Perth’ and purchased a new rug or if your current rugs are very expensive and you don’t want them to become ruined with waves. 

There is no need to worry, though, because there are actually plenty of ways that you can remove the waves from your rug.

What is a rug wave?

Rug waves are a natural occurrence in wool rugs. They occur when the natural fibres of your rug are exposed to moisture and then dried, causing the fibres to separate from each other. This causes a wave-like pattern in your rug. The more you wash and dry your rug, the more severe this effect will be. Rug waves can also be caused by improper storage or cleaning methods (such as using too much water). 

There are ways, however, to fix them, and we’ll get into them later in this blog.

Causes of rug waves

Rugs with a thick pile are prone to creating more waves. This is because there is more material on the top of the rug, making it easier for wrinkles to form when you walk on it.

Rugs that have a loose weave will also cause your rug to wave. A loose weave allows air and moisture to pass through easily, while a tight weave restricts both air and moisture from passing through, which can cause rugs to wrinkle over time. If you have an expensive rug and don’t want it too big for your space, consider getting one with a tight weave so that it doesn’t become distorted by its surroundings. 

Rugs with coarse weaves tend not only to take longer for wrinkles to appear but also need extra care when cleaning them so as not to break down their fibres faster than normal (which can happen). If this happens often enough over time, then eventually, even the strongest fibres will wear out or tear apart altogether.

How to get waves out of a rug the right way

To get rid of rug waves, you’ll need a carpet stretcher. A carpet stretcher is a handy tool that’s used to stretch out rugs and carpets by stretching the fibres until they lay flat. Carpet stretchers are available at most hardware stores, but you can also find them online. 

To use a carpet stretcher on your rug:

  • Lay down your rug face down on an even surface (a large table works well for this). Make sure there are no loose items around that could be damaged if the rug gets stretched too tightly; remember, once it’s stretched out, you can never go back. 
  • Take one end of the carpet stretcher and set it under one corner at an angle (this will create tension in one direction). Place two large weights on top of that end to keep that side down while you work with the other side; make sure both ends are secured tightly, so they don't slide around while being stretched. 
  • Repeat steps 1 to 3 across all four corners until all four sides have been secured with weight, and then place another weight between each pair of corners (if possible). Weighing down these corners helps minimise any wrinkles while stretching takes place since they're supported by weights instead of just being pulled tight manually.

There are several methods of removing rug waves that you can try, such as rug rollers and rug steamers: 

  • Rug rollers. The same principle applies here; you want to make sure your rug is stretched out well to prevent those pesky waves from forming again. Rollers are easy to use, but take care not to put too much pressure on them! If the roller is too heavy for your flooring or if you apply too much force while rolling, the fibres could break down over time instead of becoming more flexible (which is what we want).
  • Rug steamers. If there's a lot of dirt embedded in a rug's fibres (such as after vacuuming), then treating them with steam may help loosen up some residue before using any other method for removing rug waves Just make sure not to let things get too hot – this could cause damage instead of helping eliminate waves from your rugs. 

Use rug racks to prevent rug waves

If you have a rug that’s prone to having rug waves, there are a few things you can do to prevent them. One of the most effective is simply using a rug rack. Rug racks are simple contraptions made up of durable plastic or steel rods, which are placed underneath rugs and help support them, so they don’t get wrinkled while they’re in storage. 

Rug racks come in all sizes and shapes – you can get small ones that’ll hold one or two large rugs, medium-sized ones that’ll fit four small rugs or larger versions with anywhere from six to eight hooks for holding lots of different size rugs.

To prevent rug waves from developing, vacuum your rug regularly and rotate it every two to three months.

Vacuuming will help remove dirt and other debris that may build up in the fibres of your rug. Rotating your rug is another way of keeping it clean and helping maintain its shape.

The quality of your vacuum cleaner will directly impact how much dirt you can pick up off of a rug. Always use a good quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter on low power settings when vacuuming rugs so that you don’t damage them or cause any static buildup that could lead to further damage over time if left untreated by frequent vacuuming sessions.  

If you want to avoid rug waves, the best way is to take good care of it by vacuuming, rotating it regularly, or using tools such as rug rollers, rug stretchers, rug steamers, and rug racks. By doing so, you’ll keep your rug looking fresh and new for years!

If the waves on your rugs are too stubborn to be fixed, it may be time to get new, better-quality rugs like the ones at Miss Amara! At Miss Amara, we’re always trying to make your shopping experience as hassle-free and pleasant as possible. We have a ‘See it in your own room’ feature that allows you preview how the rug will look in your space.

December 16, 2022 by