Your rolled mousepad might never lie flat again.

Yes, it can develop a permanent curl, especially if stored rolled up tight for months. That hard crease becomes the path of least resistance.

The rubber base is the problem. Most desk mats use a thick natural or synthetic rubber. Over time, rubber “creeps” — it slowly deforms under constant stress. Rolled up, the outer layer stretches and the inner layer compresses. Unroll it and the rubber wants to return to that shape. Heat, humidity, and how tight you rolled it all matter. A cheap mousepad will curl faster. A high-end one with a woven cloth surface might fight it longer, but even the best will eventually settle into that roll.

If you must store it, roll it loosely and flat-wrap it (like a poster), or better, lay it flat with something heavy on top. But if it’s already curled? You can try reverse-rolling it the other way for a few days or warming it gently with a hair dryer. No guarantees though.

Honestly, just buy a new one if the curl bugs you. They’re cheap enough.