The invention relates to a method for operating a floor processing device (1) that moves automatically within an environment, wherein a detection device (2) of the floor processing device (1) detectsfeatures of a surface to be cleaned and compares them with reference features of carpets (3). In order to further develop such floor processing device (1), it is proposed that, when the carpet (3) isdetected, it is determined whether and where the carpet (3) has fringes (4). By means of a combing device (5) of the floor processing device (1), the fringes (4) are aligned relative to the carpet (3)in a defined direction.