How to store rugs

Carpets are susceptible to water, mold, insects, and direct sunlight damage. So, whether you're storing a rug temporarily or permanently, clean it, roll it, wrap it, and store it properly with these guidelines.

Step 1: Clean

Before putting a rug away, you should clean it to eliminate mold, mildew, stains, residue, bugs, and food bits that attract bugs. All of these things can damage carpets while they are being stored.

Always start the cleaning process by vacuuming or brushing the rug on both sides to remove dirt, dust mites, pet hair, and other debris.

Handmade antique and oriental rugs must be vacuumed from a nylon screen to prevent them from getting damaged.

How you handle the rug or rugs after vacuuming will depend on how they were made.

Synthetic rugs and rugs:

Rugs made of man-made fibers can be

machine-washed or cleaned with steam. If the rug has a label, clean it according to the instructions on the label.

If you want to wash a woven or braided rug in the washing machine, it's best to put it in a mesh bag, use the gentle cycle, and dry it on low heat.

Large braided rugs that can't be washed in a machine can be cleaned with a sponge or cloth and cleaning foam. Test the cleaning solution in a small area first to ensure it won't damage or change the color of the carpet.

Natural rugs:

Abrasive cleaning products, hot water, and steam can all damage rugs made of natural fibers like wool, hemp, coir, and sisal. So, you should only use foam carpet shampoo and a cloth or sponge to clean them.

Use a cloth to wipe away the suds from the stain, and then use a second cloth to dry the area. Natural fiber rugs should not be cleaned with water because they soak up and hold water, making them hard to dry.

You shouldn't use water to clean fur, sheepskin, or fur rugs. Instead, put a layer of unscented talcum powder on the rug and leave it for a few hours. Then brush off the dust and repeat the steps if needed.

Insects like to eat fabrics made from natural fibers, so to keep them away, put lavender envelopes or red cedar chips on the rug's surface before rolling it up.

Step 2: Roll up

Before you store it, you will need to roll up the rug. Do not bend it, as this may cause wrinkling and cause the base (bracket) to crack.

Always ensure the rug is completely dry before rolling to prevent mold growth in damp areas.

In general, roll it in the direction of the thickness to avoid damaging it or putting stress on the knots. Place a cotton sheet, muslin, or packing paper under the rug to make rolling easier.

Never wrap rugs in plastic, as this will prevent them from breathing. Instead, use a piece of cloth/packing paper that is the width of the rug and long enough to wrap the entire rug at least one and a half times.

It is best to roll a rug around a support tube. Choose a file or cardboard tube covered with a layer of fabric such as cotton or muslin. Avoid using PVC pipe as it releases chemicals that can damage the carpet.

When you have finished rolling it up, wrap the excess fabric around the rug and secure it with cotton or polyester tape. For additional protection against moisture and insects, cover the rolled rug with a layer of polyethylene film (breathable).

Step 3: Store Them

Rugs and carpets should be kept in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place that doesn't get direct sunlight. The best place to store rugs is in a storage room since attics, garages, and basements are often full of pests, and closets don't have enough airflow.

If you're putting rugs in an attic, basement, or garage, block the windows so that the sun doesn't fade the colors. You could also use a fan or dehumidifier to stop mold from growing.

No matter where you put the rug, ensure it is off the ground to keep it clean and dry. Rugs and rugs should be stored on a metal rack cushioned with bubble wrap so that the edges don't sink into the rug or rug.

Don't put a rug or large rug on its side, or it will lose its shape. Also, when storing the rug or mat, don't put anything on top because that could cause the base to crack and ruin its shape.

The rug should be rolled out once a month to let it air out and check for damage from pests, water, sunlight, mold, and mildew. If you see signs of damage, have a professional clean it.

Store the rugs

At Britwrap, we provide protective packaging for storing rugs for a long time such as rug storage bag.