Rug Storage Tips

We all love a nice rug. For something that just goes on the floor, a good rug or carpet has such a great way of tying a whole space together aesthetically. Once you’ve invested in a rug you love, you’re going to want to hold onto it for awhile. But, as usual, sometimes life happens. You may find yourself in the middle of a move, between homes, or having to downgrade to a space that your rug no longer fits in. But never fear! Self storage can keep your rug nice and safe while you’re figuring things out. Check out these rug storage tips below to make sure your rugs and carpets stay fresh, safe, and beautiful until you can enjoy them again.

Rug Storage Tips

Preparing for Storage

Clean the Rug

If you’ve read our blog before, we’ve said it a thousand times. Don’t put anything in storage (especially long-term) without first cleaning to remove all dirt, pests, and bacteria. Rugs are no different. If you can’t afford a professional cleaning, you can clean the rug yourself. Vacuum it to remove dirt, dust, and debris, then follow the manufacturer’s specifications for a more deep clean. Any dirt, dandruff, pet hair, etc that remains on the rug increases the chance of mold and mildew forming while your rug is in storage.

Fully Dry the Rug

Any moisture left in the rug also increases the chance of mold or mildew forming. Make sure that you take the time to let the rug completely dry before putting it in a storage unit.

Roll the Rug Tightly

Before putting your rug in storage, make sure it is rolled up tightly and evenly to preserve its shape. This will also save space in your storage unit. You must roll the rug with the grain so that it is not placed under stress when you roll it. You should be able to feel the direction the grain goes by running your hand underneath the rug.

Wrap the Rug in Breathable Fabric

Wrapping a rug in storage is a great way to keep bigger pests from accessing it. However, there are some requirements on what to use when wrapping. Plastic wrap does not breathe and may trap moisture in the rug, which in turn could lead to the formation of mold and mildew. Opt instead for a more breathable fabric wrap that will allow air circulation, but keep your rug safe from pests, dust, or other contaminants.

Take Pest Control Precautions

There are pest repellent sprays and other pest control methods you can opt for to give your rug even greater protection against these nuisances. Anything made from fabrics and carpet fibers may be susceptible to pests, so we recommend taking this precaution.

Proper Rug Storage

When you place the rug in storage,  stand it up vertically and elevate it off the floor. If the rug touches the concrete floor, it can absorb any moisture that seeps up from the conrete and grow mold or mildew. Keep it elevated so there is ventilation between the rug and the floor.  Also avoid leaning anything against the rug as this could distort its shape over time.

Invest in Climate-Controlled Storage

Because rugs are made from materials that are susceptible to pests, mold, and mildew, climate-controlled storage is a no-brainer. The temperature and humidity control of a climate-controlled unit will provide protection against moisture and heat, which will protect your rug from things that would grow in these conditions. It also protects against temperature fluctuations which may also be damaging to the rug.

Unroll the Rug Monthly

If you are able to access your rug storage easily, try unrolling and checking your rug for mold, mildew, or pests monthly. Also ensure that the area around the rug stays clean and dry while the rug is in storage. This will help you get out in front of any issues and treat them before they ruin the rug completely.