8 Rug Storage Tips

Storing large area rugs is not something that you would normally think about. However, there are many reasons that you might need rug storage. From inheriting a treasured oriental rug to needing to remove an area rug during a room remodeling project to moving to a smaller home with less room for a large area rug.  Rugs and carpets can be unwieldy objects to store. They also need to be properly prepared before placing in any type of rug in storage.

Storing a rug will need a larger space depending on the size of the rug. Self storage facilities have storage units  that vary in size from 5×5 to 10×30 that are perfect for storing rugs.

How to Store Rugs

Dirt needs to be removed from the carpet before putting in storage. If the rug is large and not able to be cleaned at home, have it professionally cleaned before storing. Following simple tips on how to store rugs will keep them in good condition for future use.

1. Rugs need to be cleaned before placing in storage. Any soiling left on the rug could cause deterioration of the rug over long-term storage.  Clean rugs based on manufacturer instructions. Woven or braided rugs should be washed differently from handmade, antique, wool and oriental rugs.
2. Vacuum the rug on both sides before wet cleaning. Vacuuming will remove pet dander, dust mites, etc. To vacuum both sides of the rug place the rug on plastic or wire mesh fencing material. This will keep the rug off of the ground so what is being vacuumed does not get returned back into the rug negating the original vacuum.
3. If you are not able to get the carpet professionally cleaned, wash the rug with a gentle detergent. Wet the rug with a garden hose and scrub with Woolite and water solution.
4. Rugs should be completely dry before putting in storage. Use a wet/dry vacuum to extract as much water as possible from the rug before storage. If cleaning a rug outside on a warm day, allow it to air dry for 10-12 hours.
5. Roll a rug for storage instead of folding. Folded rugs can leave cracks and creases damaging the item. To roll a carpet correctly, roll from the “bottom” to the top. To find the “bottom,” run your hand over the fibers to determine which direction is “with the grain” and which is against. Follow the direction that is with the grain to the edge and start making the roll from there. Roll the carpet as tight as possible and secure with a piece of rope.
6. Wrap the rolled carpet in brown craft paper or canvas for storage. DO NOT wrap in plastic. Paper breaths whereas plastic does not.
7. Store the rug standing up. Do not store rolled rugs on the ground. Do not store anything on top of a stored rug. Boxes and other items can cause cracks and destroy a rug’s shape.
8. Do not store a  rug or carpet in direct light. Direct light can fade the carpet’s colors.  Keep them stored in a darker storage area.

ezStorage has a variety of storage unit sizes in climate and non-climate controlled that are perfect for household storage needs during remodeling projects or moving.