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 move to a smaller home or during a home remodeling project. Rugs and carpets can be unwieldy objects to store. They also need to be properly prepared before placing in any type of storage.
Rugs should be stored in a dry cool environment, where temperature and humidity is set at an even level. Changing humidity levels can cause a rug to curl at the edges. The best solution is to store a rug in a climate controlled storage unit. Stop N Stor has a variety of storage unit sizes in climate and non-climate controlled that are perfect for storing furniture and rugs during remodeling projects or moving to another home. The size of the rug will determine the size storage unit that you will need to rent.
Tips for Storing Rugs or Carpets
Dirt and bugs (moths and carpet beetles) are the number biggest enemies for carpets. Bugs do not eat synthetic fibers such as nylon, polypropylene, acrylic or polyester. However, they can damage natural fibers such as wool or silk.
Following simple tips on how to store rugs will keep them in good condition for future use.
- Rugs need to be cleaned before placing in storage. Any dirt or soiling left on the rug should be removed or they could cause deterioration of the rug over long-term storage. Clean rugs or carpets based on manufacturer instructions. Woven or braided rugs should be washed differently from handmade, antique, wool and oriental rugs. If the rug is large and not able to be cleaned at home, have it professionally cleaned before storing.
- Vacuum the rug on both sides before wet cleaning. Vacuuming will remove pet dander, dust mites and any excess dirt. In order to vacuum both sides of the rug place the rug on plastic or wire mess fencing material on the ground. Vacuum one side and then flip over to vacuum the other.
- If you are not able to get the carpet professionally cleaned, wash the rug with a gentle detergent. For larger rugs, wet with a garden hose and scrub with a Woolite and water solution.
- 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. (This is a great spring cleaning task.)
- After cleaning the rug, spray the rug with insect repellant. A DIY solution is 4 parts water and 1 part vinegar sprayed on both sides of the rug. Then, let the rug dry completely.
- It is recommend to roll a rug for storage instead of folding. Folded rugs can leave cracks and creases damaging the carpet and the backing of the carpet. 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.
- Do not store a rug or carpet in direct light. Direct light can fade the carpet’s colors. Keep rugs and carpets stored in a darker, cool and dry storage area.
- Wrap the rolled carpet in brown craft paper or canvas for storage. DO NOT wrap a rug in plastic. Craft paper allows the rug to “breathe” as well as allows any moisture build-up to escape. Plastic covering causing moisture build-up which could damage to the rug over time.
- Do not store rugs lying flat on the ground. Store the rug standing up off of the ground. This will help prevent moisture build up from 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.
- Unroll a rug every 6-12 months during storage to make sure it is free of any damage.
Stop into any of the 6 Stop N Stor locations in Hinesville, Port Wentworth or Savannah to see how our storage professionals can help you with find you the right rug or carpet storage solution.