How to Store Rugs and Carpets
Are you wondering how to store rugs and carpets or how to roll them or fold them. How to safely store your expensive textile floor coverings? You’ve come to the right place! This blog post will guide you through the best storage area methods for rollable textile fabrics.
Table of Contents
ToggleNot only will we talk about proper folding techniques, but also discuss important things like moisture control and securing against pests. Get ready to learn some tricks that can help you keep your treasured textile materials safe from wear & tear so they may live a longer life in pristine condition.
Preparing the Rug for Storage
Cleaning and drying the rug before rolling
Cleaning and drying your rug before rolling it is an important step in ensuring that it is stored in the best condition possible. Cleaning the rug can be done by a vacuum cleaner or by beating out any loose dirt and debris, and spot-cleaning any stains.
Additionally, it is recommended to rotate the rug and vacuum the other side of the pile so you don’t damage the delicate weaving. If the area rug is particularly dirty, it may need to be professionally cleaned.
Once the rug is clean, it should be left to dry completely before attempting to roll it up or fold it based on rug size. Damp rugs can develop mould or mildew which attract pests during rug storage, which can cause damage to the area rug and create bad scents.
To speed up the drying process, you can use a fan or air conditioning to circulate the air around the rug or lay it outside in a sunny location. It’s important to make sure the rug is completely dry before you start rolling it up or fold it to prevent any moisture damage.
Assessing the size and weight of the rug
Before folding the area rug, first, assess its size and weight. Assessing the size and weight of the rug as it is an important step in determining the proper folding techniques or rolling up techniques.
Measure the rug or a carpet using a measuring tape and weigh it using a home scale to determine its size and weight. This will help you plan out the best way to store your area rug or carpet.
Large-area rugs will require different techniques than smaller and lighter ones, they are much easier to store. For example, a large, heavy rug will require more people to assist in the rolling process, as well as more support to prevent the area rug from becoming misshapen during storage.
Rolling or Folding Techniques
Folding a rug or carpet is a simple technique that can be used to store or transport the item. To fold a rug or carpet, first lay it out on a clean, flat surface.
Note: The surface must be vacuumed before you place the rug. Next, fold the rug or carpet from one side in half lengthwise, making sure that the edges are aligned. Then, fold the rug or carpet in half again, this time, width-wise, so that it is now in quarters.
Note: Put your folded rug or carpet on top of the shelves when storing and avoid placing items or any weight on top of it to prevent permanent creases.
If the rug or carpet is exceptionally large, simply roll the rug or carpet tightly from one corner to the other end, making sure to keep the edges aligned as you go. When storing or transporting the rug or carpet, make sure to keep it in a dry place to prevent damage.
Note: Persian rugs are supposed to be rolled from the darker end to get a tighter roll. You can tell by running your hand on the pile, you will feel resistance that means it leads to softer end. However, if your hand runs smoothly on the pile that’s the darker end.
Choosing a Storage Location
When it comes to rug storage, proper airflow and temperature are key. Make sure that the room you store the rug in is not subject to extreme temperatures such as direct sunshine or too much humidity.
Additionally, make sure that the surface you choose for storing your roll of rugs is free from dust and pests. And use a cotton sheet to cover it, if you plan to store it for a long-time.
If you are storing the area rugs for an extended period, you may want to use a dehumidifier or keep the area well-ventilated. Also, make sure to check after every few months for signs of wear & tear and any pests which could be damaging your precious rug.
Note: It’s crucial to store your rug off the ground, in a dry environment, and away from any potentially harmful elements.
Transportation guidelines
When moving a rug utmost care and attention is crucial, regardless of whether it is hand-knotted, hand-tufted, or machine-made. Rugs are often overlooked during the moving process, especially when there are many other items to pack such as boxes and furniture pieces. However, failure to move a rug properly can result in damage or even destruction.
When transporting a rug, make sure to secure it safely in the vehicle. If you are using a moving truck or rental van, make sure to use a large blanket and straps to keep the rolled-up rug from sliding around. Additionally, if possible, try to place the rug at the back of the vehicle where there is less risk of it being damaged.
Finally, make sure to inspect the rug for any signs of damage before and after moving it, and if necessary seek professional help from a rug and carpet specialist.
Retrieving the Rug from Storage
Once you have arrived at your destination or have taken out the rug from storage, unroll your rug carefully and make sure to check for any sign for creese. Do this by pressing down on the edges of the rug with your hands or a long object from one end of the carpet towards the other.
Walk on the rug or carpet for a few minutes, this will help to revive any flattened fibres and ensure that your oriental rug looks as good as new after storage.
Following these tips and guidelines will help you store and transport your area rugs safely and securely, ensuring that they stay looking beautiful for years to come.