Are you wondering why your rugs won’t last longer? It is probably the way you store it! Just rolling up and standing in the corner of your store room is not enough to keep your rug. It requires a few steps and precautions before this. You need to make sure to store your off-season rug off the ground in a cool and dry environment.
You love your area rugs because they make your living room, bedroom, or home office feel complete. But they can be a pain to store when you’re not using them. If you don’t have the right storage solution, they can get ruined in a hurry. Don’t worry, we have compiled a quick guide with our best tips on how to store your area rugs safely this winter.
Table of content
- How to Clean an Area Rug Before Storage
- Best Ways to Fold Your Area Rug for Storage
- What Materials Are Best to Store Area Rugs In?
- Placement of Area Rugs Is Critical to Maintain Shape
- How Long Should You Store an Area Rug?
How to Clean an Area Rug Before Storage
Before you put your area rugs into storage, it is important to clean it well. This will remove any dirt or dust that’s built up over time, and it will also help to ensure that your rug is free of any pests or allergens.
There are a few different ways to clean an area rug, but the most effective is to hire a professional rug cleaning service. They will have the equipment and expertise to clean your rug thoroughly and safely.
However, if you are going to clean the rug yourself, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some rugs can be washed in the washing machine, while others should be dry-cleaned only. And always test a small area of the rug first to make sure that it won’t be damaged by the cleaning process.
1. Best Ways to Fold Your Area Rug for Storage
When it is time to put your area rugs in storage, it is important to fold them the right way so they don’t get damaged. Here are a few tips on how to fold them up:
- Roll the rug up, starting at one end.
- Make sure to keep the roll tight and secure with a rubber band or twine.
- Label the rug with its contents and the date you put it away.
- Store in a dry place, away from direct sunlight or moisture.
2. What Materials Are Best to Store Area Rugs In?
When it comes to storage materials for your area rugs, you have plenty of options. It is best to find something that is breathable so your rug can avoid mold. Cotton or linen bags are ideal, as they are lightweight and breathable, while also protecting the rug from dust and pests. Vacuum-sealed bags are alright, but only if you don’t keep them sealed too long. Otherwise, the fibers will start to break down due to a lack of airflow.
Polyester is also a good material for storing area rugs because it is strong and durable. Polyester bags are resistant to water damage, mildew, dust mites, and other things that can ruin your rug over time.
If you are looking for a less expensive option than buying storage cases or bags specifically designed for area rugs, we recommend wrapping your rug in an old sheet or piece of cloth before storing it in a plastic bin or container with a lid. This will provide some protection from dust and pests while also allowing a bit of airflow into the bin.
3. Placement of Area Rugs Is Critical to Maintain Shape
When it comes to keeping your area rugs safe, placement during storage is critical. Here are some tips for where to store them:
- If storing on the floor, never stack one rug on top of another. Even if tightly rolled together, the weight of one rug can cause the bottom one to become misshapen.
- Always store area rugs with their edges and fringes facing up. This prevents those delicate parts from being damaged while in storage.
- Store the rugs in a cool, dry area away from sunlight and heat sources like radiators.
- Use proper hangers and supports to store larger area rugs vertically in closets or attics if needed.
Taking these precautions when storing your area rugs will help keep them looking like new for years and years to come!
Also Read: What rug size for Queen Bed?
4. How Long Should You Store an Area Rug?
When it comes to storing your area rugs, a good rule of thumb is to limit storage time to no more than two years. The reason for this is that natural fibers may become brittle over an extended period of time and synthetic fibers may rot or fade if exposed to humidity, extreme temperatures, and other environmental conditions.
The best way to store your area rugs is in a safe, temperature-controlled environment like inside a cool, dry closet away from any direct sunlight exposure. It’s also essential that you clean your rug before putting it into storage in order to prevent dust and mites from infesting the delicate fibers.
Conclusion
While you might be anxious to put your rugs away and forget about them until next fall, it is important to take some time to store them properly. By following these simple tips, your area rugs should remain in great condition for years to come, and you won’t have to worry about them becoming damaged or stained during their time in storage.