Carpets and rugs are a great way to make any space seem cozier and more inviting. The feeling of something plush, soft, and velvety underfoot is something that everyone desires.

Yet there may come a moment when you have to put those carpets away, either for a short while or for good. Whether you’re putting them away because you’re moving, remodeling, or just trying to declutter, your rugs and carpets need to be prepared for storage. Here are some suggestions for cleaning, rolling up, and securing your carpets and rugs before placing them in storage.

1. Prepare Rugs and Carpets: Thoroughly Clean

Carpets and rugs should be professionally cleaned before being stored. Get rid of any debris and dust that may have settled on the rug by vacuuming both the top and bottom sides. A professional cleaning might be a good idea if it is very dusty or stained.

Rugs and carpets may be cleaned in a variety of ways, some specific to the material and manufacturer. Before doing anything else, be sure you read the label, then proceed with any of the following methods:

• Woven or braided rugs
  If tiny braided rugs are washable, put them in a zipped mesh washing bag and wash on a gentle cycle. Then, tumble dry on a low setting. It is best to use concrete or vinyl for large braided carpets. Use a cleaning sponge and carpet cleaning foam, rubbing them in as directed, and then washing or vacuuming the rug to remove any residue.
• Handmade, hand-knotted, antique, and oriental rugs
  A piece of nylon screen can be used to keep vacuum cleaners from damaging old or antique rugs that are fragile. Oriental carpets are just as durable as wool rugs and may be cleaned in the same way.

To maintain equal wear and sun exposure, rotate these rugs once a year and clean them well. When buying an antique rug, find out as much as you can from the seller about how to take care of it. You might also consult a local vendor and inquire about their rug-specific recommendations.

• Coir, sisal, rush, and grass rugs
  If you have carpets made of natural fibers, you should vacuum them often since they let a lot of dirt through. A gentle brush and some soapy water can do the trick for cleaning the rug. To protect the floor, a plastic sheet should be laid down beforehand.

As water deteriorates fibers, drying them quickly with a fan or dryer is recommended after washing. Some of these carpets are woven into squares and joined together with seams. Whenever a section becomes stained or worn, just purchase more squares and sew them by hand into the rug.

• Fur, sheepskin, and hair-on hides.
  These rugs may be cleaned by sprinkling them with unscented talcum powder and then leaving them alone for a few hours. The powder is applied by brushing it through damp hair and then rinsing it out with cold water.

After you’ve cleaned your rugs thoroughly, use a fabric-safe insect and moth repellent to keep pests away. Be sure to strictly adhere to the instructions on the box.

 2.Roll the rug or carpet

A rug or carpet should be rolled up firmly after it has been cleaned and dried. This way, wrinkles and creases can be avoided. To avoid having your rug or carpet unroll or shift while it’s being stored, roll it as tightly as you can. You can keep your rug as straight as possible when rolling it by using a thick, sturdy curtain rod or wooden dowel.

3.Wrap your rug or carpet in acid-free paper or plastic

Rugs should be wrapped before being stored to prevent damage from dirt and dust. A polyurethane blanket, cotton sheet, or muslin will work. Using cotton or muslin that has been folded over at least once and taped down with cotton or polyester twill will add an extra layer of protection.

To further protect against moisture and bugs, polyurethane wrapping might be used. In the long run, acidic compounds might damage carpet or rug fibers. Use packaging materials that won’t cause acid damage. Ordinary plastic bags or sheets should be avoided since the moisture they hold might promote the growth of mold and mildew.

4.Store the Rug or Carpet in a Climate-Controlled Unit

Rugs and carpets should be kept in a place where the temperature and humidity stay the same. Overexposure to high humidity and temperatures can cause more than just mold and discoloration; it can also damage the fibers. You can keep your rug or carpet in pristine condition with the help of a climate-controlled unit, which will maintain a steady temperature and humidity level.

5.Store the Rug or Carpet Off the Ground

Keep your carpet or rug off the floor to further reduce the risk of water damage. Raise the rug or carpet a couple of inches above the ground using pallets or shelves. If you do this, the damp floor in your storage unit is less likely to damage the rug or carpet.

Summary

In the end, it’s important to carefully prepare your rugs and carpets for storage to make sure they stay in great shape while they’re stored. If you need to store your carpet or rug for an extended period, clean it well, roll it up securely, and then wrap it in acid-free paper or plastic before placing it in a climate-controlled, off-the-ground storage container.

When you’re ready to use your rugs and carpets again, you can be certain that they’ll be in excellent shape if you follow these instructions.