If you find yourself needing to store carpets or rugs, then self-storage can be a great option. Rugs and carpets are expensive and valuable, so ensuring that you take the right steps when storing them are essential to keeping them in great condition until you need to use them again. Whether you’re looking to refresh your space by swapping out area rugs or are simply needing to store a rug until you have the space to be able to use it again, self-storage can be a convenient, simple storage solution.
We’ve highlighted a few key tips to keep in mind when you store rugs and carpets in self-storage to ensure that they stay in great condition.
Deep Clean the Rug or Carpet
One of the first steps to take before storing your rug or carpet is to give it a deep cleaning. Start by giving it a good vacuum to pick up any loose dirt and debris. After checking with the manufacturer’s specifications, you can clean it further using their guidelines. Some rugs can be spot cleaned using a carpet cleaning foam, while others may need to be cleaned professionally in order to avoid damage. Regardless of what kind of rug you have, cleaning it before putting it in storage will help ensure that it remains in great condition and won’t deteriorate while in storage.
Use Moth & Pest Repellent
The last thing you want when storing a rug or carpet is for it to become home to any moths or other pests. Bugs and pests love dark, undisturbed places, so you’ll want to combat this by applying a moth or pest repellent. This will make your rug or carpet taste bad, so bugs will be less inclined to move it and call the space home. While this might seem like an easy step to overlook, it’s important in ensuring that bugs and pests don’t damage your rug or carpet while it’s being kept in storage.
Roll It & Wrap It
Instead of trying to fold your carpet, it’s always best to roll it when placing it in storage. You’ll want to determine whether the top or the back of the rug is more fragile and roll it with the fragile part facing inward. Be sure to roll it slowly so you can keep the rug straight. Once rolled, many people choose to wrap their rug in plastic, but it can prevent breathability and cause mildew and mold. Instead, opt for a cotton sheet or brown craft paper, wrapping it one and a half times before securing it with tape or a piece of cotton.
Store Rugs Vertically
To avoid causing damage to the shape and structure of your rug or carpet, it’s always best to store it vertically. To avoid any damage to the bottom of the rug, make sure to lay a piece of plastic or a palette to keep it off the ground. Remember not to lean anything up against the rug or place anything on top of it, as this can affect the shape of the rug and cause it to deteriorate over time.
Following these steps will help keep your rugs or carpets in great condition and will help ensure that you can continue to enjoy them for years to come.