How-To Store Rugs and Carpets in a Storage Unit
Reno Gulch Self Storage
September 7th, 2022
Rugs and carpets are valuable items. When the time comes to store them, it becomes all too simple to damage these pieces. If you need to store your rug, you might wonder how you can properly store the expensive piece properly, so it stays protected while it is not in use.
Read on to learn how you can properly store your rug or carpet. This method will prevent as much damage as possible and take up little room. Wherever you keep the rug, these steps will ensure it stays intact and usable. Follow them for the best results in storage.
STORING YOUR RUGS AND CARPETS IN A STORAGE UNIT IN HILL CITY, SD
Ensure the Rug is Clean
The first step when storing a rug properly is to ensure it is clean. Utilize a vacuum to clean off the surface as thoroughly as possible. A strong vacuum will allow you to be as effective as you move up and down the surface. You might also use a brush, or water if your rug is made of a material that can stand liquid. Some of the items you will remove when cleaning include:
- Dander
- Dust
- Crumbs
These can cause damage if not removed before storage and even during the storage process. If you have a delicate rug, you will need to be careful when you clean it off. Handmade or antique rugs will need a delicate hand, while natural rugs can handle a bit more. Some rugs, such as fur, may simply need a brushing for proper care. Research your piece to avoid harming it in the cleaning process.
Defend from Bugs
Once the rug is clean, you should take the necessary steps to defend the piece from bugs that thrive in dark spaces. This action is especially vital if you intend to place the rug in a location prone to moisture. These are many bug repellants on the market that are made specifically for rugs and carpets. Select one for the materials your rug is created from and coat it thoroughly. This action is necessary to prevent it from gathering bugs that will cause it to fall apart and lose its integrity over time.
Roll the Rug
If you see a rug in a store, they are often rolled up. Though many believe folding or hanging this piece is a great way to keep it safe, the best way to keep a rug is to roll it up tightly. If you choose to fold, you run the risk of damaging the piece by exposing it to cracks and creases that may never come out. When you roll your piece to prepare it for storage:
- Roll in the direction that flows naturally to avoid breakage
- Keep it tight as you go along
- Ensure you move in a straight line
- Utilize a rod if necessary to keep it rolled tight
These steps will permit you to roll the rug properly, without leaving gaps in the piece. Once you have it rolled, ensure you keep it as tight as possible. The tighter the roll, the more the interior will be defended from outside elements threatening to destroy the material of your piece. You can prop it against a wall, or you can keep it rolled side down on the ground to keep it in place.
Wrap the Rug
Next, you need to wrap up the rolled rug to cover up the areas still exposed to the outside air. It should defend, but it should also be breathable to prevent the build-up of moisture. Moisture will provide an environment for rot and inhibit the growth of mold. This item can destroy a rug, so avoid materials like plastic if possible.
Some of the best materials to wrap your rug in include:
- A cotton sheet
- Rug wraps, created specifically for the purpose of defending rugs
- A muslin spread These are all breathable to prevent build-up, but strong enough to defend it from the outside elements.
You can wrap the rug in the same way you rolled it up. Ensure it goes around the piece at least twice to give the protection some depth. Cover each and every exposed area to give your rug the defense it deserves while it sits inside storage. These materials are all very affordable, and you don’t need too much to succeed.
Store Above the Ground
Finally, you are ready to put the rug in storage. No matter where you choose to do so, keep it off the ground. This might mean putting it up on a box or putting plastic covering below it. Whatever you decide to do, avoid setting the piece directly on the floor if at all possible. This action will prevent:
- Cracks from forming
- Water damage
- Mold
- Dust
- Bugs
A rug touching the ground can be exposed to all of these things. Even if you think the location is void of these issues, keeping it up is a necessary precaution. Once you have the piece off of the floor, you are safe to leave it in storage. Make sure it is not exposed to direct sunlight and that the area is dry and cool. Do not store other items on top of the rug. All of these will allow the piece to remain intact and usable once the time comes to take it out of storage.
Check Periodically
Once you’ve stored the rug in a location, you can leave it alone and go back to your business. However, it is critical that you continue to check the piece. This should happen at least once a month, so that any noted damage can be dealt with before it becomes too much to handle. When you check, you should look for items such as:
- Water damage
- Bugs, such as mites or ants
- Dust gathering on the surface
These might harm your rug in its stored state, so removing them as fast as possible is critical to the integrity of the piece.
You should continue checking your rug until the time comes to remove it from storage. This action, along with the rest of these steps, will allow you to remove your piece from storage in a similar state as when you put it away. Reno Gulch Self Storage has secure storage units for your rugs and carpets in Hill City, SD. Contact us today or book a unit online.