How To Store Your Rugs Properly To Preserve Their Beauty

Handmade rugs can be handed down through generations. Culture, skills, and many hours of detailed work are all present within the story woven into every piece. There are many reasons to move your rugs, and in any of these cases, storing them properly is essential. A rug can lose its charm and worth due to creases, faded colors, or extreme damage by water or insects. In other words, one must treat an artwork like a painting, not leave it unprotected in the attic. Keeping what is valuable safe is a smart move. Thus, if you care for your rug well, its splendor will endure for many years. We at EWC Interiors handle rugs with utmost care. Because a handmade rug costs more, it should always be looked after with care. Here are some pointers to keep your carpets stored properly.

Pre-Keeping Clean Up

An important step in storing your carpet is giving it a good wash; best done by a professional cleaner or at least vacuuming. Allowing dirt, dust, or leftover food to settle into your carpet can not only attract parasites but can also be severely damaging in the long run by creating stains.

Witty Wisdom: Do not hesitate to employ experts for spills or pet soiling, as it will eliminate the possibility of mold and unwanted smells.

Before storing your rug, make sure it is properly cleaned. This helps prevent long-term damage and keeps the rug in good condition while it's not in use.

Roll It Up

Damage to the carpet's structure is an unfortunate side effect of folding it. To properly store your carpet, roll it tightly with the soft side facing inward for a protective layer over the design and to prevent wear. If your storage will be long-term, consider using a rug core or acid-free cardboard tube for support. Do not use newspapers or plastic wrap in direct contact with the rug because they can stain with ink and retain moisture. Rolling is a gentle art, you're preserving the story and spirit of the rug. Take your time and imagine you're wrapping a precious scroll full of history and heart.

Wrap It Right After rolling

Wrap your rug using a breathable material such as cotton, muslin, or specialized rug wrap. Do not use air-tight or plastic covers as they trap moisture that leads to mildew or fiber damage. Avoid vacuum-sealed bags, as handmade rugs need unencumbered circulation. Treat it like an heirloom garment. Let the wrap act like a soft blanket, not a zipped-up trap.

Store At A Cool Dry Place

Choose an environment that is clean, free of moisture, pest activity, harsh temperature fluctuations, and serves as a home for seasonally used items to avoid clutter. Do not store rugs in places where they will encounter sunlight, hot attics, or damp basements.

Ideal storage spots: Under a bed or on an elevated shelf.

Imagine your rug is on a holiday, give it a calm, stable, and comfortable environment so it can rest safely until its next grand appearance.

Keep Pests Away

Moths and carpet beetles tend to conveniently destroy your rug while it’s stored. To prevent infestation: Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets as natural repellants. Do not use mothballs as they contain a strong smell that clings and is toxic. Inspect and rotate periodically over months. You need to make sure that you periodically check it for moisture, pests, or warping. Unroll and unroll it briefly to allow circulation. A rug isn’t something you lock away and forget. Think of it as a valuable old friend, now and then, pay it a visit and check in.

Bonus Advice: Store The Rug With A Rug Pad For Safety:

Put a rug pad in place first so that when rolling the rug, you are protecting it and maintaining the right shape. A rug pad provides the right amount of support to your rug and ensures that you get it from storage in perfect form. It's essential to pay attention to storing the rug as carefully as it is displayed. To ensure a handmade rug from EWC Interiors looks beautiful and keeps its worth for years, follow the simple steps stated above.