Area rugs are a great alternative to wall-to-wall carpeting. They are easily cleaned and easily replaced. With the thousands of sizes and patterns available, it’s easy to redecorate if you get bored. Area rugs come in a wide range of prices and styles and can be stored for later use.

Placing your carpets in self storage is an easy option, but there are steps that you need to take to keep them in the best possible condition. First of all, you should locate a safe, reliable self storage facility that offers climate-controlled units. My Storage Plus has secure, climate-controlled units that will keep your rugs safe from damage and deterioration.

After you find the right self storage facility, it’s time to get those rugs and carpets ready. Following are some tips to get you started.

Prep Your Rugs for Self Storage

Thoroughly Clean Your Rugs and Carpets

Whether you’re storing your rug for 5 weeks or 5 years, it’s essential to give it a thorough cleaning. Dirt will attract insects and mold and will damage the fibers.

Different cleaning methods apply to different rugs. Check the label and proceed as follows.

• Woven or Braided rugs

If your small woven or braided rugs are washable, place them in a mesh laundry bag, wash on the gentle cycle, and dry on low. For large rugs of this type, place them on a concrete or vinyl floor and sponge clean with carpet foam. Rinse according to package directions and finish by vacuuming.

• Handmade, Hand-Knotted, Antique, and Oriental Rugs

Protect your valuable vintage and antique rugs by placing a piece of nylon screen over the rug and then vacuuming over the screen. Before cleaning Oriental and wool/silk rugs, it’s best to get advice from the seller or an expert in the industry. Cleaning this type of rug is a daunting task and requires a reliable professional who is experienced with these types of carpets. Don’t risk destroying your investment with a second-rate DIY cleaning job.

• Coir, Sisal, Rush and Grass Rugs

Place a plastic cloth beneath these natural fiber rugs and scrub any stains with a soft brush dipped in soapy water. You’ll want to blot these rugs dry and use a fan or hair dryer to speed up the drying process, as water left too long will weaken the fibers.

• Fur, Sheepskin, and Hair-on Hide Rugs

To clean these rugs spread talcum powder on them, let it sit for several hours, then shake it out until you no longer see traces of the powder. To be sure the rugs are thoroughly cleaned, repeat this process several times and vacuum on a very low setting.

• Washable Rugs

Ruggable, one of the newest to hit the market, is a hypoallergenic, easy to clean carpet that is perfect if you have kids and pets. These rugs are made to order, resistant to stains and spills, and designed to be washer and dryer safe. To properly store them, they can be rolled or folded loosely with the design side facing in. These rugs are fairly thin, so to prevent creases, avoid placing anything on top of your rug.

Protect Your Rugs From Unwanted Pests

After carefully cleaning your rugs, you can avoid insect damage by using an insect and moth repellent that is specially designed for fabrics. Carefully follow the package directions.

Roll Your Rugs to Maintain Their Shape

With the exception of Ruggable rugs, never fold a carpet. With a traditional rug, folding leads to creases and damage to the backing. The most fragile part of the rug (the pile) should face inward during the rolling process. Use a thick, sturdy curtain rod or wooden dowel to keep your rug as straight as possible during rolling.

Wrap Your Rugs

Protect your rugs against bugs, dirt, and other damage by wrapping them prior to storage. You can either use a cotton sheet, muslin, or a polyurethane rug wrap. If you use cotton or muslin, wrap it at least 1 ½ times around the rugs and secure it with cotton or polyester twill tape. If you want an extra level of protection against dampness and insects, use polyurethane wrap. Never use plastic as it will keep your rugs from breathing and result in mold or mildew.

Store Rugs and Carpets Above the Group and Keep Them Vertical

When storing your rugs, use pallets to keep them above the ground. To avoid damaging the shape and structure of your rugs and carpets, store them vertically and don’t lean anything against them.

Summary
A reputable, climate-controlled self storage unit is the best option for keeping your rugs and carpets in top condition. As long as you follow the steps to properly prep them for storage, they should look as good when you pick them up as they did when you dropped them off.