A mere fold or roll isn’t enough to preserve your precious rugs and carpets. Rugs are a significant home investment so they should be cared for as much as you would any heirloom jewelry or rare item. If you’ve been using a storage unit or simply keeping items at home, you know that improper storage can still attract pests and tear apart your rugs and carpets. Not to mention the impact of temperature, moisture and light (or the lack thereof).
So, this article will guide you and offer some tips for preserving your precious rugs.
1. Vacuum Your Rugs
It’s a no-brainer, but how many to-dos have you put off because you keep telling yourself you’ll do it next time? When it comes to your treasured home decor such as rugs, just practice a weekly vacuum routine to remove dust and dirt and prevent them from embedding deep within the fabric.
Don’t turn on the vacuum cleaner just yet. Shake the rug first to dislodge any loose dirt trapped in the fibers. Then, you can vacuum the fallen dirt and the rug. Opt for the suction-only function on the vacuum instead of a rotary brush or upright vacuum because these can cuase fiber shedding. Use the nozzle attachment to gently vacuum the rug.
Also consider sprinklling anti-bacterial powders onto the rugs to eliminate germs. But first, test it on a tiny part to avoid damaging the rug. Also, you can vacuum the rug’s underside every month for better care.
2. Provide Deep Cleaning
Depending on your area rug’s dimensions and fabric, it may require deep cleaning every 12 to 18 months. You can enlist premium rug cleaning services to ensure your rug maintains its pristine quality. Or, use a carpet cleaner tailored for area rugs. Just follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and conduct a test for various cleaning solutions on a small and inconspicuous portion of the rug before proceeding with the full cleaning process.
3. Properly Store Your Rug
As mentioned earlier, proper storage is necessary for preserving the quality of your area rug for a very long time. Follow these guidelines and the next generations after you will enjoy this home investement:
Ensure thorough cleaning
Before hiding your rug, thoroughly clean it and remove any dirt, dust, or stains. Vacuum both sides of the rug and address any stains with spot cleaning as necessary. Then, allow the rug to air dry completely before rolling it up for storage.
Roll rather than fold
There’s a reason why the rugs you see in stores are rolled. Folding a rug can lead to creases and permanent damage to the fibers. Instead, tightly roll the rug with the pile facing upward. This protects the rug from dust and pests and helps maintain its shape and integrity over time.
Use acid-free paper
When rolling your rug for storage, insert sheets of acid-free paper between the folds. This prevents color transfer and safeguards the rug’s overall condition. Additionally, consider sprinkling moth repellent around the rug's edges to deter pests and preserve its quality while in storage.
4. Wrap them with an extra layer of protection
Additional layers of protection are beneficial when storing items in a storage unit for an extended period of time. Wrapping your rugs and carpets can prevent dirt and pests from accumulating. After rolling them, encase them in fabric cloth, covering them from top to bottom. Use breathable fabric to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. Avoid using plastic for wrapping rugs, as it restricts airflow and hinders ventilation, potentially causing damage over time.
5. Take More Proactive Measures
Like every other thing with beauty worth preserving, proactive measures must be taken. Some suggestions to help maintain your rug’s pristine condition include:
Use rug pads
Invest in high-quality rug pads that offer cushioning and prevent slippage. Aside from enhancing comfort, rug pads minimize wear and tear by reducing friction, extending your rug’s lifespan.
Regular rotation
To avoid uneven wear, frequently rotate your area rug particularly in high-traffic areas. Clever tip, right? This practice ensures that foot traffic is distributed evenly across the rug, preventing specific areas from showing signs of wear of premature fading.
Minimize sun exposure
Direct sunlight can lead to fading and deterioration of your area rug over time. If possible, place your rug away from windows or employ curtains and blinds to shield it from harmful UV rays, preserving its vibrant colors and overall quality. If you want to design your porch with rugs, make sure they’re built for the outdoors.
In conclusion
There’s more to taking care of your rug than just vacuuming and washing it. With the right care and being proactive, you can lengthen your rug’s lifespan and be left with a high-quality piece of investment that livens up any space.
About the Author
Tony Kantzavelos is the CEO of Love Your Rug, a carpet and rug cleaning company established in 1984. Love Your Rug has 10,000 square feet of rug cleaning and repair facilities strategically located in East and West Toronto.
