Nice
area rugs can be expensive, which is why it is wise to store your
area rugs when you don't need them. If you are remodeling,
renovating, or just moving and need somewhere to put the area rugs
you are not using right now, a self-storage unit is a great solution.
Before
putting your area rugs into storage, take some time to prepare your
rugs for storage. With these guidelines, you can protect your rugs
from getting damaged while in storage.
Clean
Your Rug
Before
putting any item in your storage unit, it must be clean. Dirty items
are more likely to attract pests and to suffer damage during the
storage process.
How
you clean your rug depends upon the type of rug you have.
Types
of Rugs That Need Professional Cleaning
Silk
rugs, wool rugs, and antique rugs should all be cleaned by a
professional rug cleaning company. Silk and antique rugs both require
a delicate cleaning approach. Thoroughly cleaning a wool rug, and not
just spot cleaning it, requires large amounts of water and the right
equipment to squeeze the water out of the rug.
Types
of Rugs That Can Be Cleaned at Home
If
your rug is made from either cotton or synthetic materials, you can
clean the rug at home. Cleaning a cotton or synthetic rug is a
multi-step process, but the process doesn’t require any special
equipment.
Start
by vacuuming both the front and back side of the rug. For the best
results:
1. Slowly vacuum one
side of the rug, flip the rug over and vacuum the other side. Repeat
at least one more time. If the rug is small, you can take it outside
and shake it.
2. Run a lint roller
over the rug to get rid of lint and pet hairs that may cling to the
fibers.
3. Apply rug shampoo
to the rug and use a plastic bristle brush to scrub both the front
and the back.
4. Rinse off the rug,
making sure all the shampoo is rinsed out.
If
you are cleaning a smaller rug, complete steps three and four in your
bathtub or utility sink. For a large rug, complete steps three and
four outside.
Before
proceeding to the next step, make sure the rug is completely dry. Lay
the rug flat and make sure the top side is dry, then flip the rug and
repeat the process with the back side of the rug.
Wrap
Your Rug
Next,
you need to wrap your rug up. You do not want to fold your rug, since
folding will leave permanent creases. Instead, roll your rug so that
the back side faces inward, and the side with the design is facing
outwards. Loosely roll the rug; don't roll it up too tightly because
you want air to be able to circulate around the rug.
Next,
wrap packing paper around the rug. You can also use canvas sheets.
Never use plastic, as plastic will trap moisture inside the rug and
potentially lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
Move
Your Rug
When
it is time to move the rug, have someone help you lift and carry the
rug so you can hold it horizontally. Inside of your storage unit,
store the rug horizontally. Do not place the rug on the ground.
Instead, place it on a wooden pallet or on top of a storage rack. Do
not put anything on top of your rug; this can cause damage.
Need
a storage unit for your rugs and other items? Give Tysons
Self Storage
a
call today. We will set you up with a storage unit that is the right
size for your needs.
