How to Clean a Rug Before Storing It
Does your home have multiple rugs? Chances are, you own a mixture of ones that were purchased, as well as handed down from generation to generation in your family. When your living situation changes (such as moving into a new house) or if you inherit additional rugs from family members, there may not be enough space in your home to keep all of them! When that occurs, you must consider keeping the rugs stored until you or another family member can make full use of them.
To keep potentially valuable rugs in good health, you definitely don’t want to just roll them up and toss them in a storage facility, or your basement! Your rugs could be harboring dirt, microscopic pests, and pet dander, all of which can be detrimental to their health. For larger rugs, we recommend getting them professionally cleaned, as it can be a long and arduous process to handle by yourself. Otherwise, for smaller rugs, here are some steps you can take to ensure it’s quality, value, and health:
How to Clean a Rug for Storage: 7 steps to take
1. Vacuum the rug. To get initial layers of dust and dirt off, take your rug outside and set it on a clean surface (such as wire mesh, or a large blanket/tarp). Then, proceed to vacuum. When finished, turn the rug over and vacuum the other side. You’ll be surprised at how much extra dust you catch!
2. Wash with gentle detergent. While your rug is outside, lightly water it with a garden hose and scrub it gently with the detergent and a soft brush.
3. Dry. If you have a wet-dry vac, use that to extract as much water as possible from the rug. Then, drape your rug over a table and/or chairs to let it dry off in the sun.
4. Add insect repellent. Spray your rug with an insect repellent of your choice (Off! and Repel are both good options) to keep bugs and pests away. Alternatively, you can use a spray mix of water and vinegar.
5. Roll the rug into a cylinder. Once dry and cleaned, it’s time to prep your rug for storage. Run your hand over the fibers to determine which direction is “with the grain”, and then begin rolling from there. This will ensure that your rug is stored in the best way possible for longevity and health.
6. Wrap it up. To add an extra layer of protection, it’s recommended that you wrap your rug in brown craft paper (available at most stores, such as Walmart). This allows the rug to breathe and moisture to escape. Make sure you don’t use any form of plastic!
7. Store your rug standing up. Depending on the length of your rug, it is best to store your rug on end, rather than in a laying position. if possible. If you are not keeping your rug in a climate controlled environment, such as a storage facility, having your rug stand up will help protect it from moisture.
When a member of your family is ready to inherit a rug, yours will be in excellent health for their home! If you have any questions on how to clean a rug, or need assistance with one, don’t hesitate to call us! We’re happy to get you a fast, free estimate.
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