How Do I Store My Rug? A Professional Guide to Preservation

1. Never Store a Dirty Rug

This is the most critical step. Dust, pet dander, and microscopic food particles are absolute magnets for moths and carpet beetles. Furthermore, an invisible spill will oxidize and become a permanent, dark stain after months in storage.

Before packing any piece away, it must undergo a deep professional rug cleaning. If your piece has suffered from biological accidents, a specialized pet odor removal treatment is mandatory to ensure smells do not bake into the foundation. To make this easy, you can schedule our convenient pickup and delivery service right before you plan to store it.

2. Roll It, Never Fold It

Folding a rug—especially a valuable Persian & Oriental rug—can crack the foundation and cause permanent, irreversible creases. Always roll your rug into a tight cylinder. For ultimate protection, roll the rug around a sturdy acid-free cardboard tube to provide structural support and prevent it from being crushed.

3. Wrap for Breathability

Never wrap your rug in a plastic bag! Plastic traps moisture, which leads to condensation, mold, mildew, and dry rot.

• Wool, Silk, and Antique Rugs: Wrap these tightly in breathable Tyvek paper, acid-free paper, or clean cotton sheets. Tape the ends securely to prevent insects from crawling inside.
• Synthetic Rugs: While less susceptible to bugs, synthetic fibers should still be wrapped in breathable material to prevent dust accumulation.

4. Climate-Controlled Storage

Store your rolled rug off the floor in a dry, cool, and climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight. Avoid damp basements, humid storage units, or hot Arizona attics and garages. Extreme temperature fluctuations will damage natural fibers and warp the rug's shape.

Pro Tip: Before storing your rug, inspect the fringe and edges. If you notice unraveling, have our experts perform any necessary rug repair so your piece is perfectly ready to unroll when you need it. And don't forget to store or replace your custom rug pads so your floors remain protected!