How to store rugs without deforming or moisture | Atticgo

A well-stored rug lasts longer and makes your life easier in the future. When you decide to bring it out again, it will have no marks, stains, or odours, and it won't need repairs or cause you any headaches.

In this post, we explain how to store rugs in your home, step by step. We recommend the best strategies and techniques, list the errors you should avoid, and give you the keys to keeping the fabric in perfect condition.

Why is it important to store rugs properly?

A rug can deteriorate just as much when it is enduring daily foot traffic as when it spends time stored in poor conditions. Factors such as dust, ambient humidity, temperature variations, and even poorly distributed pressure when folding can encourage deformations, visible marks, and persistent curls, as well as accelerate the loss of flexibility in the textile fibres.

For example, if we do not correctly store large or heavy rugs, they can deform under their own weight. And if they are stored in damp places, the damage multiplies because their fibres can weaken or become stained.

Remember that it is a textile element, made with flexible materials, consisting of fibres that can respond to pressure, humidity, and temperature. Therefore, if the rug is folded, crushed, or stored in an unsuitable environment, its fibres or base can become deformed.

For example, by not knowing how to store long-pile rugs, they can be permanently marked. In flat-weave rugs, the base can become wavy. Furthermore, the edges can get dirty and the fringes can become tangled.

Rugs often trap particles from the environment, grease, sand, hair, fine dust… If they are stored without preparation or prior cleaning, all this contamination remains locked in for months, which can generate various problems that are difficult to eliminate, such as smells, slight dampness, moths, etc.

How to store rugs step by step before putting them away?

Preparing a rug for storage for months or years involves leaving it clean, dry, well-protected, and positioned so that the material maintains its structure. Below we explain how to store rugs using practical methods.

Deep cleaning before storing

The first step is to remove furniture and clear the area. Check the rug carefully for stains, loose threads, worn areas, dampness, etc. This allows you to correct what is necessary before storing it.

Not all rugs require the same cleaning treatment; it depends on the material.

Among the most effective methods are: dry cleaning rugs, ideal for delicate fibres; and steam cleaning to sanitise deeply without damaging the textile.

Modern rugs are often made from a polyester blend, so a good vacuuming is usually enough; some can even be put in the washing machine.

How to clean the rug? The most important thing is to remove dust, organic remains, and surface or intermediate dirt without soaking the structure.

Vacuum both sides well, slowly and with repeated passes. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filtration system to remove fine dust and mites.
Stains or embedded dirt? Treat stains individually. We recommend these products:

Traditional cleaning foams, which encapsulate the rug's particles so they can be easily removed with the vacuum cleaner.
Steam cleaners, which penetrate the surface and eliminate both visible stains and hidden impurities.

To clean jute rugs, it is advisable to avoid getting them wet. It is best to vacuum regularly and, in case of stains, treat the area with a cloth lightly dampened with water and neutral soap, without soaking the fabric.
To clean wool or cotton rugs use products with controlled pH to prevent the fabric from matting. Avoid soaking the fabric, do not use hot water, do not rub vigorously, and do not put it in the washing machine unless indicated by the manufacturer.
For cleaning a large rug with old stains or dirt, professional cleaning is recommended.

Optional Tip: A powerful dry cleaner is bicarbonate of soda with salt; it removes bad smells, absorbs moisture, and brightens fabrics. After vacuuming, spread the mixture generously over the rug, leave for several hours, and then vacuum.

Complete drying to avoid moisture

Once clean, drying is an essential step. If moisture remains trapped in the rug's fibres, not only will bad smells develop, but mould and stains can also start to grow. Some seams or reinforcements might even deteriorate, or the plush texture of the pile could be reduced.

Therefore, drying is a vital part of knowing how to store a large or small rug. It can take approx 24 to 48 hours. The steps are as follows:

Place the rug spread out on a flat surface. Ensure the area has excellent ventilation.
If you can place it outdoors, choose a warm, breezy day without exposing it to direct sunlight or heat sources.
Facilitate or speed up drying using:

Domestic dehumidifiers to help reduce air humidity.
Indirect fans to facilitate air circulation.
A heater (without pointing it directly at the rug) to control temperature levels.

Roll correctly without folding

Never fold the rug, as creases can cause wrinkles or deform the warp and the latex backing. Instead:

Roll the textile onto itself, with the pile surface facing inwards to protect its fibres. You can place a rigid PVC or cardboard tube in the central axis to prevent it from being crushed.
Secure the roll with cotton ribbons or fabric straps, without over-tightening.

Protect them with a breathable cover

Avoid covering the rug with closed plastic covers, as they trap moisture and encourage mould. Alternatives you can use include:

Breathable cotton sheet.
Breathable non-woven fabric (TNT) bag, water-repellent, designed for rug storage.
Storage bags with micro-perforations.

Optional Tip: If the rug is to remain stored for more than 6 months, add a small silica gel desiccant inside. Check the condition of the fabric from time to time.

How to store rugs in summer?

When the hot weather arrives, decorative elements are often removed to lighten the rooms, some rugs are put away, and summer rugs are rolled out.

Below are 4 keys on how to store rugs in summer. In this season, storage can go wrong because the climate maintains perfect conditions for damage, smells, and insects.

Choose a dry and ventilated place

Whether it's children's rugs, outdoor rugs, or the one under the dining table, any of these fabrics represents an investment you must protect.

Ensure the storage space maintains a stable temperature and relative humidity does not exceed 60%. Interior cupboards are usually better than closed storage units.

Avoid damp storage units or basements

Damp basements and storage units are places that accumulate condensation and encourage the appearance of mould and persistent smells.

Use of natural anti-moth products

Moths, specifically their larvae, can cause great havoc on rugs and carpets, as they are capable of consuming textiles containing animal fibres like wool, cashmere, or silk.

How to store rugs in summer to avoid moths? You have natural options:

Inside the storage area, use small bags of dried lavender or rosemary, or cedar shavings or eucalyptus. These are effective at repelling insects and add a fresh scent to the area.
On the storage bag or nearby surfaces, you can lightly apply lavender or eucalyptus essential oils. Never pour oils directly onto the rug.

Periodic reviews during hot months

Check the condition of the rug at least once a month so you can detect any sign of damage in time. Also ventilate the storage space to help prevent moisture build-up.

How to store large rugs without damaging them?

Custom rugs and large sizes require special care when stored. Their weight, volume, and fibre tension increase the risk of creases and deformations. To keep their beauty and prolong their life, we make the following recommendations:

Firm rolling with internal support

The first key to storing large rugs is to roll the fabric over a cylindrical support to prevent its own weight from crushing it. You can use a cardboard or PVC tube long enough for the roll.

Protection of edges and fringes

Fringes and edges are some of the most vulnerable areas of rugs, as they receive tugs and are always rubbing the surface, so they tend to fray prematurely.

How to store large rugs with fringes? Wrap the edge fringes separately with a clean material that prevents them from being strained, trapped, or folded under the weight of the roll. You can use cotton cloth strips or a felt band to allow breathability.

Safe handling to avoid creases

Large rolled rugs should not be dragged or folded during handling. Movements should always ensure minimal tension on the piece. Ideally, at least 2 people should be in charge of rolling and moving it to the storage space.

Storage in horizontal position

Vertical storage might be suitable for small mats or medium flat rugs. But how to store large rugs? They must be stored rolled and horizontally to eliminate the risk of fibre deformation.

Naturally, they should rest horizontally on a stable surface, without curves and without objects on top. The rolled rug should not be squeezed between furniture or subjected to lateral pressure.

Common errors when storing rugs at home

There are frequent bad decisions when storing rugs at home. These errors are what can cause the deterioration of the textile over time.

Folding the rug instead of rolling it

If you fold the rug, excessive and localised pressure is exerted on the crease line, which deforms the fabric and can generate wrinkles, cracks, and wear. When we roll it, the tension is distributed evenly.

Storing without prior cleaning

Rugs are fabrics that constantly trap contaminants from the air, mites, pet hair, dust, mould spores, food remains, and other small particles. In addition to ambient humidity.

This entire combination, during storage, can generate bad smells and structural deterioration of the fibres. If it has stains, over time they will be practically impossible to remove. Furthermore, organic remains can attract moths that will destroy the fabric in a few months.

Using non-breathable plastics

It can be tempting to wrap the rug in sealed plastic because it seems more protective. But this actually traps internal moisture and creates an ideal environment for mould and smells.

Tips to keep your rugs in perfect condition all year round

Every season imposes different challenges on rugs: the dry heat of summer, rain or snow in winter… To prolong the life of your rugs, we provide several key tips:

Seasonal rotation

It is useful to rotate your rugs. At the start of each season, change your rug's position to prevent particles from concentrating in one area. Or at least move furniture to ensure they don't stay stationary on the same textile surface for long periods.

Regular vacuuming

Frequent vacuuming helps you remove sand, hair, and dirt that accumulate with daily use. As a general rule, vacuuming the rug 2 or 3 times a week is usually sufficient to keep it in good condition.

In homes with pets or children, it may be advisable to pay more attention to high-traffic areas like hallways, entrances, or living rooms, adapting the frequency according to use.

Periodic professional cleaning

When is it time to schedule a professional cleaning? It is normally done once or twice a year. The best seasons are:

At the start of spring, after the long winter. It is a way to offer fresh air to the home environment.
In autumn, to prepare the home for the Christmas holidays.
At the end of summer, to eliminate pollen, dirt, and other allergens that accumulate.

A well-maintained rug lasts longer and retains its presence. It can continue to transform spaces.At Atticgo we help you discover the rug that best suits your preferences. Visit our digital catalogue.