In order to make sure that your rug stays beautiful and free from moths or other hidden dangers, read the rug storing tips below:
First step is to have your rug dusted and washed by a professional rug cleaner. This step will ensure that your rug’s pile is free from moths, moth eggs, dust, and micro-dirt before storage. Avoid storing your rug in areas in which the rug will experience major swings in temperature and/or humidity levels. A non-climate controlled storage facility or an attic will have your rug sitting in summer high and winter low temperatures, which are not healthy for the fibers of your rug. Temperature and humidity changes can permanently affect your rug. Additionally, do not place your rug in an area where there is no airflow or natural light.
Step number two is finding and selecting a proper storage area. Please do not store your rug in a closet, basement, or garage. We have seen far too many rugs that have been damaged due to improper storage. Moist areas are never a good idea for the storage of rugs, so we suggest a climate-controlled storage facility. If you’d like to store your rug in your home, consider using a guest bedroom or an unused room as opposed to an attic or basement. This will lower the risk of damage from changes in temperature or humidity.
Persian rugs are precious and should be stored as carefully as possible!
You can fold your rugs, but if you do so, fold it softly and do not keep it folded for too long (no more than a few weeks). The folds could cause creases. We recommend rolling your rug if possible to avoid this issue.
Find a cardboard tube that is longer than the rug is wide and use it to roll the rug up. If the rug’s foundation is strong enough, roll the rug with the pile in. Otherwise, roll it up with the pile facing out and the foundation facing in.
Find a piece of muslin, then cover the rolled rug with it. This will protect the rug from insects, mice, dust, and direct light. If you do not have muslin, use an old bed sheet- any breathable fabric will do. Make sure the muslin or sheet is wide enough to cover the entire width of the rolled rug, then tuck it into the ends of the tube. You do not want any part of the rug exposed.
Make sure the wrapping can be secured with wide ties, and tuck the edges of the material into the ends of the tube.
If your rug is being stored or wrapped for a long period of time, check it periodically. We recommend checking on your rug at least once every year or so, to make sure there is no damage to it. If the wrapping has become damp, remove the cloth, and check if the rug has also become wet or damaged. If the rug is wet, it is best to call a professional to wash and dry your rug at this point. However, if only the cover has become damp, launder the cloth and/or change the cloth, then re-wrap your rug. While the rug is out in the open, you can air it out in the sun. Always check for color fastness before putting your rug in the sun. For example, some Chinese rugs with pastel colors fade in the sun.
As always, contact us today if you have any questions about your Persian rugs in Seattle!