Rug Storage and Off-Season Care: A Practical Guide

Whether you’re swapping out your summer jute for a cosy winter shag or packing away your outdoor rug for the cooler months, proper storage is the secret to preserving your investment. R

At Rugs Galore, your trusted rugs store in Melbourne, we want your modern rugs, traditional rugs, and even your fluffy shaggy rugs to look as vibrant next season as they do today.

Here is your comprehensive must-do guide on how to store rugs off-season and the essential rug storage tips you need.

Step 1: The Essential Pre-Storage Deep Clean

This is the most critical step; you cannot skip it. Storing a dirty rug is inviting disaster. Stains, dirt, and hidden crumbs are a feast for pests and can lead to permanent damage or mildew.

• Vacuum Thoroughly: Vacuum both sides of the rug to remove all loose dirt and dust.
• Address Stains: Spot-clean any spills. Ensure you use the correct cleaning solution for your rug's material.
• Deep Clean: For natural fibres, wool, or heavily soiled rugs, a professional cleaning or a  is highly recommended.
• Crucial Must-Do: Once cleaned, your rug must be completely and fully dry before it is rolled or wrapped. Even a tiny bit of moisture is enough to encourage mould and mildew, which can destroy the fibres.

Step 2: Roll, Don't Fold!

When it comes to the issue of roll vs folded storage for your rug, you should always roll it. 

Roll (the Right Way): Always roll the rug tightly with the pile (the soft, visible side) facing out. Rolling it this way protects the backing from stretch and distortion while also limiting the buildup of creases, which means that the rug will lie flat when it is unrolled next season.

Never Fold: Folding can create sharp, permanent creases and can damage the foundation of the rug, especially with thicker or older rugs.

Step 3: Wrap It Up in Breathable Material

Once your rug is perfectly rolled, it needs additional protection from dust, pests, and the variability of humidity.

• Avoid Plastic: Plastic sheeting, garbage bags, or thick tarps that are not breathable should never be used to cover your rug. Plastic or garbage bags trap moisture underneath them; this means potential for condensation, mildew, and rot, and it defeats the purpose of drying the rug! 
• Breathable Rug Storage Options:  a cotton sheet, or a muslin or canvas rug storage bag are all better options. The materials keep dust and insects off the rug fibres but breathe so the fibres do not actually stay in a moist environment – moisture is one of your number one enemies. You can also throw in a few cedar balls or moth preventers (in the wrapping, obviously not on the rug) as preemptive measures.

Step 4: Locate Your Ideal Storage Place

A suitable setting is essential to obtain a successful outcome for your off-season rug preservation.

• Cool, dry, and dark: The rug should be stored where the environment is kept under control. Areas like basements, attics, or garages typically have climates that are unpredictable, along with issues with humidity, pests, and the other additional things that could make them less than ideal. A spare closet or under a bed that is only used a few times a year should be much better.
• Elevated Storage: You would not want to store your rug directly on concrete because the moisture will migrate through the concrete and into the rug. The rolled rug should be off the ground at least several inches on blocks, shelving, or a strong pallet in case anything leaks or gets damp.
• Store horizontally: If possible, it is best to store your rolled rug horizontally on the floor, preserving the shape. Storing upright on any end typically will cause the backing to warp or bend over time.

Step 5: The Mid-Season Check-Up

Even with all the right preparations, storage can be unpredictable.

Check Every Few Months: Unwrapped part of the rug a few times during the storage period. Briefly check for any signs of moisture (damp feel or musty smell) or pest activity (small holes, droppings, or larvae).

Airing Out: If you detect a slight mustiness, unroll the rug in a dry, safe area for a day to air it out completely before re-rolling and re-storing.

By following these professional rug storage tips, you ensure that when you're ready to lay your rug down again, it’s fresh, flat, and ready to complete your space.

Need advice on cleaning a specific rug type or ready for a gorgeous replacement? Visit Rugs Galore in Blackburn or Dandenong your leading destination for quality rugs in Melbourne!