Clean the rug and make sure it’s completely dry, roll it rather than folding it, wrap it in breathable fabric rather than sealed plastic, and keep it off the floor. Done that way, a rug comes out flat and fresh, without creases, damp or moth damage.
Before it goes in
- Clean it. Vacuum both sides thoroughly. Crumbs, dust and skin flakes are what draw moths and carpet beetles to a rug, so a clean rug is far less tempting.
- Dry it completely. If it’s been washed or professionally cleaned, wait until it’s bone dry all the way through. A rug rolled up slightly damp is the most likely way to get mould and a musty smell.
- Check for moths. Look on the back and along the edges for bare patches or tiny cocoons, and treat anything you find before it goes into storage.
Rolling and wrapping
- Roll, don’t fold. Folding leaves creases and can crack the backing. Roll the rug firmly and evenly, ideally around a cardboard tube or a length of pipe for larger ones.
- Wrap it in fabric. An old cotton sheet or a furniture blanket keeps the dust off while letting air through. Tie it loosely with string or soft tape.
- Avoid sealed plastic for anything staying more than a few weeks, because plastic can trap moisture against the fibres.
- Leave the mothballs at home. Chemicals and anything that gives off a smell can’t be stored, and a clean, dry rug doesn’t need them.
Placing it in the unit
Lay rolled rugs flat, along the floor of the unit on top of a pallet or boards, rather than standing them on end, which can crush the fibres at the bottom. Don’t stack heavy boxes on top. If you have several, lay them side by side, with the largest at the bottom.
Our sites have professional pest control, and our units are clean, dry and secure. Pack everything clean and dry, and the rest is simple.
Cover
Everything you store needs contents cover. A good rug can be worth more than people think, so include it in the value you declare, at what it would cost to replace. Our Box Shop sells furniture blankets, delivered to your door.
If you’d like help choosing a unit size, call us on 0800 2545585, or get a price online.
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