Large area rugs are many times hard to roll and wrap, so follow these tips for your next move!
Wrapping and Rolling Large Area Rugs
Wrapping area rugs will undoubtedly require an intensive amount of attention to detail and care in order to fully maintain the overall integrity of your rug. There are several considerations that you need to keep in mind when wrapping and rolling large area rugs, including the size of the rug, potential water damage, and the possibilities of bad scents and even bugs infiltrating your rug!
All of us at Rug Source fully understand how your large rugs are valuable home design investments, so if you’re wrapping your rugs for relocation or storage then these tips will do wonders in terms of making this entire process a lot easier and more effective.
In this article we’re going over the many steps involved in wrapping and rolling area rugs, and as always feel free to reach out to us online to get in touch with one of our experts!
Step-by-Step Process For Proper Rug Storage
In order to keep your rugs protected and as safe as possible, it’s crucial to follow these preparation steps for storage and relocations:
1. Carefully Clean the Rug
The very first thing you should always do within this process is to give your area rug a thorough vacuuming by utilizing a high-quality vacuum that will be sure to lift as much dust, dander and microscopic particles as possible. It’s always very important to understand that some rather valuable area rugs should be very carefully vacuumed so you don’t tarnish the delicate weaving in any way!
Once you’ve vacuumed, it’s always best to follow your manufacturer’s cleaning specifications. This will mean you should check your rug’s label, and of course follow the common cleaning directions associated with your rug material!
2. Do Your Best to Protect the Rug from Moths and Other Bugs
There are many instances in which homeowners will need to store their area rugs within an attic, garage or basement, so if this is the case for you then you need to make sure you’re taking extra care when it comes to protecting the rug from moths and other insects.
This isn’t all that difficult, and it typically will only require applying a moth or insect repellant that’s specifically designed for rug fabrics.
3. Firmly Roll Your Rug Up For Storage
First of all, it’s important to know that you should never fold an area rug! This leads to cracks, creases and other types of rug damage that is best to avoid at all costs. This is why it’s much more accepted to roll your large area rugs into a cylinder.
Determining the best way to roll up your rug will typically mean deciding whether the back or the pile of the rug is more fragile. Usually, a rug’s pile is more delicate, which subsequently means you should roll it up with the pile facing inwards.
The following are some tips to keep in mind in terms of effectively rolling an area rug:
- Try your best to keep the rug as straight as possible when rolling it up
- Utilize a rod if you’re having trouble keeping it straight. This can be a rod specifically made for rugs, or a wooden dowel/curtain rod.
4. Use a Protective Fabric When Wrapping the Rug
It’s always a good idea to properly wrap up your rug when it’s been rolled up, and this is especially the case if you’re planning on transporting or shipping it. Wrapping you rug will provide a much-needed extra protective layering to keep out dirt, bugs and other unwanted elements that can potentially damage fibers.
The following are some considerations when it comes to utilizing a breathable fabric to wrap your rug:
- Use a muslin or cotton sheet to finish rolling your rug by wrapping it around the rug at least 1 ½ times to ensure the rug’s protection. Then utilize cotton or polyester twill tape to secure the rug properly.
- Polyurethane rug wraps are also very helpful when it comes to achieving expert-level protection. These wraps are known for being a high-quality barrier against insects and dampness.
- It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t wrap your rug in plastic, because this isn’t quite breathable enough.
5. Store the Rug off the Floor in a Dry, Cool Environment
Keeping your rug stored off the ground will safeguard it from harmful elements, and you’ll also want to ensure that you’re not placing anything on top of your rug as well. This can lead to a rug losing its overall shape and developing cracks, which is never good!
Minimizing natural light exposure and keeping the rug in a cool, dry environment is also a big part of proper storage. You should also keep the following in mind in terms of rug storage:
- Utilize a dehumidifier or fan to help avoid the buildup of mildew.
- Use shades/blinds to block out any natural light coming in from windows.
- Be consistent with cleaning in the area, including dusting and vacuuming.
6. Check Your Rug for Damage Signs By Unrolling It Every Few Months
It’s always a safe idea to check up on the quality of your rug about once a month when it’s in storage. This means unrolling the rug to check for damage or any bugs. You should also regularly vacuum the area to ensure there’s no buildup of dust that may attract insects!
Contact Us Today to Speak With One of Our Experts!
Rug Source has been so successful for so long partly because we regard customer care and satisfaction so highly. If you have any questions or concerns at all about our online inventory and taking care of your rugs, always feel free to contact us online or call us at 980-422-4080 or 704-763-0979 today to get in touch with one of our rug experts!
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