Why You Should Get Your Rugs Cleaned Before Putting Them In Storage
Storing your rugs, whether for a season-to-season change, interior decor refresh, moving to a new home, or another reason, requires paying attention to some details. Dirt, mold, and mildew could damage your rugs while in storage. East Coast Rug Care, the rug cleaning team serving New Britain, PA, recommends the following tips to keep your investment looking as good as new.
First Up: Have Rugs Professionally Cleaned
Vacuuming your rugs before storing them for any length of time is not enough. Tiny, invisible dirt, debris, and organic matter may attract pests that can cause damage. A professional rug cleaning ensures that all hidden suspects are gone and pose no potential damage. Keep in mind that different types of rugs require certain cleaning methods. A professional cleaning company understands this. If you decide to clean them independently, refer to the manufacturer’s label and follow the instructions.
Apply Moth and Pest Repellent
One detail you might overlook is the potential of moths and other pests and their eggs attaching to your stored rugs. It’s always recommended to apply specially formulated moth repellent, especially if it hasn’t been cleaned for a year.
Next: Completely Dry Before Storing
After professionally cleaning your rugs, they must be totally dry before storing them. If they are damp, mold and mildew could build up and cause odor, damage, and irreversible damage.
Roll Instead of Fold
When your professionally cleaned and dried rugs are ready to store, roll them instead of folding them. Folding cases crease and can damage the back of the rug. Roll so that the pile is facing in and the backing is out.
Wrap Things Up
Instead of wrapping your rolled rug in plastic, opt for a more breathable product like craft paper or even a cotton bedsheet. Secure your rolled carpet with packing tape or rope.
Where and How You Store Matters
Now that it is time to store your rug, select a climate-controlled space like a spare bedroom or a high-end storage unit. The temperature should remain between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for the entire year. Why? Drastic temperature fluctuations and humidity cause mold and mildew to grow and damage your rug. It may cost more, but in the long run, it will protect your rugs from damage. Additionally, store your rugs vertically instead of laying them on the floor, a shelf, or a box. Avoid leaning anything against your rug to maintain its shape.
Unroll and Vacuum From Time To Time
If your rugs are stored for an extended time, make a point to unroll them and vacuum them occasionally. This will remove any dust that has accumulated and keep the fibers fresh.
Prolong The Life Of Your Rug With Professional Cleaning
Even if you regularly vacuum, spot clean, use welcome mats, have air cleaning filters, and remove your shoes, there are invisible threats that are present and ready to damage your rug. These preventative measures are great, but one more thing should be added to your rug and carpet care to-do list. A professional cleaning takes all your positive efforts to the next level and extends the beauty of your rug by removing:
- Visible and invisible dirt, debris, dust, and stains
- Allergens, pollen, dust mites, pet dander
- Odors & freshens your home
Contact East Coast Rug Care Today
If you’re ready to store your rugs and want to learn more about rug cleaning in Montgomery County, PA, and the surrounding area, contact the East Coast Rug Care expert team. We offer rug cleaning services that go the extra mile. Call now.