How to Prevent Damage to Your Rugs When in Storage

The best way to prevent damage to rugs in storage is to clean and completely dry them, roll them instead of folding them, wrap them in a breathable protective covering, and keep them off the floor. Store rugs in a dry, protected space away from moisture, pests, and heavy objects that could crush or deform them. 

Whether you’re storing an area rug for a few months or putting away an expensive rug for several years, taking a little extra care before storage can help keep it in good condition.  

Key takeaways 

• Clean your rug before storing it. 
• Make sure the rug is completely dry before wrapping it. 
• Roll rugs instead of folding them for long-term storage. 
• Use a breathable cover rather than tightly wrapping a rug in plastic. 
• Keep rugs off the floor and away from moisture. 
• Don’t put heavy furniture or boxes on top of a stored rug. 
• Protect natural-fiber rugs from pests. 
• Consider climate-controlled storage for rugs affected by temperature and humidity changes. 
• Check stored rugs periodically for moisture, pests, odors, and other damage. 
• Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for valuable or delicate rugs. 

Clean your rug before storing it 

Dirt, dust, food particles, and other debris can become embedded in rug fibers while a rug sits in storage. Clean your rug before you put it away, following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. 

Vacuum both sides of the rug to remove loose dirt and dust. If it needs a deeper cleaning, have it professionally cleaned or use a cleaning method recommended for the rug’s material. 

Make sure the rug is completely dry 

After cleaning your rug, give it plenty of time to dry before wrapping it up. This is one of the most important steps for preventing moisture damage. Lay the rug flat in a clean, well-ventilated area and allow both sides to dry. Depending on the material and cleaning method, this can take a while. 

Don’t rush this step just because you’re ready to put the rug away. A rug that feels dry on the surface may still have moisture deeper in the fibers. 

Roll your rug instead of folding it 

For most rugs, rolling is better than folding for long-term storage. Folding can create permanent creases, especially in rugs made from delicate or stiff materials. 

Roll the rug tightly and evenly, with the pile facing inward when recommended by the manufacturer. Keep the roll as straight as possible, rather than letting it bend or become misshapen. 

For valuable, antique, or handmade rugs, check with a professional rug cleaner or conservator for specific storage recommendations. 

Don’t wrap your rug in plastic 

It may seem logical to wrap a rug in plastic to protect it from dirt and moisture, but plastic can trap moisture against the rug. That can create problems if any moisture remains in the fibers. 

Instead, use a breathable fabric or rug storage cover that protects the rug from dust while allowing air to circulate. If you’re using a storage bag or cover, make sure it is large enough to fit the rolled rug without compressing it. 

Keep rugs off the floor 

Don’t place a rolled rug directly on a concrete storage-unit floor. Keeping it elevated can help protect it from moisture and dirt. 

Place the rug on a shelf, pallet, or another raised surface that can support its weight without damaging it. Make sure the storage method is stable and doesn’t risk the rug falling. 

Keep heavy items off your rug 

Don’t stack boxes, furniture, or other heavy belongings on top of a rolled rug. Heavy objects can compress the fibers or deform the rug, and moving those objects later can also make it harder to retrieve the rug without damaging it. 

Give your rug its own space or place it where other belongings won’t be piled on top of it. 

Protect your rug from pests 

Dust and dirt aren’t the only things that can damage a rug in storage. Moths and other pests can damage natural fibers, particularly wool and other animal-based materials. 

Clean the rug thoroughly before storing it, and inspect it for signs of pests before putting it away. Keep the storage area clean and follow the facility’s rules for pest-control products. 

Don’t put mothballs or other chemicals directly on a rug unless the manufacturer or a professional specifically recommends them. 

Store rugs in a climate-controlled space 

Temperature and humidity changes can affect some rugs, particularly those made from natural fibers or other sensitive materials. Climate-controlled storage can help moderate temperature and humidity conditions and may reduce the risk of problems such as mildew, cracking, or fiber damage. 

Storage conditions vary by facility and unit, so check what climate control means at the location you’re considering. For valuable, antique, or delicate rugs, professional storage may be worth considering if you’re concerned about long-term preservation. 

Store rugs horizontally or vertically? 

You can generally store a rolled rug horizontally on a stable surface or vertically if it is properly supported. Don’t leave a large, heavy rug standing upright without support, since it can become distorted or fall over. 

If you’re storing multiple rugs, avoid putting so much weight on the lower rugs that they become compressed. 

Check your rugs during long-term storage 

If you’re storing a rug long-term, check it periodically. Look for signs of moisture, pests, unusual odors, stains, or other changes. 

If you notice a musty smell or visible mold, remove it from the storage area and have the problem evaluated before returning it. 

How long can you store a rug? 

A properly cleaned, dried, rolled, and protected rug can remain in storage for an extended period. The best storage method depends on the rug’s material, construction, value, and condition. 

Check the rug manufacturer’s care instructions before putting it away, especially if you’re storing it for several months or longer. 

FAQs about storing rugs 

Can I store a rug rolled up? 

Yes. Rolling is generally preferred over folding for long-term rug storage because it helps prevent permanent creases and folds. 

Which way should I roll a rug for storage? 

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when available. For many rugs, rolling with the pile facing inward can help protect the surface, but delicate, antique, or handmade rugs may require a different method. 

Can I put a rug in a plastic bag for storage? 

Plastic can trap moisture, so it’s generally better to use a breathable rug cover or fabric covering. Make sure the rug is completely dry before covering it. 

Should I vacuum a rug before storing it? 

Yes. Vacuum both sides of the rug to remove dirt, dust, and debris before storage. Clean the rug more thoroughly if its care instructions call for it. 

Can rugs get moldy in storage? 

Yes. Moisture trapped in a rug can contribute to mold or mildew growth. Clean and dry the rug completely before storage, and keep it in a space protected from excess moisture. 

Is climate-controlled storage necessary for rugs? 

Not every rug needs climate-controlled storage, but it can help rugs made from natural fibers or other materials that can be affected by temperature and humidity changes. Consider the rug’s material, value, and how long you plan to store it. 

How do I store an expensive or antique rug? 

Start by having it professionally cleaned if needed, then follow recommendations from a professional rug cleaner or conservator. Valuable and antique rugs may need specialized wrapping, rolling, and storage conditions. 

Can I stack rugs on top of each other in storage? 

You can store multiple rolled rugs together, but avoid placing heavy objects on them or compressing them under excessive weight. Keep each rug protected and make sure you can remove one without damaging the others.