The Right Way to Store a Rug
The Right Way to Store a Rug

Whether you are swapping out seasonal rugs, protecting a valuable oriental during a renovation, or simply freeing up space in a room, storing a rug properly is one of those things that seems straightforward until you unroll it months later and realize something went very wrong. Moisture, pests, improper folding, and poor storage conditions can permanently damage even a well-made rug in a surprisingly short amount of time. So, before you pack that rug away in storage, listen to the Arslanian Bros. on how to go about rug storage properly.
Always Clean Before You Store
This is the step most homeowners skip, and it is the most important one. Storing a rug with dirt, dust, or any organic residue trapped in the fibers is an open invitation for moths, beetles, and mildew. Even a rug that looks clean to the naked eye can harbor enough debris to cause serious damage over a long storage period. Professional cleaning before storage removes what vacuuming cannot, setting the stage for safe, long-term preservation.
Roll, Never Fold
Folding a rug creates sharp creases that can permanently damage the foundation and distort the pile. The correct approach is to roll the rug with the pile facing inward around a clean, acid-free tube, which protects the surface and maintains the rug's shape throughout storage. Rolling direction matters too: always roll along the length of the rug, not across it.
Wrap It Properly
Once rolled, the rug should be wrapped in breathable material, never plastic. Plastic traps moisture against the fibers, creating the exact humid conditions that mold and mildew need to thrive. Acid-free paper or a breathable fabric wrap allows the rug to release moisture naturally while keeping dust, light, and pests out.
Where You Store It Matters Just as Much
Basements and attics might seem like natural storage spots, but both tend to experience significant humidity fluctuations and temperature swings that are hard on rug fibers and dyes over time. A climate-controlled environment is the gold standard for rug storage, and it makes a meaningful difference for rugs with sentimental or monetary value.
Let the Professionals Handle It
Arslanian Bros. offers professional rug storage for Cleveland, OH, homeowners who want their rugs properly cleaned, rolled, wrapped, and kept in ideal conditions until they are needed again. We also offer carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and rugs for sale to help you care for every corner of your home. Request service today at (216) 271-6888 and trust your rugs to the team that has been caring for them since 1959.












