Rugs can instantly tie a room together—but as summer stretches on, bare floors start to look far more appealing. When the weather heats up, many homeowners are tempted to roll up their rugs and stash them away until winter returns.
Easy enough… just roll it up and slide it under the house, right?
Not quite—especially if you want your rug to come out looking as good as it went in. And if you’re the proud owner of an heirloom or a hand-woven piece, such as a Persian rug, correct storage is absolutely essential.
Why Proper Rug Storage Matters
Improper storage can lead to mould growth, fibre damage, insect infestations, and irreversible deterioration—particularly with natural fibres like wool.
Tim Honan from Elite Maintenance Services explains that whether your rug is synthetic, cotton, or wool, following the right process protects its appearance, hygiene, and lifespan.
How to Store Rugs the Right Way
Follow these expert-recommended steps to keep your rugs in excellent condition while they’re not in use:
1. Have Your Rug Professionally Cleaned
Before storage, always arrange professional rug cleaning to remove embedded dirt, bacteria, food residue, and allergens. Storing a dirty rug only locks in contaminants and invites pests.
2. Allow the Rug to Dry Completely
Drying is critical. Synthetic rugs dry relatively quickly—if they feel dry, they usually are. Wool rugs, however, retain moisture deep within the fibres even when the surface feels dry.
For wool rugs, Tim recommends allowing up to two full days for drying to prevent mould, mildew, and fibre rot.
3. Treat for Carpet Bugs
Before storage, arrange professional pest treatment to protect your rug from carpet beetles and moths. Some Elite locations offer combined carpet cleaning and pest protection services—contact your local team to check availability.
4. Roll—Never Fold
Always roll your rug rather than folding it. Folding can permanently crease fibres and cause long-term structural damage, especially in handmade or older rugs.
5. Wrap for Protection
Wrap the rolled rug in a large plastic sheet to protect it from dust, insects, rodents, and moisture. Alternatively, a breathable cotton sheet can be used if plastic isn’t suitable for your storage environment.
6. Store in the Right Environment
Place the rug in a cool, dry area, off the ground and away from direct sunlight. Avoid damp spaces such as basements or areas prone to humidity.
Storage Tip
If your rug will be stored for longer than six months, inspect it periodically for signs of moisture, mould, or insect activity.
Store Smart Now, Enjoy Comfort Later
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy bare floors through summer without worrying about damage—then roll your rug back out when the cooler months return, clean and ready for use.
Need Help Preparing Rugs for Storage?
Elite offers expert rug cleaning and protection services designed to preserve valuable and everyday rugs alike.
- Call Elite on 131 580 to book professional rug cleaning
- Or visit elite.com.au to learn more about our services
- Protect your rugs now—so they’re ready when you need them again
With Elite Maintenance Services, your rugs are in safe hands.
