The best method of long-term storage for an oriental rug is to roll it tightly and evenly and store it in a cool, dry, and dark place. This will help to prevent pests, fading, and moisture damage.
Why Store an Oriental Rug?
- Wool rugs are susceptible to moth infestation. A wool rug that is undisturbed for a sufficient length of time will develop moth damage, guaranteed.
- The amount of time required for infestation will vary, but a good rule of thumb is ten months undisturbed from the last thorough cleaning.
- Preventing moth damage, however, is extremely easy. Simply walking on the rug is sufficient, or vacuuming it regularly. Keep in mind, however, that this refers to the entire rug. If portion of the rug remains undisturbed, such as under a bed, for example, the rug will remain susceptible to infestation.
- If you know in advance that a some portion of avaluable rug will be entirely undisturbed for a long period of time, you should consider preparing it for long-term storage.
Prepare the Rug
- Remove the rug from its location in your home and vacuum the rug carefully on both sides. (Here's more information.)
- Carefully inspect the rug for moths. The biggest mistake you can make is to store a rug with moths embedded in the pile.
- If you find evidence of moths, have the rug professionally cleaned.
- Roll the rug lengthwise tightly and evenly. This will help to minimize wrinkling or creasing.
Prepare the Packaging
- Strictly speaking, it is not necessary to wrap an oriental rug if the remainder of the storage conditions are favorable. including regular review. In other cases...
- Wrap the rug in a clean white sheet or acid-free paper. Secure the ends carefully, ensuring that nothing can get in at the ends. Inspect the wrapping for holes and cover or repair them if necessary.
- Avoid using plastic. if you must, be sure to wrap the rug in a low-moisture environment so that excess ambient moisture is not trapped inside the roll with the rug. Cotton, which serves as the foundation for most oriental rugs, is susceptible to moisture, which can weaken or rot it over long periods of time.
- You can use Tyvek, which is designed to breathe will keeping moisture out.
Storage
- Store the rug in a cool, dry, dark location. This will help to prevent any fading or moisture damage.
- Avoid storing the rug on a concrete floor.
- Freezing temperatures need not be avoided. This can help ensure that any pests that remain in the rug are killed.
- Check on the run regularly.