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5 Steps to Store Your Offseason Rugs

By Axel October 21, 2022

5 Steps to Store Your Offseason Rugs

Storing your off-season rugs requires a few steps to preserve the integrity of the rug. Rugs can lose their shape, attract pests, and succumb to the elements if not properly stored for the winter. Although most outdoor rugs are designed to handle the elements, they still need to be stored properly to prevent damage. If you follow these steps below, your rugs should be safely stored this winter and ready for you to use again next spring and summer. Here are 5 steps to store your off-season rugs…

1. Clean your rugs before you store them

Cleaning your off-season rugs before placing them into storage is a critical step. This step will remove any harmful odors, dirt, and debris from getting embedded in the fibers of your rug. Cleaning will also eliminate any pest eggs that could hatch in storage. Note: Check out our Ultimate Guide to cleaning rugs for tips on how to address stains and the general maintenance of your rugs. Before storing your offseason rugs, you need to:

Vacuum both sides to eliminate dirt, debris, and pest eggs that may be present
Wash your rug in the washing machine if applicable (Washable Rugs)
Scrub any stains or lingering dirt with a sponge and mild detergent

2. Prevent moths, insects, and other pests

Moths and other insects can still damage durable rugs. Before storing your off-season rugs, you should treat them with insect or moth repellent. Your local hardware store should have some insect and pest-repellent options that are safe for fabric. If you are interested in using an environmentally friendly moth repellent on your stored off-season rugs, we suggest using natural cedar or peppermint scents.

3. Tightly roll your rug for storage

It is important that you never fold your rug because it can cause permanent creasing, cracking, and other damage to the fibers and weave. Instead, you should tightly roll your offseason rugs with the pile, or fibers, facing inward. Synthetic fibers can still be damaged in storage, which is why you want to roll these rugs with the fibers facing inwards. It can be helpful to use a dowel rod or other type of round rod to help you roll your rug tightly. Just remove whatever you use before you place your off-season rug into storage.

4. Wrap your offseason rug in a protective fabric

Wrapping your off-season rug in a protective fabric before storing will help prevent damage to the rub by keeping bugs, dirt, and pests away. An old cotton sheet or similar type of breathable fabric will work best. Simply wrap your rug in the fabric twice for added protection.

5. Store your offseason rug off the ground in a cool, dry environment

It is important that you store your rug in an elevated position off the ground. Never place a stored rug directly on the floor because it will leave it susceptible to moisture and pests. It is also important not to place anything on top of your rug in storage. This will allow your rug to keep its shape and not be crushed under the weight of another object. Make sure you store your off-season rug in a cool, dry environment that lacks natural light. Moisture and heat can damage your rug. So can exposure to natural sunlight.

Final Tip:

If you are having trouble finding space to store your off-season rugs this winter, you should consider bringing your outdoor rugs indoors. An outdoor rug works well in a mud room, garage, kitchen, screened porch, and many other areas of your home. Just be sure to follow the cleaning procedure outlined in step 1 to make sure you don’t invite any dirt, debris, or unwanted pests inside. With over 100,000 rugs in our inventory, Rugs.com has a rug to match any style. If you have any questions about storing your offseason rugs, contact customer service available 24/7 today!

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5 Steps to Store Your Offseason Rugs