Transport & Storage
The Safe Way to Handle Your Rug

Correctly storing and transporting your rug plays a vital roll in preserving its condition. Great care should be taken to assure that your Oriental rug is not damaged. The following guidelines will help you determine the best method to use, and how to use them properly.

Rolling:

Finely Knotted Rugs: If your rug feels hard and leathery to the touch, chances are you have a finely knotted rug. The tightness that you feel is due to the abundant number of knots in the weave. Rugs that are finely knotted do not have enough give to be folded without the likelihood of damage. Rolling is the obvious choice for these types of rugs.

Goat-hair or Wool Rugs: Unlike cotton rugs, Goat-hair and wool rugs do not contract once they have been stretched. Folding rugs in this category may end up warping which can distort your rug's shape. If this happens, there is no way of returning the rug to its original condition. Rolling is the best option for these types of rugs.

Silk Rugs: The delicate rugs in this category can be very easily damaged by folding. A variety of damage including breakage in the warp and weft or pile of your silk rug can ensue. Silk rugs should always be rolled rather than folded.

Antique Rugs: Older rugs are similarly delicate to fine silk rugs. The warp, weft and knots of antique rugs will not return to their original shape if they are stretched. Antique rugs should always be rolled.

How To Roll Your Rug:

Rolling your rug around a wooden rod or heavy-duty cardboard tube is the easiest approach. Ideally, the rod should be at least 2 inches longer than the width of your rug. Once you have found an appropriate tube, roll your rug as follows:

1. Start with the rug laying flat on a surface with the pile facing up. Smooth any creases or folds before you begin rolling.

2. Place the rod on top of the rug starting at the end. For best results, it is suggested that you begin rolling at the end of the rug where weaving began. If you do not know which end was woven first, take a look at the direction of the pile or nap. You can use your hand to feel the texture of the rug. As you run your fingers along the rug towards the rod, the pile should feel soft or velvety to the touch, with the rougher texture apparent as you move your hand away from the rod.

3. Roll the rug tightly around the rod, taking special care to assure that the tension is evenly distributed.

4. Tie the rug with string so that it is bundled firmly, but not so tight as to cut into or cause the rug to become misshapen. You should tie the rug in several places, starting in the middle. Once you have secured the center of the rug, begin again at one end and tie it up in 12 inch intervals.

Exceptions: Thickly piled rugs in any of these categories should be rolled with the pile facing outward to assure that the weave is not crushed during storage and transportation.

Folding:

Smaller rugs, pliable rugs with plenty of give, coarsely woven rugs and extremely large rugs may be folded. Still, there is a proper method to folding your rug to assure that it is not damaged in the process.

How To Fold Your Rug:

1. Start with the rug laying flat on a surface with the pile facing up. Smooth any creases or folds before you begin folding.

2. Fold the rug lengthwise with the pile facing inward. For larger rugs, you may repeat this process until you have reached a manageable size.

3. Finally, fold the rug into quarters.

Exceptions: Thickly piled rugs should be folded with the pile facing outward to assure that the weave is not crushed and the foundation is not unduly strained during storage and transportation.

Storage & Transportation:

Before you store your Oriental rug, it should be completely and thoroughly cleaned and properly dried. To prevent damage from moths, spray the front and back with a fabric-safe moth spray. Roll or fold your rug in accordance to the steps listed above. Wrap your rug in heavy, natural cloth or fabric and tie with a string. Never use plastic if your rug will be stored for a substantial amount of time. Oriental rugs are organic. If they are wrapped in plastic, the living fibers cannot breath. Damage from dry-rot is often the end result. If you intend to transport your Oriental rug for a short distance, a plastic covering may be used.

Store your rug in a softly lit, completely dry, climate controlled place. You should never store your Oriental rug in a garage, basement or attic. Keeping your rug in your home, perhaps in a closet or under the bed, is your best option in preventing damage.

If you are storing more than one rug, it is not advisable to stack them. The weight of the top rugs can cause lasting damage to the underlying ones. Lay the rugs side by side on a flat surface and avoid placing anything on top of them. If you are using a company for long-term storage, you will need to explain how your rugs are to be kept. Most storage facilities are unaware of the special treatment an Oriental rug needs to receive.

Once a year, remove your Oriental rug from storage, lay it flat and allow it to receive natural light for a couple of days. Once the rug has had a chance to breath, inspect it for any damage. If damage is found, attend to it before returning your rug to storage. If your rug remains undamaged, spray it with moth spray, repeat the steps above, and return it to storage.

Expert Advice:

Although properly storing or transporting your Oriental rug seems like a timely endeavor, it is well-worth it. Family heirlooms, rugs of sentimental importance, antique or exquisite rugs are often irreplaceable to their owners. The amount of time, patience, skill and love that goes into the creation of an Oriental rug commands that we treat them with respect and proper care. A rug that has been well maintained only becomes more valuable with time. Taking the steps to assure that your Oriental rug remains in top condition provides you with a legacy that may be passed on for generations to come. If you have any questions concerning the proper storage or transportation of your Oriental rug, please feel free to contact us!