Are you thinking a house without a carpet is less welcoming and looks barer? We believe it too! It is the most popular and appreciated furnishing accessory all over the world. They can furnish a room, give it character and color and improve its aesthetics. But if we have to leave perhaps for the summer holidays, how should we keep the carpet? Surely a clean and shiny carpet does not go unnoticed in the halls and rooms of our homes.
The care of carpets is essential for long-term use. So whether you want to store your rug or carpet or want to use it in your home, it is vital to take care of it to prevent its fabric from being damaged. Here is a short guide with all the most important tips for carpet cleaning and preparing it for long-term storage!
CARPET CLEANING TIPS FOR STORAGE
- Vacuum
Wool, silk, cotton, or synthetic, whatever the material, the rugs have one element in common. They collect dust, pet hair, and any other residues brought from outside. For this reason, it is advisable to clean them carefully with a vacuum cleaner. It is necessary to brush the upper part (the one where the dust settles between the fibers) and the one in contact with the floor. These hygiene habits ensure effective dust removal and prevent dirt from setting on fabrics.
- Wash
There are different washes based on the material:
Wool rugs should be dry cleaned or washed in water following the right precautions. After vacuuming, let the carpet soak in cold soapy water and scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Finally, let it dry in the sun, on a smooth surface, and vice versa.
Silk rugs are very delicate, which is why it is advisable to clean them with a vacuum cleaner. And if necessary, disinfect them with baking soda, leave them to act for about an hour and then remove them.
Vegetable fiber rugs, such as cotton, can be sanitized with a simple soap and water solution and left to dry outdoors.
Finally, the synthetics should be wiped with baking soda, which must act for an hour and then be removed with the vacuum cleaner.
- Steam cleaning
If the stains or dirt has stuck to the carpet surface, your best bet is to use a steam cleaner. Only lukewarm water is needed (without the addition of detergents) to remove even the most stubborn dirt from carpet fibers. First, run the steam mop over the carpet and remove any surface dirt. At this point, spray hot water on the stained areas to pre-treat the area, soften the dirt and make it easier to remove. Leave it on for a few minutes. Take out the tank and fill it with hot water. Connect the cleaner to the electrical outlet, wait for the water to reach the right temperature, press the button, and sanitize!
The most common mistakes
It’s easy to make mistakes when cleaning carpets. Here are which ones to avoid:
- Slam the carpets out the window.
- Use stain removers, often too aggressive.
- Put them in the washing machine.
All these processes ruin the knots of carpets, especially those in wool.
How to store a carpet?
Keep your carpet rolled up, preferably in a cool and dry place, avoiding cellars and attics if possible because harmful insects are often present in these environments. Since the rugs are made of natural materials and without treatments, the risk of attack by dangerous insects increases. Also, avoid exposing the rugs to direct sunlight, which could fade them.
Roll the rug gently and with the fleece inside, preferably around a paper tube, so that no wrinkles form. Add mothballs for extra protection. Then tie some tape around the carpet so it doesn’t unwind and pack it well, preferably placing it in carpet storage bags and seal the ends with tape. Take it out at least every three months to unroll and vacuum. You should also carefully check that no insects have damaged the fleece and renew the mothballs that lose their effectiveness over time.
It is important to remember that the carpet should never be damp or wet before rolling it up for storage. Also, remember to keep the carpet standing. Otherwise, it will lose its shape. If you have to store the carpet in a cellar, remember not to place it directly on the concrete floor, which can be damp. Place a few wooden boards under the rug to lift it.
How to store carpet in the summer?
The best way to store the rug during your summer trip is to leave it where it usually is. A spread carpet is not attackable by moths, and we will also avoid storing the carpet in a place that is too humid or too hot.
A second option is to roll up the carpet, perhaps roll it around a cardboard tube to avoid creases, and finally wrap it in a sheet of newspaper. Avoid cellophane and bags that would not let the carpet breathe. We can also roll it up by adding perforated mothballs or camphor sachets. After that kept in the carpet storage bag.
Choose the best carpet storage bags.
At Britwrap, we have industrial-quality rugs and carpet storage bags. They can provide complete protection from dust, damage, and moisture. Our protective and reusable carpet storage bags come in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. Are you considering viewing our collection? Feel free to visit our website or call us at 0151 934 1250 to get more information.
