Expert: Jahann and Sons Persian Rugs - 9/30/2007

Question
Have a very old wool/and or silk oriental rug.  been in the family since I was a child.  50 years or better.
I have steam cleaned it and have it rolled up in the corner of my room.  Would like to store it properly for use later.  What should I do and where best to store it.
Thanks
Laurie

Answer
Hi Laurie,
Thanks for your question.  You know, if your rug has survived a steam cleaning, the chances are 99.9% that is is wool and not silk.  Just as an FYI, silk rugs don't take well to steam cleaning.  But anyway, that is a different question.  So, for storage, the best thing to do with a carpet that you don't want to use for a while is to loan it to someone that will keep it open in a home and vacuumed regularly....this is the best way to prevent moth damage. If you don't have a friend with bare floors, then the next best thing is to roll it up with a hefty amount of moth flakes and wrap the rug up in heavy duty trash bags and shipping tape. Every three months or so, unwrap the rug, vacuum it and replenish the moth flakes (they evaporate). Store your rug in a cool place (pick the basement over the attic) because moths thrive in the heat. Storage Units are a bad idea for wool rugs, as those places are crawling with moths, especially the ones that aren't climate controlled.  If you place your rug in a basement, be sure to elevate it off of the floor with a wooden crate or something.  Concrete basement floors have a lot of moisture in them that is bad for the rug.  Just don't forget about your rug.  Be sure to open it and vacuum it every couple of months and add more moth balls, so you are not met with an unpleasant surprise when you are ready to use it.  The moth ball smell eventually goes away, I promise.  I think that is about it.  Please let me know if I can help with anything else.
Best, Katie (ruglady@jahannandsons.com)