How to Store a Rug: A Step-by-Step Guide
Published: 26 September 2026 • 5 min readHere's the short answer on rug storage: have it washed first, let it dry completely, roll it in the direction of the pile without folding, wrap it in a breathable cloth and store it flat, off the floor, in a dry place out of the sun. A rug stored according to these five rules can stay in storage for years without deteriorating. Almost every problem arises when one of these steps is skipped.
A rug looks like the toughest item in the home. People walk on it for years, kids play on it, guests come and go. But when it's stored the wrong way, it's also one of the quickest things to deteriorate. The living room rug put away for the summer, a handwoven Kayseri rug that will wait a year and a half because of urban renewal (earthquake-driven redevelopment), a long runner that doesn't fit in the new home. They all face the same risks: moths, moisture, permanent fold marks and odor.
Why Should You Have Your Rug Washed Before Storing It?
Because a dirty rug deteriorates in storage. The dust, food crumbs and skin flakes that settle deep in a rug are a food source for moths. A dirty wool rug left for months in a closed, dark environment is a ready-made feast for moths. Stains also work their way into the fibers over time and become permanent.
Machine-made rugs can either be sent to a rug cleaning company or washed at home. With handwoven, wool or silk rugs, however, washing at home is risky; the dyes can run and the fringes can get damaged. It's safer to send these rugs to a rug cleaning company experienced with handwoven pieces. Also ask the company whether they apply a moth-repellent treatment during cleaning.
How Dry Should the Rug Be?
Completely. The most common mistake in rug storage is wrapping up and putting away a rug the same day it comes back from cleaning. Even if the surface feels dry, moisture can remain in the backing and the edge stitching. In a closed environment, that moisture turns into mold and that familiar musty smell; once the odor sets in, it's a hassle to get out.
Leave a rug that's just come back from cleaning laid out in a well-ventilated place for a few days. Put your hand on the backing to check it, and look at the base of the fringes. If you have the slightest doubt, wait one more day.
Should You Fold a Rug or Roll It?
Roll it. Folding breaks the yarns along the creases, and when you unfold it months later, it leaves a line across the middle of the rug that won't go away. On densely woven handmade rugs in particular, this mark can be permanent.
Before rolling, find the direction of the pile. Lay the rug on the floor and run your hand over the surface; the direction that feels soft and smooth is the direction of the pile. Roll the rug in this direction, tightly but without crushing it. Rolling against the pile wears the fibers. For large rugs, placing a cardboard or PVC tube in the center keeps the roll from sagging in the middle. Fold the fringes neatly inward; fringes left outside get crushed and tangled during transport.
What Should You Wrap a Rug In?
Something breathable. Wrapping a rolled rug airtight in stretch film or thick plastic may seem like the safest option at first glance, but in long-term storage it traps the moisture inside. A cotton cloth, a clean old bed sheet or a rug bag is a much better choice.
Stretch film can be used to protect the rug from mud and abrasion during transport; if the rug will stay in storage for months, you should remove the film and replace it with a breathable cover. We explain where stretch film helps and where it does harm in our article on how to use stretch film. Secure the roll in a few places with string or tape, but stick the tape to the cover, not directly to the rug.
How Do You Protect a Rug from Moths?
Wool rugs are among moths' favorite surfaces. The first and most effective precaution is cleanliness; moths have a hard time getting a hold on a clean rug. In addition, you can place lavender sachets or a few pieces of cedar inside the roll. Mothballs also work, but their smell gets into the rug and takes a long time to go away. We cover in detail how moths and other pests get to stored belongings in our article on moisture, mold and pests in storage.
How Should a Rug Be Placed in Storage?
Store the roll flat. In a roll standing upright, all the weight rests on the bottom end, and over time that part of the rug loses its shape. Don't put the rug directly on the floor either; a pallet, shelf or low platform protects it from moisture that may come up from the ground. Avoid placing boxes or furniture on top of the roll; a rug that carries weight for months develops permanent dents. Finally, choose a spot out of the sun. Direct light can fade the colors within a few months, especially on rugs with natural dyes.
What to Watch Out for with Handwoven and Silk Rugs
Handwoven and antique rugs are valuable both financially and sentimentally; many are family heirlooms. If possible, wrap them in acid-free paper or a clean cotton cloth and store them in a climate-controlled area. If they'll be stored for a long time, it's a good idea to unroll and air them out every few months. Silk rugs are more sensitive to moisture and light than wool, so these rules need to be followed a little more strictly. For more on storing valuable items, see our article on the importance of storage for antiques.
Should You Store a Rug at Home or in a Storage Facility?
You can store a single rug rolled up on top of a dry wardrobe or under the bed. If you have more than one rug, if there's no dry, sun-free space at home, or if the rugs will wait for months along with the rest of your household goods, a storage facility is safer. Basements and balcony cabinets, on the other hand, are the riskiest places for a rug; moisture is almost unavoidable in both.
At Troy Depo, we can pick up your rugs from your home, pack them and store them in our partner warehouses with climate control and pest control. If you're putting the whole home into storage, we explain the process on our household goods storage page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a rug be stored folded?
It's not recommended. Folding breaks the yarns along the creases and leaves permanent marks. Rolling the rug in the direction of the pile and storing it flat is the right method.
Can a rug be wrapped in plastic for storage?
It can be for short-term transport. But wrapping a rug airtight in plastic when it will stay in storage for months traps moisture inside and increases the risk of mold. For long-term storage, use a breathable material such as a cotton cloth or a rug bag.
Can I put a rug into storage without having it washed?
It's not recommended. Dust and crumbs left in a dirty rug attract moths, and stains become permanent over time. Have the rug washed and pack it only after it's completely dry.
Will a rug get moths in storage?
A clean, dry rug wrapped in a breathable cover has a low risk of moth damage in a storage facility with pest control. The risk mainly arises with dirty or damp rugs and in poorly maintained spaces.
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