It’s that time of year again when the leaves fall from the trees and the cold winter air starts to move in. As you prepare your home for the winter months, don’t forget about your outdoor rug.
Before you pack away your outdoor rug for the winter, make sure you store it properly so it’s in good condition when you pull it out again next year. But, do you know how to store your outdoor rug for winter?
Well, this article will tell you everything you need to know about storing your outdoor rug for the winter months. Let’s begin…
Simple And Proper Way Of Storing Your Outdoor Rug For Winter
Outdoor rugs are a great way to add a touch of style and comfort to your patio, deck, or porch. But, when the cold winter months come, you need to store your outdoor rug properly to keep it in good condition.
Now, I’ll walk you through the process of storing an outdoor rug for the winter in detail:
1. Remove The Dust Thoroughly
The first step in storing your outdoor rug is to remove the dust, dirt, and debris that have accumulated on it over the course of the year. A good vacuuming will do the trick. If your rug is particularly dirty,
However, some vacuum’s beater bar can harm the surface of the rug some rug is sensitive to high suction. In this case, you can try using a leaf blower to remove the debris from your rug.
2. Clean Or Wash The Rug Carefully
After you’ve removed the surface dirt, you’ll want to give your rug a good cleaning. It’s obligatory to wash and clean your rug if you want to store it for winter. You can do this by hand using a hose, or you can take it to a professional rug cleaner.
If it’s small enough, you can take it outside and hose it down. You can also use detergent and a scrub brush to clean it by hand. Just make sure you rinse it thoroughly afterward so the detergent doesn’t damage the fibers of your rug.
If you don’t have enough time or confidence to do it yourself, you might want to hire a professional rug cleaner for larger carpets. And, the golden rule is to always check the manufacturer’s instructions for tips on the best way to clean your particular type of outdoor rug. Cleaning a bamboo rug, for example, is different than cleaning a wool rug.
3. Dry The Rug Completely
Drying a carpet properly is as important as cleaning it. If you don’t let your rug dry completely, mold and mildew can start to grow on it, and that’s the last thing you want. The best way to dry your rug is to lay it out in the sun. Make sure you flip the rug over a few times so both sides dry evenly if a clothesline is not available.
If it’s too cold or wet outside, you can also dry it indoors. Just make sure you have enough space and that the area is well-ventilated so your rug doesn’t mildew. Just remember, if you store the carpet without drying it first, it will become a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
4. Roll The Rug Up Properly (Avoid Folding)
Once your rug is completely dry, it’s time to roll it up for storage. Never fold your rug because this can damage the fibers and cause creases. Instead, roll it up loosely and store it in a cool, dry place. While rolling, you have to keep the delicate side of the rolled outdoor rug inside, so that it doesn’t get damaged.
For rolling it without any hassle, you can use a curtain rod or PVC pipe. This will make it easier to carry and store.
You can also wrap your rug in cotton sheets to protect it from getting dusty while it’s in storage. Finally, use polyurethane wrap to cover the outside of the rug for extra protection. Use twill tape to secure the wrap in place. However, you should avoid plastic wrap especially for a wool rug because it won’t let the rug breathe.
5. Store The Rug In A Cool, Dry Place
Now that your rug is rolled up and wrapped, it’s time to find a storage spot for it. The best place to store an outdoor rug is in a cool, dry place like a basement or closet. If you don’t have any indoor storage space, you can also store it in a shed or garage.
Just make sure the space is clean and free of pests like mice and insects. You don’t want your rug to get damaged while it’s in storage. Also, don’t put other storage items on top of your rug as this can damage the fibers. Storing under direct sunlight can also damage the color of your outdoor rug.
However, you should inspect the rug’s condition each month to check if there is any pest damage or if the rug needs to be rewashed.
Final Words
Now that you know how to store your outdoor rug for winter, it’s time to get started so your rug is ready to use when the weather starts warming up again.
By following these simple steps, you can rest assured that your rug will be in good condition when the time comes to take it out of storage and put it back into use. If you have any questions regarding the storage process, feel free to leave a comment below and we’ll be happy to help.
This is Autem Decker. Main Author of ‘TheHomeDigs‘. You may not find her on the list of top 10 contemporary Canadian interior designers, but everyone who knows her says she was born to be an interior designer.
She makes her plan in her head and draws them in her years-old diary with a note in the corner. The way she plays with color and shape amazes us.
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