While Australian climates often allow year-round outdoor living, there are situations when storing your outdoor rug makes sense. Extended wet seasons, major renovations, temporary relocations, or simply giving your rug a break from constant sun exposure are all valid reasons to bring your rug into storage. Proper storage techniques protect your investment and ensure your rug emerges ready for use when needed.
When to Consider Storage
Not every outdoor rug requires off-season storage. Quality rugs designed for your specific climate can often remain outdoors year-round with appropriate care. However, certain circumstances make storage the wiser choice.
Extended wet seasons, particularly in tropical regions, subject rugs to constant moisture that even the best materials struggle to withstand. If your area experiences weeks of continuous rain, temporary storage prevents mould and mildew damage.
Renovations or landscaping projects that will disturb your outdoor area warrant rug storage. Paint splatter, construction debris, and heavy equipment can permanently damage rugs left in place.
If you travel extensively or have a holiday home used only seasonally, storing the rug during vacant periods reduces unnecessary weather exposure and wear.
Preparing Your Rug for Storage
Proper preparation is essential for successful storage. A rug stored dirty or damp will emerge in worse condition than when it went in, potentially ruined beyond use.
Begin with thorough cleaning. Shake or vacuum the rug to remove loose debris. Then wash with mild detergent and water, scrubbing gently to remove ground-in dirt. Rinse completely to remove all soap residue, which can attract pests and cause deterioration during storage.
Drying completely is the most critical preparation step. Any moisture remaining in the rug will encourage mould growth during storage. Allow the rug to dry in full sun for at least one to two days, flipping it to ensure both sides dry thoroughly. The rug should feel completely dry throughout its thickness, not just on the surface.
Rolling and Wrapping Techniques
Always roll outdoor rugs for storage rather than folding them. Folding creates permanent creases that may never flatten completely. The stress on fibres at fold points can cause cracking and weakness.
Roll the rug with the pile facing inward to protect the visible surface. For reversible rugs, choose which side you want protected and roll that side inward. Roll tightly enough to prevent the rug from unrolling but not so tight that you compress the fibres.
Secure the rolled rug with fabric ties or cotton rope at several points along its length. Avoid rubber bands or plastic ties that can leave marks or degrade onto the rug surface over time.
Wrapping provides additional protection. Breathable materials like cotton sheets or canvas tarps allow air circulation while protecting from dust and pests. Avoid plastic wrapping, which traps moisture and creates conditions for mould growth.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
Where you store your rug matters as much as how you prepare it. The ideal storage location is dry, cool, dark, and well-ventilated.
Indoor locations generally outperform garages or sheds. Climate-controlled spaces eliminate concerns about temperature extremes and humidity fluctuations. If indoor storage is not possible, choose the driest and most temperature-stable location available.
Elevate your rolled rug off the floor using pallets, shelving, or sawhorses. Floor contact increases moisture exposure and provides easier access for pests. Avoid storing directly against exterior walls, which can transfer moisture during temperature changes.
Keep stored rugs away from chemicals, paints, and solvents that can off-gas onto fabrics. Avoid areas where pest infestations are common or where rodents might nest.
Pest Prevention
Moths, silverfish, and rodents can all damage stored rugs. Synthetic outdoor rugs are less appealing to moths than natural fibres but are not immune to pest damage.
Thorough cleaning before storage removes organic matter that attracts pests. Natural pest deterrents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets placed near (not directly on) the stored rug help discourage insect activity.
Check stored rugs periodically, approximately monthly, for signs of pest activity. Look for droppings, webbing, or damage to the wrapping material. Early detection allows intervention before significant damage occurs.
Bringing Your Rug Out of Storage
When you are ready to use your rug again, resist the urge to rush. Proper reactivation ensures your rug performs well after its storage period.
Unroll the rug outdoors in a clean area. Allow it to relax flat for at least 24 hours before placing furniture on it. Any slight creases from rolling will typically flatten during this period.
Vacuum both sides thoroughly to remove dust accumulated during storage. Inspect the rug carefully for any signs of damage, mould, or pest activity that may have occurred despite your precautions.
If the rug has developed a musty odour, sun exposure and fresh air will usually eliminate it within a day or two. Persistent odours may indicate mould growth requiring treatment before use.
With proper preparation, storage, and reactivation, your outdoor rug can be stored and retrieved repeatedly throughout its lifespan, protecting your investment during periods when outdoor use is impractical or impossible.