Three of the most common threats to a handmade rug have nothing to do with foot traffic: moths, sunlight and poor storage. Each is easy to guard against with a little knowledge and regular attention. This entry explains how moths and carpet beetles damage wool, how sunlight changes a rug's colors, and how to store a rug so that it comes out of storage in the same condition it went in.
| Moths | Larvae eat wool, especially in dark, undisturbed areas |
|---|---|
| Best defense | Regular vacuuming, including under furniture and the back of the rug |
| Sunlight | Fades and softens colors over time; rotate rugs and filter strong sun |
| Storage | Clean, rolled, wrapped in breathable fabric, stored dry and off the floor |
| Never | Store a rug dirty, damp or sealed in plastic |
Moths and carpet beetles
Clothes moths and carpet beetles lay eggs in wool, and their larvae eat the fibers. They prefer dark, quiet, undisturbed places: under sofas and beds, in closets, and in rugs that are rarely walked on or that have been stored. Signs of damage include patches of bare foundation where the pile has been eaten, loose tufts that pull out easily, small silky tubes or webbing, and tiny grains like sand.
- Vacuum regularly, including under furniture and occasionally the back of the rug.
- Move furniture from time to time so no area stays undisturbed for years.
- Check rugs in storage and in quiet rooms every few months.
- Act quickly if you find damage: have the rug professionally cleaned and, if needed, treated, and check other woolens nearby.
Sunlight
Strong, direct sunlight slowly fades the colors of any rug. Natural dyes usually fade gently and evenly, which is part of the mellow beauty of older rugs; uneven fading, where one part of a rug is in the sun and the rest in shade, is more of a problem. Silk is more sensitive to light than wool. See Natural vs. Synthetic Dyes and Abrash.
- Rotate the rug once or twice a year so it fades evenly.
- Filter strong sun with curtains, blinds or UV-filtering window film.
- Choose wisely: in a very sunny room, a rug that already has soft, mellow colors will change least.
Storing a rug
- Clean it first. Have the rug professionally washed before storage; dirt and food attract moths.
- Make sure it is completely dry.
- Roll, don't fold. Roll the rug with the pile facing out, around a tube if possible, to avoid creases and cracking.
- Wrap it in breathable material, such as cotton sheeting or a breathable rug bag. Never seal a rug in plastic, which traps moisture and can lead to mildew.
- Store it dry and off the floor, in a climate-controlled space, not a damp basement or hot attic.
- Check it every few months, and unroll it occasionally to air it.
See also Caring for a Handmade Rug and Normal Wear vs. Damage.
