To store extra carpet properly, the key is to protect it from damage, pests, and environmental factors. Based on best practices, here's a simple guide to preserving your leftover carpet pieces.
The most effective way to store extra carpet is to roll it up carefully, protect it from pests, secure it, and then wrap it in plastic for sealing.
Preparing Your Carpet for Storage
Before storing, ensure the carpet piece is clean and dry. Any moisture can lead to mold or mildew. Once clean and dry, follow these steps:
- Roll It Up: Gently roll up the carpet, pile inwards. This helps protect the fibers and prevents permanent creasing.
- Use a Core: Ideally, roll the carpet onto a cardboard tube. This cylindrical support helps maintain the carpet's shape and avoids potential creases that can form when stored flat or rolled tightly without a core.
- Add Pest Protection: To protect against common pests like moths, lay a few mothballs within the layers as you roll the carpet or place them strategically before wrapping. This provides extra protection against pests.
Securing and Protecting the Roll
Once rolled and protected internally, you need to secure the roll and shield it from external elements.
- Secure the Roll: Tie a couple of straps around the carpet roll. This is crucial so that it doesn't unroll during handling or storage, keeping it compact and manageable.
- Wrap for Protection: Pack the carpet well, ideally in a couple of large plastic bags. Using two bags provides an extra layer of defense against moisture, dust, and insects.
- Seal It Tight: Seal the ends well with tape. This creates a barrier, preventing pests and humidity from reaching the carpet inside the plastic packaging.
By following these steps, your extra carpet can be safely stored, ready for future use, patching, or repurposing. Store the secured and sealed roll in a dry, climate-controlled area away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
