STORING WOOL & RUGS—Tips From the Professionals Everyone knows that certain insects treatments that cause rug to Wrap. While it’s very commonly damage articles made of wool or be “less palatable” to insect larvae, available, plastic is not appropriate silk (protein fibers) by using the lessening the chances of damage. for storing wool rugs. Wool can fibers as a food source. Clothing Roll. Folding rugs is sometimes sometimes “sweat” during storage, is a very common “prey” for these done for short-term storage, but releasing moisture that is stored -chomping critters, primarily never for longer periods. Folding in the fiber. This moisture needs to because it is often kept in dark, causes stress on the foundation be able to dissipate, so a barrier little-disturbed areas like closets and can lead to weakening of that is semi-permeable is the best and storage containers. these critical elements. alternative. Heavy Kraft paper is suitable for short-term needs, Equally appealing to certain hungry Rugs should be rolled face side in but Tyvek® is a stronger—yet still moths and beetles (actually, the and starting at the bottom. When you breathable—wrapping material. larvae of these insects) are the run your hand over the rug with the Clear wrapping tape works well to various types of wool and silk rugs direction of the , it will take you to seal the loose edges. which have become such common the bottom. Roll the rug from this end. accessories in today’s interiors. Store. A clean, dry storage area Here's how to properly protect and is important. While not always store these rugs. possible, climate-controlled storage prevents extremes in temperature An of Prevention and humidity. Flooding and other Follow these simple steps to help moisture problems can be avoided assure trouble-free storage for rugs. by storing rugs on an elevated Clean. Any rug about to be stored surface. Also, stacking heavy items should be thoroughly cleaned. on top of rugs should be avoided. There is evidence that dirty fibers Inspect. Rugs that are clean, are much more attractive to insect properly wrapped and stored pests. Also, ground-in soils can are in good shape, but must still cause significant damage if left in a be monitored. If possible, rugs rug over long periods of time. should be visually checked at least Treat. It is a good idea to make annually to make sure the wrapping rugs less attractive to pests is secure and that there are no Moth larvae have caused extensive damage to this obvious signs of problems. before they are stored. Most rug wool . The larvae can remain in this care professionals recommend destructive stage for as little as five weeks or as long as two years.

Superior Service, Smart Solutions PAGE 1 COPYRIGHT 2016 Periodically clean areas of a home and to furnish information about that may harbor clothes moths to care and cleaning. Part of our job prevent or control infestation. Those at Fiber-Seal is to stay in touch areas include many seldom-cleaned with trends in the fabric and spots, such as: industries. Because fibers • under heavy pieces of furniture and fabrics are ever-changing, it’s even more important to work with • under the edges of rugs professionals who know the • along baseboards and in cracks and can offer the best possible where and debris accumulate aftercare in both residential and • closets, especially those in which commercial interiors. and are kept Designer's Corner • heaters, the areas behind them, Visit us online today at and vents. www.FiberSeal.com to find the local Service Center nearest you. Also, Remember to get rugs cleaned on a there are dozens of articles written Moth larvae damage on wool Oriental rug regular basis. Those that receive light on everything from Fabrics to moderate traffic should be cleaned Rugs on the Floor Need Special to Flame Retardants. Drop by and at least every 18-24 months. If there Care, Too see all of the FiberFacts and is heavy traffic, the recommendation Rugs that are being stored need Tip publications in Designer’s Corner. is at least once a year. detailed procedures to keep them safe from pests, but so do rugs Will Fabric Protection Help? You can also connect with us on which are in use. Wool and silk rugs can be treated to our social media networks! provide more repellency. But, as is Good housekeeping is important the case with any fabric, a chemical in preventing carpet beetle and alone can’t achieve maximum clothes moth problems. Your results. It requires professionals vacuum cleaner is your best pest close at hand to help with spotting management tool.

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Superior Service, Smart Solutions PAGE 2 COPYRIGHT 2016