Preparing your rug to be shipped can be difficult if you are moving to a new home or sending a gift.You want your rug to be properly packaged and protected, but may not be sure how to deal with its awkward size or fragile fabric.After you clean your rug, fold and roll it to a size that will fit in your container.Your rug will arrive safe and sound with the right precautions.
Step 1: Determine the direction of the rug pile.
The pile is the fibers of your rug.Feel which direction the majority of them run in as you run your hands over them.Keep the final shipping costs to a minimum by getting a tighter, smaller roll.The pile may run in the opposite direction.This shouldn't affect how you roll your rug.The majority of the fibers lean in one direction.
Step 2: A cotton sheet or acid-free paper can be laid across the pile.
The acid-free paper will prevent the rug from getting hot.To achieve the same effect with a cotton sheet, spread a wrap over the cotton, taping it tightly at the ends of the sheet.You can find cotton or polyester twill tape at craft stores.Along the width of the rug, leave an additional 2 feet of paper or sheet.You should wash the sheet before you use it again.Plastic can be used to roll your rug.There are small insects that can damage your carpet if they are attracted to plastic.
Step 3: Place your rug in thirds.
A third of the way across the rug should be drawn in towards the center.The rug will be folded into 3 layers if you do the same with the other side.The top and bottom of the rug should be folded towards the middle so that the ends are not touching.Allow the rug to fall where it wants during the folding process.If you hear cracking or popping, stop folding immediately.A good fold will make it easier to ship your rug.
Step 4: Roll up your rug.
You folded over at the bottom portion.If you can, roll up your rug against the grain.Wrap the extra 2 feet around the outside of the roll.If you want the straightest roll, lay a rod or wooden dowel along the length of the rug.
Step 5: Tie twine around the rug to hold it in place.
Tie a piece near the top and bottom of the roll for added security.A strong thread is also possible.
Step 6: Measure and weigh your rug.
To find the length, width, height, and diameter, use a tape measure.To compensate for the size of packaging materials, add 3 to 4 inches of extra length and width to your measurements.Stand on a scale with a rug.To get the weight of the rug by itself, subtract your own weight from it.If you weigh 150 pounds, but you only weigh 135, then the rug weighs 15 pounds.34 pound per square foot is the weight you can estimate by.When talking to shipping companies and figuring out what kind of packaging you need, you should have these measurements.
Step 7: There is cotton padding on the ends.
It is important to pad the ends of rugs to prevent damage.The extra padding needs to be secured with painter's tape.Newspaper can bleed into the fibers if it gets wet, so don't use it to pad your rug.
Step 8: The rug should be put into a plastic sleeve.
The rug will be protected until it gets to its destination.If you want to discourage insect pests, tape down the rolled rug with blue painters tape.
Step 9: The rug should be placed in the container.
Shipping companies recommend sending rolled fabrics in corrugated boxes for the best protection, which you can find at shipping and packaging stores as well as at the post office.If you use a shipping company that specializes in rugs and fabrics, they can recommend the best container to use.If you are buying a box and shipping it yourself, make sure the box fits the dimensions of your rug.
Step 10: Call a shipping company.
Ask friends or family members to recommend shipping companies that have shipped rugs.Ask the rug or carpet retailer if they can recommend a shipper.You can check for reviews on the internet.Look for companies that give written estimates, have verified credentials, and don't require a deposit over 20% of the package cost.
Step 11: There are special cleaning instructions on the carpet's labels.
It is good to check the rug's tag or care instructions for any specific cleaning products to avoid, as most area rugs can be cleaned with the same basic procedure.Check on rugs that are woven or braided, handmade, antique or oriental, or made of natural fibers.
Step 12: The rug should be taken to a professional cleaning service.
Call a professional carpet cleaning service if you have doubts about cleaning your rug.You can either pay for a deep cleaning of the carpet or ask for advice on how to clean it yourself.
Step 13: Dust can be removed with a vacuum.
The regular powerhead should work on a typical area rug.Check your rug's care instructions or use the small brush attachment if you're not sure.If you have a rug that is reversed, you should vacuum on both sides.
Step 14: Dust can be brushed or wiped out.
If you have pet hair in your rug, use a stiff brush to remove it.If your rug is small, shake it to get rid of any last dust or dirt.
Step 15: Put your carpet cleaning solution to the test.
Buy a rug cleaner that is specific to your rug.Use a sponge to rub the cleaner on a small corner of the rug.If you want to make sure there is no color or fiber damage, sit it for a few hours.If you use hot water in your cleaning solution, it could shrink your rug's fibers or cause its colors to fade.
Step 16: You can wash your rug outside.
When you make sure your cleaner is safe to use on your rug, use a sponge to lather it deep into the rug.The best place to do this is in the backyard.The solution should be put into the rug as per the instructions of the cleaner.Before you clean your rug, make sure you check the weather forecast.You want 3-4 days without rain to give your rug time to dry.
Step 17: Take a garden hose and wash your rug.
You need to completely hose off the suds.You can wring out as much water as you can by running a squeegee over the rug.You can squeeze it hard if you let it sit outside and air dry.The drying process can take more than a day or two.When you have a clean rug at the end, it will be worth it.If the forecast predicts rain before your rug is dry, simply move it to the driest, sunniest room in your house and let it sit until it's dry.
Step 18: The fibers need to be straightened one more time.
Give your rug to the last person to clean it.The fibers are bent a bit from the washing.