How to Store a Moroccan Rug Long-Term (Without Ruining Its Magic)

Moroccan Rugs Beni Ourain, Azilal, Boucherouite & More are hand woven works of art. Both their soft wool, with bold patterns, and their plush pile are worth museum-level care particularly when you won’t have them on display for a little bit. Here is an easy, step-by-step Moroccan rug storage guide on how to store a Moroccan rug long-term so it stays clean.

1) Begin with a Clean Slate: Prepare Before You Pack

Fiber-breaking dirt and grit accumulates in the rug over time, so start with a good cleaning. When vacuuming, use suction only and work from the middle out, not across the carpet, in order to prevent pilings. If the rug requires more than a light wipe-down, consider a professional cleaning by someone specializing in rugs especially for older dyes or lanolin-rich Berber wools. Pull the rug out from storage in spring, and it should be mold- and dye-migration free.

Purchase the rug in the photo here.

2) Defend Against Moths the Smart Way

Clothes moths love undisturbed wool in dark places. Reduce risk by storing only a clean, dry rug and inspecting it every few months. Natural deterrents like cedar can help, but they’re not a cure-all; rotate or air the rug periodically to disrupt any hidden larvae.

Note: avoid mothballs the odor is persistent and chemicals can be harsh on natural fibers.

3) Roll, Don’t Fold

Folding can create creases that are hard to smooth out. Roll the pile-in of rug, beginning from the short side, so that the face is covered inside. Long rugs should be rolled tightly around a rigid, acid-free tube to maintain an even roll and minimize pressure on the foundation. Slip the roll on snugly but not too tightly.
Purchase the rug in the photo here.

4) Try Archival Wrapping (Skip the Plastic)

Plastic is moisture retentive and will cause condensation, odor and fiber breakdown. Instead, pack the rolled rug in breathable materials: unbuffered, acid-free tissue as an inner wrap and a cotton muslin or Tyvek outer covering. Tie at sides with cotton twill tape not sticky adhesive tape.

5) Choose a Climate-Controlled Spot

The enemy is that change in temperature and humidity. Shoot for cool and dry: 18–21°C, RH at or around 45–55%. Keep away from basements, attics, exterior walls and areas near heaters, radiators or sunlit windows. Lift the roll onto a shelf or pallet so it is off the floor and kept away from possible leaks, pests.

6) Label and Store Horizontally Moroccan rug storage

Add a tag that lists the size of the Moroccan rug storage, its style and the date it was stored. Store horizontally so as not to have any overhang causing a wobbly roll; and if you need to store the roll vertically, make sure the core is firm and reposition the roll every now and then so it doesn’t begin to lean under pressure.

7) Easy Workarounds for Common Problems

Creases after storage: Flatten the rug pile side down to allow the corners and edges to relax after rolling. Apply light copious moisture with a clean cotton sheet and a warm not hot steam iron held just above the surface; never press directly or over-wet.

Smell: Musty Air in a shaded, windy location. On-going smell could indicate hidden moisture stop and contact the carpe stain professional.

Waviness or curl: Immediately reverse-roll (pile out) for a few minutes, then unroll and lay flat.

8) Don’ts to Remember

Purchase the rug in the photo here.
Never put away a dirty or damp rug.

Don’t improvise with plastic wrap or trash bags as long-term covers.

Do not put heavy objects on top of the rolled Moroccan rug storage.

Don’t rely on chemical mothballs.
See how neutral rugs can still make a statement in Architectural Digest’s neutral rug ideas.