Hand tufted rugs are beautiful additions to any home. With their plush piles and vibrant designs, they bring warmth and style to living spaces. However, keeping them looking their best requires some care and maintenance. One of the most important things you can do for a hand tufted rug is fold it properly for storage or moving. Folding it correctly keeps the rug in good condition so it lasts for years. As a professional custom tufted rugs manufacturer, I will share a guide to fold your hand tufted rugs.
Why Proper Folding Matters
When a hand tufted rug gets folded incorrectly, it can lead to damage. The piles can get crushed or develop permanent creases. The backing can also weaken or tear if the folds are too tight. Additionally, folding against the nap leads to extensive wear over time.
By folding a hand tufted rug properly, you protect its condition. The right techniques prevent damage to the piles, backing, and overall look of the rug. Proper folding keeps the texture smooth, the fibers upright, and the entire rug neat. It also avoids stresses that can shorten the lifespan of these rugs.
In short, learning how to fold a hand tufted rug allows you to safely put it away without causing harm. The steps protect both the rug’s appearance and structure. So you can unfold it later on looking fabulous as ever.
Prepare the Rug for Folding
Before starting the actual fold, you need to get the hand tufted rug ready:
- Clear an open, clean floor area at least 1.5 times the size of the rug. This gives you ample room to work.
- Vacuum the rug thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, pet hair, etc. Built-up grit on the fibers can scratch or soil the rug when folded.
- Inspect for existing wear, flaws, or damage issues. Make notes so nothing gets worse during folding.
- Determine pile direction by lightly running your hand across to feel which way is smooth.
With prep work done, it’s time to learn the technique for a proper hand tufted rug fold.
How to Fold a Hand Tufted Rug
Folding a hand tufted rug for storage doesn’t require origami-level skills. But you do need to exercise care not to bend the rug too sharply. Steady hands help as well to keep the folding neat and even.
Below are the step-by-step instructions for smoothly and safely folding a hand tufted rug:
Step 1: Turn the Rug Over
Place the hand tufted rug front-side down on your cleared floor space. The backing of the rug should now be facing up.
This prevents the vulnerable piles from damage during the folding process. With the backing up, you fold the rug in a pile-safe manner.
Step 2: Fold in Half Lengthwise
With the hand tufted rug backing-side up, fold one half over onto the other. Smooth gently to create an even crease down the center along the length.
Avoid pressing too hard, as hand tufted rugs have a fabric backing which can tear under excess pressure. Make sure the halves sit squarely on top of each other.
Step 3: Fold in Half Widthwise
Take the open ends and fold one over the other, with the first lengthwise fold sitting in the middle. Once again, go slowly and apply gentle pressure only.
You now have the hand tufted rug folded into even quarters with pile side facing inward. This protects the delicate tufted design from damage while stored.
Optional: Roll Up the Folded Rug
For extra protection during a move, add a final roll-up step:
- Start at one end of the folded hand tufted rug keeping backing side out.
- Roll smoothly and evenly, without pulling too tight. Use hands to guide rather than push.
- When fully rolled, wrap rope, twine or fabric ties around the center. Secure loosely enough not to dent or compress the roll.
- Store upright resting on end if possible to avoid flattening of piles.
If you have a hand tufted rug pad, store the rolled rug sitting atop it for cushioning and elevation.
Unfolding Tips for Hand Tufted Rugs
After proper storage folding, it’s finally time to lay out that favorite hand tufted rug again. When unfolding, follow these guidelines:
- Unroll if previously rolled up then untie or cut binding ties.
- Carefully lift and unfold widthwise to reveal original lengthwise fold.
- Flip over lengthwise to unfold and reveal rug backing.
- Flip entire rug over once more to top-side up position.
Go slowly during each step to prevent fibers from catching or pulling out of place. Fluff piles gently with fingers once fully unfolded.
For stubborn creases, try steaming them out rather than pressing down. Contact a professional rug cleaner for assistance if significant damage occurred anyway during storage.
With a routine of proper folding methods plus patient unfolding, hand tufted rugs thrive for years of enjoyment. Just be sure to give them the care they require in handling and maintenance.
More Hand Tufted Rug Care Tips
Beyond learning how to properly fold a hand tufted rug, here are some other care recommendations:
- Rotate every 3-6 months to evenly distribute wear in high traffic areas
- Shake out outdoor rugs frequently to get rid of collected dirt
- Clean spills ASAP by blotting gently towards center
- Professionally clean every 1-2 years to revitalize colors/textures
- Consider adding a rug pad for floor protection and slip resistance
Hand tufted rugs cost more than mass-produced types, so preserving their beauty and quality makes sense. With regular vacuuming plus careful folding/unfolding, they deliver lasting luxury underfoot for decades to come.