Yes, You Can Wash Outdoor Rugs – Here's What to Know

Patios and gardens can appear better with outdoor rugs, but for them to look good and survive a long time, they must be cleaned frequently. You already have items at home that you can use to easily clean them, which is fantastic news.

Any outdoor living room may be made more attractive with inexpensive, low-maintenance outdoor rugs. However, outdoor carpets are susceptible to grime development over time if they are maintained.

Most individuals who organize a playdate, garden party, or BBQ in their backyards remember to clean the tables and chairs. But it's likely that nobody notices your vibrant rug. Outdoor carpets, rugs, and mats gather allergies, bugs, and debris that is simple to bring inside. Fortunately, most outdoor rugs are made to resist weather conditions, so your guests might not even notice. Even so, any persistent stains, footprints, or tree debris will let you know when it's time to give your outdoor mats and carpets a thorough cleaning.

To clean an outdoor rug, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Get Rid of the Mud:

Shake well your mat or rug and put on gloves and a dust mask. Take up the rug and place it on a patch of grass or an open area where it's acceptable for dust to fall. Shake it a few times to get the dirt out if the size allows. You can drape it over an outdoor fence or railing if the rug's fibres are tightly linked or if it is just too big to handle. Using a brush or broom, remove any debris from the surface by hand or by knocking it loose.

Step 2: Vacuum the Rug:

Even after shaking the outdoor rug, there will still be a thin layer of dust. Vacuum both sides of the item. Even though battery-operated or handheld vacuums are handy, the best suction is necessary to remove stubborn dirt or deep stains. For a thorough cleaning, think about utilizing a wet/dry vacuum, depending on the type of your rug. Use the handheld rods and turbo brushes on your interior vacuum outside to remove pet hair and stains.

Step 3: Give the rug a rinse:

You should rinse your rug if it is made of washable materials (for directions, see the care label). Plastic-made rugs are simple to clean with a hose. So that the water can drain fast, do this in an inclined area like the yard or driveway.

Step 4: Make a lather and scrub gently:

Outdoor rugs can benefit immensely from a light cleaning, just like your interior rug. To ensure that soaps won't harm the materials, first review the care instructions. If the tag is missing, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions, which are typically available online.

Select your favourite cleaning solution next. For the majority of outdoor rugs, homemade cleaning treatments like baking soda, white vinegar, or diluted dish soap are effective. A few drops of liquid dish soap mixed with some warm water should be enough to clean up most problems. An outdoor rug can benefit greatly from the removal of mildew or mould using both baking soda and white vinegar; however, exercise caution not to overdo it as this could fade the rug's original colour.

Another well-liked option is club soda, which works particularly well at removing acidic stains like red wine. A paste made from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can be used as a spot treatment for oily spills, sticky stains, and hard to reach areas. As an alternative, you can choose from a wide range of store-bought or speciality rug cleaners, including pet-safe, environmentally friendly, and green options. When necessary, use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the entire surface or specific areas after lathering.

Step 5: Clean and Dry:

After rinsing the outdoor rug with water to get rid of all cleaning agents, either lay it flat to dry or secure it to a clothesline. Rugs should not be draped over railings since they may transfer colour from the railing or lose shape as they dry. After the rug's top has dried, flip it over to let the underside dry as well. Consider sun drying if the rug's substance is colourfast. Before putting the rug back on your patio or putting it in storage, make sure both sides are totally dry.

Step 6: Lay or Store the Rug:

Many like to rotate their outdoor rug according to the seasons. Take your rug inside if severe rain or snow is predicted to extend its life. To keep it in a roll, use ropes or stretch cords. Think about wrapping the rug in plastic or covering it with a tarp if it will be kept outside in a shed or deck. If your outdoor rug is small enough to be kept inside your house, store it somewhere you'll find it easy to find for the upcoming season.

Naturally, wash the area where your previously cleaned outdoor rug was located if you choose to reposition it. This entails hosing down the grass or pressure-washing the deck before to installing your new rug. Finally, but just as importantly, make a note on your calendar to repeat this when the summer entertaining season ends, which should be approximately three months from now.

The Frequency of Outdoor Rug Cleaning:

As quickly as possible, use an enzyme-based carpet stain remover to clean up spills and stains. Blot liquid stains and remove particles such as fallen food or mud with a spatula or dull-edged knife. At least once a week, clear soil using a brush or hoover. At least twice a year, before putting the rug away for winter storage and right before the start of the outside weather season, it should be completely cleaned.

How can a mildew-covered outdoor rug be cleaned?

You'll be happy to hear that white vinegar and baking soda work well to clean rugs that have mould and mildew on them in most situations.

All you have to do is cover the affected area with baking soda and then mist it with white vinegar. After giving the baking soda and vinegar about five minutes to react, just give the rug a thorough hose-down. This will get rid of the baking soda and white vinegar mixture, as well as the mildew and mould.