Outdoor rugs are made to handle dirt, moisture, and sunshine, but unfortunately, they are often overlooked for regular cleaning. Easily clean your outdoor rug by shaking out dust and debris, vacuuming your rug, using natural cleaners or rug cleaning products to gently lather and scrub your rug, hose it down thoroughly, then lay out to dry. Be sure your deck is power washed before laying your rug back in its place!

Outdoor rugs are tough, low-maintenance, and inexpensive items that can really add some décor to your outdoor living space. They dry quickly and are usually resistant to fading. But if they’re neglected, your rug can accumulate dirt, bugs, dust, and other allergens that can be easily tracked into your home!

If you haven’t cleaned your outdoor rug in a while, then the first step is to check out the care label attached to the underside. It will tell you what material your rug is made of and whether it’s a washable material.

Pick up the rug, if possible, and give it a shake in an open space to dislodge dirt and dust. Make sure you’re wearing a proper mask and gloves! You can knock any surface debris away with a brush or broom. A fine layer of dust might remain on the material, so next, you’ll want to use a vacuum to clean both sides. Depending on the material of your rug, a shop-vac might be preferable for a deep clean. In fact, regular vacuum cleanings can help extend its life.

Spot Cleaning Your Outdoor Rug

If there are only a few stains or areas on your rug that need to be cleaned, then spot cleaning is the best choice. First, make sure there isn’t any excess moisture or debris. Use a clean towel to blot liquids, such as pet urine or wine. If the stain has already dried, use a butter knife or spoon to remove any solid debris. In a bowl, mix a small amount of mild detergent and water. You can also use diluted dish soap, white vinegar, or baking soda as they’re good cleaning agents for stains, mold, and mildew. Club soda is also a viable choice if you have acidic stains, such as red wine. While baking soda and hydrogen peroxide work well for sticky stains or grease. Some specialty or store-bought cleaners are pet-safe, green, and eco-friendly. After lathering whatever cleaning solution you choose, use a soft-bristle brush or sponge to blot the spot. Be sure not to rub as this can push the stain into the fibers. Clean the sponge and repeat until the stain is gone. Next, rinse the rug with a hose or clean water until all soap is removed. Make sure that your outdoor rug dries completely on both sides to avoid the growth of mold and mildew.

Washing Your Rug

If you want to give your outdoor rug a thorough, full clean, then start by wetting your rug with a hose or several buckets of water after it’s been shaken and vacuumed. Mix your cleaning solution of choice with water in a bucket. Be sure to test the soap on a small, inconspicuous area of the rug to make sure your rug doesn’t fade or bleed. When that’s all clear, use a soft scrub brush to lather the soap solution into the rug. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then thoroughly hose the rug with water until the soap is completely rinsed out and the runoff water is clear. Roll the rug up tight and stand it upright for several minutes to remove excess water. Lay the rug flat in a sunny area to dry. When the top is dry, flip the rug over to dry the bottom. You can also pin it up on a clothesline. Just don’t hang it over a railing because it might lose its shape during the drying process. Check that it’s dry by pushing your fingers into the rug to feel for moisture. The fibers might be a little crunchy, but they will soften over time. If it’s dry, then store the rug or place back in its spot after it’s been power washed or hosed down.

Mold, Mildew, and More

Because it’s made from synthetic materials, outdoor rugs typically aren’t prone to mold and mildew, but if you live somewhere with a humid climate, you should regularly check your rug to make sure nothing is growing on it. If you do happen to find mold, mildew, or even moss, then you have two great options to remove it: Bleach or natural cleaners.

Bleach:

Bleach can, unfortunately, harm plants and discolor wood so it’s highly recommended to use this cleaning method on cement, like a driveway. Mix a small amount of bleach with water, then pour into a spray bottle. Even though most synthetic rugs are bleach safe, it’s still wise to test the solution on an inconspicuous corner of the rug first. If all is good, spray the bleach solution onto your rug and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Use a hose to thoroughly rinse the rug clean, then set it out to dry.

Baking Soda & Vinegar:

These two natural products are excellent at eliminating mold, mildew, and moss without harming any plants. Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda onto your dry outdoor rug. Next, pour vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the rug with the vinegar and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with a hose and let it completely dry on both sides before replacing.

After these techniques, you now have a bright and refreshed outdoor rug that looks great among your patio furniture!