How To Clean an Outdoor Rug

As The Dude famously declared of his prized rug in the film The Big Lebowski, “It really brings the room together.” The same can be said of your outdoor rug and your outdoor space. But you’re likely not cleaning your outdoor rug as often as you clean your indoor ones.

Essential Cleaning Supplies

Outdoor rugs are often the catch basins for backyard get-togethers, absorbing dollops of ketchup, iced tea spills, burger juice and anything else we eat or drink outside. And that’s in addition to the caked-on mixture of dust, dirt, mud and anything else Mother Nature decides to throw at it.

Fortunately, outdoor rugs are made to withstand these harsh treatments. But they should still be cleaned. Here’s how to do it. Oh, and if you’re in the market for a new one, we recommend checking out these Amazon outdoor rugs that will bring your space to life.

The Best Way to Clean an Outdoor Rug: Effective Cleaning Tips

It is important to follow a systematic approach while you are cleaning a rug. You need to be very careful that all the dirt, stains and fungus are gone after cleaning your carpet. Follow all the tips outlined here and discover the best way to clean outdoor rug effectively.

Get the debris off

Grab your rug and give it a good shake. You’ll be surprised at how much stuff flies off your area rug. This is often easier with a partner. One person stands on each side of the rug and shakes it until it’s debris-free.

If your rug is too large to manage alone, drape it over a railing, banister or even a step ladder. Now, hit the rug with a stick, tennis racket or something else.

Vacuum the outdoor rug

All that shaking and beating will leave a fine layer of dust on the rug. Grab a vacuum and clean off both sides. Ideally, you should do this every couple of weeks. When dirt and debris get on your rug, it will take a while before you notice it. The rug traps it until rain or moisture brings the grime to the surface.

Removing mildew from outdoor carpets

Removing mildew from outdoor carpets requires some special techniques and equipment. You can combine the mechanical cleaning and chemical treatments to swiftly remove the fungus. If you don’t remove the mold in the beginning, it will be hard for you to get rid of it at a later stage. According to North Dakota State University, “Mold can be removed from hard surfaces such as hard plastic, glass, metal and counter tops by scrubbing with a non-ammonia soap or detergent. It is impossible to completely remove mold from porous surfaces such as paper, Sheetrock (drywall) and carpet padding, so these materials should be removed and discarded.”

Rinse it off

First, you need to arrange a garden hose. Then put your carpet in an inclined position and use the hose water to clean it. If you see that the dripping water from the carpet is clean, you don’t need to use the hose again.

Soap it up

Put a small amount of soap or special rug cleaner in a bucket of water. Check your rug’s manufacturer recommendations for warm or cold water. Mild dish soap makes an easy solution. For tougher stains, mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste.

Use a soft-bristle brush to dip into the soap mixture and begin scrubbing. Lather the rug completely, working from one end to the other. Outdoor rugs are meant to withstand a lot, but don’t overdo it. Excessive rubbing in the same spot can wear down the fibers.

Rinse it again

Once you lather the rug, rinse it again. Make sure all the soap is completely gone. The runoff water should be clear. Depending on how much soap you used, this may take several rinses.

Can I Use a Pressure Washer for Deep Cleaning Patio Rugs?

The short answer is yes. You need a pressure washer for deep cleaning patio rugs. Just make sure you set the water to the lowest pounds per square inch (PSI). Power washers can be employed for either rinsing step and can make shorter work of the process. Set the nozzle to the fan setting and gently sweep the rug from one side to the other.

Fast Drying Tips for Outdoor Carpet

After cleaning, you should follow these fast drying tips.

• First, lay it flat to dry.. Don’t drape the rug over a railing because it could lose its shape. It’s best to lay it in a nice, sunny spot. Once the top feels dry to the touch, flip it over and dry the back side.
• After it dries, the rug may feel stiff and uncomfortable. Give it some time. It will soften up. Don’t forget to check out our collection of the best irregular rug shapes.

Store It for Next Season

You’ll need to store your rug before the harsher conditions of winter take their toll. The easiest way is to simply roll it up so the carpet side faces outward. That way, when you unroll it, it will curl downward. If you roll it the other way, it will curl upward and create a tripping hazard. After a while, the rug will lie flat again. Next, learn how to clean a Persian rug.

Sources:

• North Dakota State University: “Remove Mold For A Healthy Home”
• ResearchGate: “Mold Management of Wetted Carpet”
• Queens College: “Hazards of Carpet Cleaning”
• CRI: “Cases of Effective Carpet Cleaning”
• ResearchGate: “Evaluation of HEPA vacuum cleaning and dry steam cleaning in reducing levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and house dust mite allergens in carpets”