How to Clean and Maintain Your Outdoor Rug?

Imagine you have recently bought an outdoor rug from Homelooks and now you worry that it will be exposed to wind and rain, or you might walk on it with dirty shoes. This is while your children want to play on it, and you may use this place as a dining space. So, you should keep the outdoor rug clean, but how?

Contrary to what it seems at first glance, cleaning and maintaining outdoor carpets isn’t difficult. There are different techniques, such as shaking it, vacuuming, swapping, spot cleaning, various ways to remove mould and mildew, and washing. To know more about each of these methods, keep on reading.

Why should you clean the outdoor rug?

Many people wrongly think that there is no need to clean their outdoor rugs because they are made up of materials that make them durable, like our Richmond Floral Outdoor Rug (V1).

sure, outdoor rugs like the ones made from Polyester, Jute, Sisal, Olefin, Nylon, and Polypropylene are tough cookies, but they still need a bit of love and care. It's not just about keeping them looking good; regular cleaning can also stop mould from making itself at home there.

And let's face it, these rugs put up with a lot - from muddy shoes to those unfortunate berry crushing incidents, they see it all. Keeping them clean isn't just about aesthetics; it's also about keeping your outdoor hangout spot feeling fresh and inviting. Plus, if you've got little ones or grandkids running around and playing on the rug, you'll want to make sure it's as clean as can be. Nobody wants playtime turning into sniffle time because of a dirty rug, right? So, a good clean now and then keeps everyone happy and healthy.

How do you clean an outdoor rug?

For most situations, except when your outdoor rug is near trees that drop pollen or sap, making it need special cleaning, the following tips will work well.

•       Shake it:

If your outdoor rug is small, like the smaller sizes of Richmond Medallion Outdoor Rug, you can hold a corner of it and shake it vigorously to remove dirt and debris. But about large carpets that you cannot hold up their corner, you can hang it over a fence and tap it with a broom handle or some other kind of wooden object. 

•       Use a vacuum:

While it's hard to do every day (it doesn't have to be repeated), you can vacuum and sweep it over and under the carpet once every few weeks. With this method, you can remove dirt and debris from the surface while removing accumulated dirt stains. And if you shake it afterward, then put it back on the ground, that will be great. 

•       Sweeping:

It may look like a vacuum cleaner, but a major difference makes it better than a vacuum cleaner for those who don't have a vacuum with long enough chords. In this way, you should sweep both sides of your rug and finally shake it to remove the remaining debris.

•       Using dry cloth:

This technique helps remove wet stains, like when you or your quests spill wine or some other liquid on your rug. So, you can use a dry cloth and dab the liquid to absorb it.

•       Using a sponge and mild detergent:

Finally, dip a sponge or cloth in a mixture of water and a mild detergent and gently scrub the area until the dry stain is removed. Wash the sponge frequently and continue gently until the stain is gone. At last, rinse off all detergent with water and let the carpet dry.

How to wash an outdoor rug?

If none of the above methods helped clean your outdoor rug, it is time to wash it. Before explaining how to wash an outdoor carpet, let’s see what you need, such as gloves, broom, vacuum, hosepipe, soft-bristle brush, liquid dish soap, and sometimes baking soda. Also, check your carpet care instructions or labels and follow them carefully. Now, you are ready to begin.

1. Remove any loose dirt:
   You need a broom to remove all dirt or debris from the rug. Wear gloves to shake the rug, if it is small, or drape the large ones like the big sizes of Richmond Kilim Outdoor Rug (V1) on a railing and knock debris off with a brush.
2. Deeply clean the dirt that hasn't already shifted:
   Based on your outdoor rug material and where you want to wash it, you can use a vacuum to clean both sides of the rug from all dirt or dust. Or use a power washer or a garden hose to wash it thoroughly.
   It’s important to choose a sunny, windless day to wash your rug. Also take into account that you have to wash your rug on the patio and not on the grass. 
3. Scrub it gently:
   If you are sure about following the manufacturer's instructions, you can use a gentle dish soap mixed with warm water to sanitise your outdoor rug from any bacteria. You can try a soft-bristle brush to scrub it.
   And after making sure baking soda isn’t harmful to your rug, you can start cleaning the stain using baking soda.
4. Rinse and dry your outdoor rug properly:
   After thoroughly cleaning your carpet, rinse it until you see clear water and ensure all the soap has been removed. Then, roll the carpet tightly, leave it standing for a while to remove excess water, and unfold it to continue drying in the air.
5. Completely dry your outdoor rug and secure it:
   Lastly, lay it flat to dry completely or hang it on a washing line or fence. Then, you should use a suitable outdoor fabric protector to protect it from stains. Also, take into account that during winter months, it is best to keep your carpet inside to extend its life and keep it looking brand new.
   

Important tips for good outdoor carpet maintenance!

With all of the above in mind, the following tips will make keeping your outdoor carpet clean easier.

1. You can buy a power washer for a deep wash and remove dirt from the outdoor carpet.
2. If you want to use any cleaner on the whole rug, such as baking soda and vinegar, test a small spot to ensure it will not damage your carpet.
3. Sometimes, it is a good idea to buy an outdoor rug protector and use it when you think your carpet will get a lot of sticky drinks and ice lollies, pets, barbecues, or guests drinking red wine at your garden party.
4. Finally, there are protective sprays for outdoor rugs, which could help add a protective layer against weather, oils, and grease to your outdoor rugs, cushions, and parasols and help them retain their colour and quality.

Clean your outdoor rug and superbly maintain it

Everyone who uses outdoor rugs should know that cleaning them is an important factor that helps make your outdoor space more stylish. While it might seem tricky to some of you, the good news is that it is not a hard job, and you can use different methods to clean it, such as shaking it, sweeping, using a vacuum, using a sponge and mild detergent, or dry clothes. Sometimes, you can wash your durable and quality rug, but you should be careful to rinse and dry it well. Now that you know how to maintain your rug’s longevity, it’s time to browse and purchase your favourite one from Homelooks.