Outdoor indoor rugs are one of those accessories that will enhance the aesthetic ambiance of your outdoor space. Unfortunately, they get dirty over some times of use through inevitable dust, sand, mud from shoes, leaves, and bird droppings. Dirt like this will steal the beauty of your rug, which will require some cleaning to restore the beautiful appeal of your rug. So this has prompted outdoor lovers to inquire how to clean their outdoor rugs.
The good news is cleaning your outdoor rugs is super easy, with the right equipment in place. The best and easiest ways to clean your outdoor rugs are with a vacuum or garden hose and a gentle cleanser. Whether you have a traditional mat or an area rug, you can keep it fresh with this method.
Vacuum your outdoor rug to remove muds, sands, dust, and other light specks of dirt, or deep clean using a garden hose or a power wash using a pressure washer.
The latter will remove stains from your and make it new and appealing again. Generally, outdoor rugs are made of various durable and weather-resistant materials to withstand elements, resist fading, and dry fast.
Regardless of the materials used to make your outdoor rug, it can be cleaned using these various household cleaning items and methods.
Various ways to Clean Indoor Outdoor Rug
Below are the various ways to clean outdoor rugs and make them new, shining, and appealing again.
Different methods will give different results; however, it is more advisable to combine two more of these methods when deep cleaning or getting stains out of the rug.
Before diving into the various ways to clean outdoor rugs, this is a video to help you with the process.
Vacuum clean your rug
One of the easiest ways to clean an outdoor rug is by vacuum cleaning it. This will remove different kinds of dirt from your rug but won’t get tough stains out of the rug.
If you don’t have deep stick stains on your rug, this method is the best way to make your rug appealing once again. When using a vacuum, use one with a beater bar to help brush your rug for dust.
Power wash outdoor rug
The best method to clean your rugs for deep stains is by power washing them. Since vacuuming won’t eliminate deep stains from your rugs, power washing them will. Fortunately, these rugs are made to dry very fast, making your rug ready after some hours.
There are various carpet soaps you can use for this purpose, which are made to combat hard stains. However, the Karcher has proven to be one of the best for various purposes. After power washing, ensure to rinse and remove soap residue from the rug. Allow the rug to air dry, which will last for around 8 hours. If possible, hang dry your rug outside in the sun. Flip it regularly to ensure each side gets completely dry.
Dusting of Dirts
Sometimes the dirt stealing the face of your rug does not need washing to get them off. And in the absence of a vacuum, you can dust off first from the rug. However, if there is too may dust on the rug, this method can be a daunting task. Washing, in this case, is ideal for restoring the appealing look of your rug.
Cleaning Outdoor Rug with Vinegar
Cleaning an outdoor rug with vinegar is easier than you think. And very effective! Your new outdoor rug looks great and gives your deck or patio a nice pop of color. With its natural and mild acidic properties, Vinegar vinegar can help eliminate the bacteria in your outdoor rug. This same property helps to kill things like mold and mildew as well.
When cleaning an outdoor rug with vinegar, mix one cup of vinegar with a gallon of water in a bucket. Be sure to use a large enough bucket for the area you will clean. Pour the mixture onto your outdoor rug and use a sponge or scrub brush to lightly agitate the top layer of dirt away from the fibers. Move from one side to the other and then finish by rinsing it off with clean water and allowing it to dry!
How to Spot Clean an Outdoor Rug
You know that spills and stains don’t always happen indoors if you’ve got an outdoor rug. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be cleaned! Here’s how to spot clean an outdoor rug:
- First, vacuum the rug to get rid of any dirt or debris. Use a vacuum without a brush attachment, so you don’t ruin the fibers.
- Next, use a small spray bottle to apply some water and dish detergent. Just two drops of soap with four ounces of water should be plenty.
- Use your fingers or a soft-bristle brush to scrub the stain gently. If it’s stubborn, you can use the bristles on the brush in a circular motion to help break it up.
- Finally, use an old microfiber cloth to blot any leftover moisture from the rug by pressing down firmly on the affected area until it soaks up all of the liquid.
How to clean mold, and mildew off outdoor rug
Mold and mildew can grow on rugs that are left outdoors or that have been stored in damp conditions. Vinegar cut with a little water will usually resolve the problem, especially when combined with scrubbing with a stiff brush.
Direction: Hose off your rug to knock off all loose dirt and debris. If your rug has a lot of brush or grass stuck in it, give it a good beating with the backside of a broom. Mix 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1-quart warm water and dip a brush into the solution to scrub any stains or mildewy areas. Rinse thoroughly and lay flat to dry.
How to clean polypropylene outdoor rug
Follow these steps to keep your polypropylene outdoor rug looking great for years to come.
- Gather the following cleaning supplies: vacuum, bucket, cold water, mild detergent or dish soap, scrub brush or sponge, and clean white cloths.
- Use a broom or vacuum to remove loose debris from the rug.
- Fill the bucket with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent or dish soap. Mix well to combine.
- Dampen the scrub brush or sponge in the cleaning solution, then use it to remove dirt and stains from the rug. Work in small sections, frequently rinsing in clean water and wringing out excess moisture before continuing.
- Once you’ve tackled all areas of the rug, run a vacuum over it to fluff up the fibers.
- For best results, let the rug dry completely before you walk on it again.
Can you steam clean polypropylene rug?
Yes, you can, Polypropylene is a fairly durable and stain-resistant material, but steam cleaning can help keep it looking newer longer.
Here are some tips:
- Set aside time to dry the rug thoroughly after cleaning.
- Use a low-heat setting to avoid damaging the rug.
- Use a vinegar solution or other fabric-safe cleaner if you are concerned about the effects of soap on your rug’s color.
How to clean outdoor mat
The first step is to take the mat outside and give it a good shake. The second step is to vacuum the mat. The third and final step is to use a garden hose, spray down both sides of the mat, and leave it to dry in the sun.
