Outdoor rugs can really tie together an outdoor space, providing color, texture, and style. However, they are exposed to the elements and can get dirty pretty quickly. Learning how to properly clean an outdoor rug will help extend its life and keep it looking fresh. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to wash an outdoor rug.
Supplies Needed
Washing an outdoor rug will require some basic supplies:
- Gentle laundry detergent or rug shampoo
- Water
- Soft bristle brush or broom
- Garden hose
- Sponge or scrub brush
- Old towels
Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach products on outdoor rugs, as these can damage or fade the fibers. Stick to gentle, natural cleaning solutions. Having the right tools on hand will make the cleaning process much easier.
Pre-Treating Stains
Before washing the entire rug, inspect it closely and spot treat any stained areas. This will help loosen up ground-in dirt and stains.
- For food, grease or oil stains, sprinkle some baking soda or cornstarch on the spot to absorb the stain. Let sit for a few hours before brushing off.
- For muddy areas, let the mud dry completely then scrape off excess dirt with a dull knife.
- For red wine or berry stains, dab the area with some white wine or club soda to help lift the stain.
- For tougher stains, make a DIY pretreat solution of dish soap, hydrogen peroxide and warm water. Spray or sponge onto the stain.
Letting stains sit with a pretreatment before washing will make them much easier to remove.
Move the Rug to a Clean Surface
Pick a warm, sunny day to wash the outdoor rug. Move it to a flat, hard surface like a driveway or patio. Avoid tilted or bumpy areas. Sweeping the area first will give you a clean workspace.
Lay the rug out flat, facing down. Make sure the rug is thoroughly spread out so all areas can be reached for cleaning. Having good access to all sides of the rug makes washing much simpler.
Remove Loose Debris
Before introducing any water or cleaning solution, it’s important to remove all loose debris from the rug. Sweep a soft bristle broom across the surface of the rug to dislodge any dried mud, leaves, grass or other matter.
Use short, light strokes and sweep slowly to get into the fibers and remove particles trapped deep in the rug. Flip the rug over occasionally to get both sides.
If needed, use a pet comb to help remove embedded debris in shaggy or long-pile rugs.
Rinse with a Garden Hose
Once the rug has been swept clean, it’s time to rinse away remaining dirt and debris with a garden hose.
Use a nozzle with a diffuse setting to prevent high-powered streams that could damage the rug’s fibers. Starting at the top, hold the nozzle about 6 inches above the rug’s surface and spray in gentle motions across the rug.
Work in sections, rinsing a portion at a time. Let the water flow through the fibers to flush out particles. Avoid soaking the rug completely.
Flip the rug over and repeat on the other side to rinse away any remaining debris. Let the rug sit for 15-20 minutes to drip dry.
Wash with Gentle Detergent
After rinsing, it’s time to wash the rug with a specially formulated rug or upholstery cleaner or gentle laundry detergent.
If using detergent, dilute it with warm water according to package directions. Apply the cleaning solution liberally across the surface using a sponge or soft bristle brush.
Work the detergent into the fibers using gentle circular motions. Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes so it can break down stains and dirt.
Do not aggressively scrub the rug, as this can damage or fray the fibers. Use light pressure.
Rinse Away Cleaner
Once the detergent has sat, it’s time to rinse it away. Thoroughly rinse the entire rug with a garden hose on a diffuse setting.
Rinse in sections, starting from the top corner and working your way across and down the rug. Let the water flow through the fibers to flush away all soap.
Avoid the direct spray of water hitting one concentrated spot for too long, as this can cause the rug’s backing to bubble or break down.
Flip rug over and repeat rinsing on underside until water runs clear.
Extraction Method
For extremely dirty outdoor rugs, extraction cleaning may be needed to deep clean stained or soiled areas:
- Mix a solution of rug cleaner and water and apply to dirty areas. Scrub gently with a soft brush.
- Use an extraction cleaner machine to rinse and suction away dirt and cleaning solution.
- Professional carpet cleaners can also perform extraction cleaning for severely soiled rugs.
Extraction cleaning uses suction to pull deep dirt from the rug fibers. This is ideal for stubborn or set-in stains.
Dry Thoroughly
After washing, it’s extremely important that the rug dries completely before placing it back outside.
Lay the rug out flat in an area with good sunlight and airflow. Turn periodically to expose all sides.
You can place towels under edges to wick away moisture. Avoid letting the rug’s backing sit directly on a hard surface as it dries.
Depending on the size of the rug, this drying process can take 4-12 hours or longer. The rug should be completely dry to the touch before putting back in place.
Tips for Outdoor Rug Washing
- Check rug tag before washing for any specific instructions.
- Move indoors during rough weather to prevent water pooling under rug.
- Vacuum regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
- Rotate occasionally to evenly distribute wear.
- Wash stains quickly after they occur to prevent setting in.
- Fluff and rake the pile after washing to revive flattened fibers.
- Consider professional cleaning for expensive or heirloom rugs.
With the proper method and a little elbow grease, outdoor rugs can be kept fresh and vibrant for many seasons. Always read the care tag for fiber-specific instructions before washing. With regular upkeep, an outdoor rug can withstand the elements while decorating an outdoor space in style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my outdoor rug?
Outdoor rugs should be washed at least two times per year. Wash more frequently if the rug receives heavy foot traffic or gets very dirty.
What is the best way to dry an outdoor rug?
Lay the rug flat in direct sunlight. Turn the rug periodically to expose all sides to air and sun. Use old towels to wick moisture from edges. Allow 4-12 hours minimum for rug to dry completely.
Can I put my outdoor rug in the washing machine?
Only very small outdoor rugs can go in a washing machine. The agitation and spin cycle can damage fibers and cause rugs to bleed color. Hand wash or spot clean outdoor rugs.
What temperature water should I use?
Use cool water when rinsing or washing outdoor rugs. Hot water could cause dyes to bleed or fibers to shrink. Lukewarm water is best for diluting detergent.
How do I get rid of mildew smells in my outdoor rug?
Rinse with white vinegar, then wash with baking soda and detergent. Rinse thoroughly and let dry in direct sunlight. The sun’s UV rays help kill mildew.
What cleaning solution is best for outdoor rugs?
Use a gentle laundry detergent or a cleaner made specifically for outdoor rugs and upholstery. Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals that could damage the fibers.
Conclusion
Outdoor rugs require special care to handle their exposure to sun, rain, dirt and moisture. By thoroughly cleaning them several times a year, you can keep outdoor rugs looking vibrant and lasting for many seasons. Always check care instructions for your specific rug material before washing. With the proper cleaning method and supplies, you can refresh your outdoor rug and have it looking like new again.