Cleaning indoor/outdoor carpet that is glued down requires some special considerations compared to regular carpet. With the right techniques and products, you can keep your glued down outdoor carpet looking fresh and vibrant.
Introduction
Outdoor and indoor/outdoor carpets are a great way to add comfort and style to patios, decks, gazebos, and other outdoor living spaces. Many of these carpets use a latex or rubber backing that allows them to be securely glued down and withstand the elements. Over time though, dirt, debris, mold, mildew, and stains can build up and make the carpet appear dingy. Luckily, with a little elbow grease you can get your glued down outdoor carpet looking like new again.
Supplies Needed
- Garden hose or pressure washer
- Broom with stiff bristles
- Carpet cleaner or detergent
- Clean towels or rags
- Putty knife or spatula
- Gloves and eye protection
- Re-adhesive (if re-gluing is needed)
Pre-Cleaning Steps
Before getting started, make sure the carpet is free of any furniture, plants, or other items. Sweep the carpet with a stiff broom to remove any loose dirt or debris sitting on top. Vacuum the carpet if needed and if an outlet is accessible.
Then, use a garden hose on a jet setting to give the carpet a strong spray down. This will help loosen up dried mud or compacted dirt. Avoid using extremely high pressure that could damage the carpet backing.
Deep Cleaning Methods
Cleaning Solution: Mix an all-purpose cleaner or carpet shampoo with warm water according to label directions. For heavier dirt, look for cleaners containing enzymes or oxidizers designed to break down organic stains.
Scrubbing: Use a hard bristle scrub brush, sponge, or carpet cleaner machine to work the solution deep into the carpet fibers. Scrub any visibly stained areas. Let the cleaning solution soak for 5-10 minutes.
Rinsing: Thoroughly rinse away all soap residues by spraying clean water over the entire carpet. Use a wet/dry vac or towels to soak up excess water. Allow the carpet to air dry completely before walking on it.
Repeat Cleaning: For extremely dirty or stained carpets, the cleaning process may need to be done twice. Make sure to fully rinse between applications.
Removing Glue Residue
If the carpet was removed for cleaning, there may be leftover adhesive residue stuck on the flooring underneath. To remove:
- Use a putty knife or spatula to scrape off any large glue chunks.
- Apply adhesive remover or mineral spirits to break down remaining glue residue.
- Scrub with a stiff bristle brush and wipe away.
- Repeat until all residue is gone. Rinse thoroughly.
Re-Gluing the Carpet
Once fully dry, the carpet can be re-adhered to the floor if needed:
- Make sure the floor area is completely clean and dry first.
- Apply a continuous bead of latex carpet glue around edges and across the floor.
- Carefully put the carpet back into place and press down firmly.
- Roll over the carpet with a heavy roller to secure the glue.
- Keep foot traffic off for 24 hours while glue fully dries.
And that’s it! With some diligent cleaning and a little elbow grease, you can get your glued down outdoor carpet looking fresh, clean and inviting again. Just be sure to stay on top of routine maintenance to prevent buildup of dirt and stains over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a pressure washer to clean my outdoor glued down carpet?
Yes, you can use a pressure washer to clean an outdoor glued down carpet, but use caution. Start at a far distance and low pressure, slowly working closer and increasing pressure as needed. The high pressure spray can damage the carpet backing if too close or too powerful.
What is the best way to clean pet stains?
For tough pet urine, vomit, or feces stains, use an enzyme cleaner formulated specifically for pet messes. This will help eliminate odors and prevent re-soiling. Thoroughly rinse afterwards.
How can I make my outdoor carpet smell fresh again?
If your outdoor carpet has an unpleasant odor even after cleaning, try spraying it with an enzymatic cleaner, white vinegar, or baking soda. Let it sit for several hours before rinsing. This will help remove stubborn odors from mold, mildew, pets, etc.
Should I remove the carpet or clean it in place?
For best results, remove the carpet and clean it thoroughly before re-installing. However, you can clean moderately dirty carpets successfully without removing them. Use caution when scrubbing to avoid damaging the glue.
How often should I deep clean my outdoor carpet?
Outdoor carpets typically need a thorough deep cleaning at least once or twice a year. Clean more frequently if the carpet receives heavy use or gets very dirty. Try to clean spills right away before they set in.
Conclusion
Glued down outdoor carpeting provides a nice soft surface for outdoor spaces, but does need periodic deep cleaning to keep it looking fresh. With the right cleaning solutions, tools, and techniques, you can remove built up dirt, stains, mildew, and debris. Be sure to always fully rinse and let the carpet dry completely before walking on it or re-gluing it down. Performing a deep clean when needed will help preserve the carpet’s appearance and extend its usable life.