How to Clean Indoor Outdoor Rug - Outdoor Cabinets

Having an indoor/outdoor rug can be a great addition to any home. They can add a pop of color and style to patios, porches, sunrooms, or entryways. However, because these rugs are meant to be used both inside and outside, they require a bit of special care when it comes to cleaning. Outdoor rugs tend to get more wear and tear from dirt, pollen, rain, snow, and UV rays. With the right techniques and products, you can easily clean your indoor/outdoor rug and keep it looking fresh.

What You’ll Need to Clean an Indoor Outdoor Rug

Before you start cleaning your indoor/outdoor rug, gather the proper supplies. Here is a list of recommended cleaning products and tools:

Vacuum cleaner – Use a vacuum with an adjustable suction level. For more stubborn dirt, opt for one with a rotating brush head. This will help loosen debris trapped in the rug fibers.
Garden hose – To rinse the rug outdoors after cleaning. Choose a lightweight, flexible hose that is easy to maneuver.
Mild detergent – Look for a gentle, rug-safe detergent or cleaner. Woolite and Blue Lizard Sensitive Skin are good options. Never use bleach or harsh chemicals!
Soft bristle scrub brush – For gently scrubbing stained or soiled areas of the rug. The soft bristles are safe for all rug materials.
Clean rags – For blotting up excess water and suds during the cleaning process. Old towels or microfiber cloths work well.
Rubber gloves – To protect your hands from the cleaning solutions. Opt for heavy-duty rubber gloves that go up past your wrists.

Having these supplies ready will make cleaning indoor/outdoor rugs much easier!

Preparing an Indoor Outdoor Rug for Cleaning

Before scrubbing away, take a few minutes to prep the rug for the cleaning process. Here are some tips:

Clear the area where you’ll be cleaning the rug. Move any furniture or decor off the rug.
Shake out the rug outdoors to remove any loose dirt or debris. Don’t forget to do both sides!
Check the rug’s care tag or label. Make sure to use cleaning methods suitable for the material.
Vacuum the top and bottom sides. Use the wand attachment to get into seams and corners.
Spot treat any stubborn stains first. Saturate them with a stain remover, then blot gently.
Ensure the rug is completely dry before putting it back in place indoors. Wet rugs can lead to mold growth.

Thoroughly prepping the rug will allow the cleaning solutions to work their best when you start scrubbing it!

How to Clean an Indoor Outdoor Rug by Hand

Once your supplies are gathered and the rug is prepped, you can start cleaning. Here is a simple technique for effectively cleaning indoor/outdoor rugs by hand:

Step 1 – Mix a Mild Detergent Solution

Fill a bucket with lukewarm water. Check the temperature to ensure it’s not too hot for your hands. Add a small amount of mild detergent, like Woolite, and stir to combine. Only use detergents made specifically for rugs and carpets.

The solution should create a light foam when agitated but shouldn’t be bubbly. Too many suds can leave behind a soapy residue.

Step 2 – Gently Scrub the Entire Rug

Dip a soft-bristle scrub brush into the detergent solution. Starting at one end, gently scrub the entire top surface of the rug. Apply light pressure as you scrub to lift dirt from the fibers.

Work in sections until you’ve scrubbed the entire rug. Re-dip the brush into the solution as needed. Pay extra attention to high traffic areas.

Step 3 – Rinse Away the Cleaning Solution

With a garden hose on a light spray setting, gently rinse away all traces of the detergent from the rug. Make sure to rinse both sides!

Avoid using high pressure streams as this can damage the rug fibers. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear.

Step 4 – Blot Excess Water

Once rinsed, blot the rug with clean rags to soak up any excess water. Don’t rub the rug! Just gently press the rags on the surface.

Flipping the rug over and blotting the underside can help speed up drying time. You want the rug completely dry before placing it back on a floor.

Step 5 – Allow the Rug to Dry

Lay the rug out flat in an area with good airflow and sunlight. This allows it to dry thoroughly before being placed back indoors.

Rotating occasionally will help expose all sides evenly to airflow and sun. Depending on the size, it can take 12-24 hours to dry completely.

And that’s it! By following these simple handwashing steps and using a gentle detergent, you can safely clean indoor/outdoor rugs and restore their color and beauty.

Cleaning Stubborn Stains on Indoor Outdoor Rugs

Even after thorough cleaning, outdoor rugs may still have some stubborn stains that refuse to budge. Here are some tips for tackling set-in stains on indoor/outdoor rugs:

Scrape off any dried or caked-on debris. Use a dull knife to gently lift off any chunks or hardened material. This prevents grinding it further into the fibers when scrubbing.
Apply a stain remover or cleaning solution. Spray it directly on the stain and allow it to soak for 5-10 minutes. This helps break down staining compounds.
Use a spot cleaning brush. These have firm, short bristles perfect for agitating stains. Gently scrub the stained area to work in the cleaning solution.
Blot with clean rags. After scrubbing, blot with rags to absorb any excess moisture and lifted stain residue. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain.
Rinse thoroughly. Once the stain appears lifted, rinse the area well with clean water to remove all cleaning solution and stain remnants.
Let dry completely. Allow extra time for the rinse water to fully dry before placing the rug back in use. Stains may reappear if placed wet.

Repeat these steps as needed until the stain is completely gone. For best results, start cleaning stains immediately before they have time to fully set into fibers.

Cleaning Indoor Outdoor Rugs by Machine

For larger or heavily soiled rugs, cleaning them by machine may be easier and more effective than handwashing. Here is a simple process for machine cleaning indoor/outdoor rugs:

Check That It’s Machine Washable

Before placing an indoor/outdoor rug into any washing machine, check that the manufacturer approves machine washing.

Most can safely be machine washed, but it’s always best to verify. Washing non-machine-washable rugs may ruin the fibers.

Shake Out Debris

Before placing in the machine, take the rug outdoors and shake it vigorously to remove as much loose dirt, debris, and pet hair as possible. This prevents it from clogging your washing machine.

Use a Front Loading Machine

Front load washers are highly recommended over top loaders for washing rugs. The horizontal tub provides more room for agitation and spinning to extract dirt and water.

Wash on Gentle Cycle

Select the gentlest wash cycle on your machine. This provides enough agitation to lift dirt without being too harsh on rug fibers.

Add 1-2 tablespoons of mild detergent – no bleach! Use cold water to prevent dye bleeding.

Rinse Twice

After washing, run the rinse cycle twice to remove all traces of detergent. Remaining soap residue can cause rugs to soil faster after cleaning.

Visually inspect the rinse water to ensure no suds remain.

Air Dry

Never put an indoor/outdoor rug into a machine dryer! Lay it flat or hang it outdoors to air dry completely before placing back indoors.

The drying time may range from 4-12 hours depending on thickness. Turn periodically while drying.

By machine washing with care, you can restore dingy outdoor area rugs to a like-new condition. Just take things slowly and gently.

Cleaning Braided Rugs vs. Woven Rugs

The techniques for cleaning indoor/outdoor braided rugs versus woven rugs are largely the same. However, there are a few differences to note:

Braided Rugs:

Vacuum gently between braids to avoid snagging.
Handwash braided rugs using cool water to prevent bleed of cotton fibers.
Allow extra drying time, turning periodically – braids are very thick.
For machine washing, use the delicates or hand wash setting on front load washers.
Avoid commercial rug cleaning machines – braids can catch in the rollers.

Woven Rugs:

Vacuum woven rugs thoroughly to lift dirt from the flatweave surface.
Can wash in warm water temperatures up to manufacturers recommendation.
Hang woven rugs or lay extra flat while drying to prevent puckering.
Woven rugs can be cleaned in commercial rug cleaning machines.
Clean stains sooner to prevent setting into the flat, tight weave.

So in summary: braided rugs require more delicate care, while it’s fine to be a bit more vigorous cleaning outdoor woven rugs. Just adjust your method based on the specific rug type.

Drying Indoor Outdoor Rugs

Proper drying is a key step after washing indoor/outdoor rugs. Rugs that don’t dry fully can develop mold, mildew, and musty odors. Here are some tips for completely drying indoor/outdoor rugs:

Shake and rotate periodically while drying to expose all sides evenly to air circulation.
For braided or thick rugs, hang them over a railing or clothesline using rug hooks. This allows air contact on both sides.
Lay flat in direct sunlight – the UV rays help kill mold and mildew and speed evaporation. Avoid damaging floor finishes.
Use fans or dehumidifiers indoors in rooms without good cross ventilation or airflow.
Check that both the top AND underside are completely dry before replacing on a floor.
Allow at least 24 hours for thick rugs to fully dry before putting back into use.
Consider having stubbornly damp rugs professionally dried at a rug cleaning facility.

Take the extra time to verify rugs have dried completely. Wet rugs can lead to big problems down the line!

How Often to Clean Indoor Outdoor Rugs

Indoor/outdoor rugs require more frequent cleaning than typical interior-use-only rugs. Here are some recommendations on cleaning frequency:

Light Use Rugs – Clean every 2-3 months. Example: porch rug only used occasionally.
Moderate Use Rugs – Clean every 4-8 weeks. Example: outdoor patio dining area.
Heavy Use Rugs – Clean every 2-4 weeks. Example: entryway mudroom or heavily used patio.
During Rainy/Muddy Seasons – Clean as needed when visibly muddy or soiled, at least biweekly.
Twice Yearly Deep Clean – Clean all rugs thoroughly at the start of spring and fall seasons.
After Major Spills or Messes – Clean immediately to prevent stains from setting.

Check rugs over time and adjust your cleaning schedule as needed. More frequent light cleaning is better than letting dirt accumulate over long periods!

Signs It’s Time to Deep Clean Your Indoor Outdoor Rug

Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to give your indoor/outdoor rug a thorough deep cleaning:

Visible dirt, leaves, or debris accumulated on the surface
Stains have set into the fibers that vacuuming can’t remove
A musty or mildew smell from moisture or dampness
Pet hair, pollen, and allergens trapped in the fibers
Dingy, faded color compared to when new
Mold or mildew growth in shaded or damp areas
Caked on mud or dirt clumps stuck in braids or fibers
Food spills that have left sticky residues on the surface
High traffic areas look extra grimy compared to lighter use areas
Rinsing leaves dirty soap scum indicating detergent buildup

If you notice any combination of these, it’s definitely time to thoroughly clean your indoor/outdoor rug! Regular deep cleaning is the key to longevity.

Tips for Preventing Future Stains and Soils on Indoor Outdoor Rugs

Here are some helpful tips to keep your indoor/outdoor rugs looking cleaner between full cleanings:

Immediately clean spills before they can stain using a rag and water.
Rinse away dirt after heavy use or bad weather – don’t let it accumulate.
Blot wet shoes, paws, wheels on doormats before stepping onto the rug.
Cover or take rugs indoors during bad rainstorms to limit mud exposure.
Rearrange furniture periodically to rotate high traffic areas.
Vacuum often with a brush head to prevent deep-set debris in fibers.
Limit direct food and beverage consumption on indoor/outdoor rug areas.
Consider spray-on rug protectants that repel moisture and stains between cleanings.
Rotate rugs seasonally to spread wear – don’t use the same one year-round.

With some extra care, your indoor/outdoor rugs will stay fresh and clean longer between deep cleanings!

When to Consider Replacing an Outdoor Rug

No matter how well you care for them, outdoor rugs won’t last forever. Here are some signs it may be time to replace an indoor/outdoor rug:

Severely Bleached or Faded Colors – Especially on sunny sides of the rug.
Fibers Appear Brittle and Worn – Regular vacuuming causes continued breakage.
Mold, Mildew, or Rot – From moisture damage that won’t clean away.
Curling Edges That Won’t Lay Flat – Despite stretching and drying techniques.
Carpet Backing Feels Dry and Crunchy – Rotting of the latex backing layers.
Stains Have Become Permanent – Cleaning no longer removes them fully.
Fraying Edges and Sides – More and more pile loss over time.
Visible Material Thinning – You can see through thinner areas to the floor.
Major Cleaning Provides Little Improvement – It looks dull and dirty despite cleaning.

While rugs can often be revived from many issues with thorough cleaning, sometimes the damage just becomes too great as an outdoor rug ages. Replacement ensures you can continue enjoying a fresh, vibrant accent rug outdoors for many more years!

Finding a Rug Washing and Repair Company

If your large indoor/outdoor rug requires more than a routine cleaning, consider hiring a professional rug washing company. Here’s what to look for:

Experience with outdoor and specialty rugs – Not all companies are equipped for unique outdoor rug materials and construction.
Gentle, rug-safe cleaning methods – Ask which detergents, equipment, washing methods are used. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Rug repair services – Companies that offer binding, fray and hole repairs extend the rug’s useful life.
Mold removal treatments – Look for companies using EPA approved antimicrobial solutions to eradicate mold and mildew.
Positive online reviews – This indicates satisfied customers and effective cleaning results.
Guarantees against shrinkage or damage – A trustworthy company will stand behind their work.
Local, established business – They are easy to contact if issues later arise with the rug.

With a reputable rug cleaner’s specialized equipment and expertise, even badly soiled outdoor rugs can be revived to look their very best!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Indoor Outdoor Rugs

Some common questions about properly cleaning indoor/outdoor rugs include:

Can I use bleach or other harsh chemicals to clean my outdoor rug?

No, avoid bleach and other harsh chemicals which may damage fibers or fade colors. Always use mild, rug-safe detergents.

How do I clean food or drink stains from an outdoor rug?

Blot gently to lift what you can, apply a stain remover, let soak, then scrub with a spot cleaner brush before rinsing thoroughly. Avoid rubbing, which can spread stains.

My outdoor rug smells musty. How do I remove the odor?

Musty odors often come from moisture or mildew. Treat problem areas with an EPA approved antimicrobial, then wash with detergent, rinse fully, and allow extra drying time.

What is the best way to dry an indoor/outdoor rug after cleaning it?

Lay flat in direct sunlight or hang vertically outdoors. Use fans to improve airflow. Turn and rotate periodically while drying. Ensure the back side is totally dry before reusing indoors.

Can I use my steam cleaner on an indoor/outdoor rug?

Check manufacturers recommendations, but generally steam cleaners are too harsh for outdoor rugs. The high heat and pressure can strip surfaces. Opt for gentle hand or machine washing instead.

Cleaning indoor/outdoor rugs properly helps maintain their beauty and extend their lifespan. Following these expert tips, you can keep them looking fresh for seasons to come! Let us know if you have any other outdoor rug care questions.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning is essential for indoor/outdoor rugs since they experience more wear and tear than standard interior rugs. By using the right supplies and techniques, you can safely hand wash or machine wash outdoor rugs whenever they need refreshing. Focus on using mild detergents, gently scrubbing stains and soils, rinsing thoroughly, and allowing adequate drying time. With the proper care, you’ll add beauty, color, and comfort to your outdoor living spaces