How to Keep Your Outdoor Rug Looking Pristine

 

Outdoor rugs help you to create an inviting space to relax with friends and family. However, the nature of outdoor spaces means your rug can easily accumulate dirt, pollen, and debris, as well as food and drink stains. Before you know it, your once-vibrant rug can look dull and filthy.

However, with the proper cleaning techniques, you can restore the beauty of your outdoor rugs in no time. This guide will walk you through the best methods for thoroughly cleaning all types of outdoor rugs, removing stains, eliminating odours, and keeping them looking fresher for longer.

The Importance of Keeping Your Outdoor Rugs Clean

Keeping your outdoor rugs clean is critical for maintaining their appearance and extending their lifespan. Outdoor rugs left dirty can quickly accumulate mould, mildew, and unsightly stains from food, drinks, leaves, dirt, and more.

Bacteria and odours from spills and debris will also build up in uncleaned rugs. Not only are dirty rugs unsightly, they can even attract unwanted bugs and pests to your outdoor living space.

By regularly and thoroughly cleaning your outdoor rugs, you can maintain their colour and textural beauty, and extend their lifespan.

Your Supplies Checklist

Before getting started on refreshing your outdoor rugs, gather the following cleaning supplies:

• Garden Hose – This is ideal for a thorough rinse of the entire rug's surface.

• Washing-Up Liquid – Look for a gentle soap to avoid stripping colour from the rug.

• Soft Bristle Brush – For manually scrubbing stains and dirt from the fibres.

• White Vinegar – Helps to remove stains and kill odour-causing bacteria.

• Baking Soda – Acts as a natural deodoriser and bleaching agent.

• Spray Bottles – For applying cleaning solutions to the rug’s surface.

• Cleaning Cloths – Highly absorbent and best for blotting up excess moisture.

• Laundry Detergent – For hand washing or spot washing smaller rugs.

• Clothesline or Drying Rack – Allows for thorough air drying when finished.

Steps for Cleaning Different Types of Outdoor Rugs

When it comes to cleaning outdoor rugs, the process depends on the material they are made of. Our range specifically features many different kinds, from natural fibres such as sisal and jute to synthetic ones like polypropylene, and the cleaning methods for each will be slightly different.

Polypropylene Outdoor Rugs

Polypropylene is a synthetic fibre resistant to moisture, stains, and mildew. This resilience makes it a brilliant material for outdoor rugs, as it requires much less maintenance than other types and is exceptionally easy to clean.

1. Begin by clearing off any surface debris with a broom or hoover. This will ensure that no hard mess is ground into the rug during cleaning.

2. If deep cleaning is required, use a garden hose to rinse both sides of the rug and remove as much dirt as possible.

3. If stains or ground-in dirt remain after hosing, spot clean with a mix of warm water and mild washing-up liquid, gently scrubbing with a soft bristle brush.

4. For odour removal, fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water, then lightly mist the rug and let sit for ten minutes before rinsing.

5. Air-dry your polypropylene outdoor rug for at least 24 hours before putting it back.

Sisal Outdoor Rugs

Made from agave fibres, sisal is very durable, making it good for use on patios and decking, but it is prone to water stains. Just remember never to use a hose or fully submerge when cleaning.

1. To remove dry soil, flip the rug over and vigorously beat the back with a broom.

2. For deeper cleans, mix a mild soap and lukewarm water solution, then scrub with a soft bristle brush.

3. Rinse with a vinegar and water solution to eliminate odours and soap residue.

4. Blot excess moisture immediately and air dry the rug flat.

Jute Outdoor Rugs

Natural fibre jute rugs can withstand moderate water exposure, so they are still a good choice for outdoor use. But take care, as excessive moisture can cause the fibres to stiffen and shrink.

1. Sweep loose dirt from the rug's surface to avoid embedded damage.

2. Spot clean any stains using a small amount of mild detergent and warm water.

3. Blot the area with a towel, then immediately flush with water to remove residue.

4. Rinse thoroughly in cold water to ensure the surface and fibres are clean.

5. Roll up the rug in towels to absorb moisture, then air dry on a clothesline.

6. You can brush the fringe during the drying process to prevent matting.

Extra Cleaning Tips for Your Outdoor Rug

• Check rug tags before washing to identify material and cleaning guidance.

• For large rugs, clean in sections to allow thorough drying in between.

• Use ice to solidify wax and gum to aid removal from all rug types.

The Essentials of Drying Your Outdoor Rug

After washing your outdoor rugs, and even after heavy rain, proper drying is key to keeping them mould-free and vibrant. Proper drying can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, but with a little patience, your freshly cleaned rug will be deck or patio-ready before you know it.

1. Lay the rug flat in a shaded spot with lots of airflow, rotating occasionally for even drying.

2. Place a few towels beneath to help remove moisture more efficiently.

3. For rugs prone to fraying edges, reshape and smooth while they dry, not after, using a wooden spoon or dowel wrapped in a cloth to gently flatten curled edges.

4. Once nearly dry, use a soft bristle brush to fluff up the rug’s pile, preventing matting.

5. Mist lightly with full-strength white vinegar and water solution to rid any lingering odours and fully sanitise the fibres.

6. Check that no moisture remains before returning the rug to its location, ensuring that the bottom isn't damp.

Keep Your Outdoor Rugs Cleaner for Longer

You can actually extend the life of your outdoor rug with our specially formulated stain protector spray. The invisible shield it creates repels liquid spills and dirt, keeping them on the surface rather than soaking into fibres.

The spray is safe for all common rug materials like wool, cotton, polyester, olefin, and more. And it will not change the look or feel of the fibres once applied correctly. Just mist evenly and leave to dry, reapplying every six months or after a deep clean.

Enjoy Your Outdoor Rugs Like They’re New Again

By regularly sweeping, spot cleaning as needed, and giving a thorough cleanse twice a year, you will avoid the build-up of mould, mildew, and stains that can plague your rugs and your patience.

With the proper methods, you can keep outdoor rugs made of polypropylene, jute, sisal, or other materials looking fresh and inviting all year round.

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