How to Clean an Outdoor Rug: A Detailed Guide on Care & Maintenance

The outdoor rug on the patio, porch, deck, or any other space at home carries many benefits. It can highlight a specific outdoor area and even create the illusion of more space. However, an outdoor rug is prone to constant traffic and is burdened with dust, debris, and other allergens. So, each time you walk on it, you transport dirt particles indoors. This makes it important to learn how to clean outdoor rugs.

What You'll Need

While using Oxiclean is one way how you can clean an outdoor rug, it isn’t the only way. You can get the job done with the right household essentials and materials. Here’s a list of things you will need throughout the process.

Step-by-Step Process to Clean an Outdoor Rug

Safety Tip: Before learning how to keep the outdoor rug clean, including patio rugs, wear a dust mask and rubber gloves. The safety mask will keep you from breathing in allergens. The rubber gloves are chemical-resistant and will protect your hands while manually rinsing and scrubbing the rug. Then move on to the steps below.

Step 1: Remove the Dirt

If the rug is easy to lift, then,

• Hold it over grass or an open space where it’s safe for dust to fall.

• Shake it several times so that the dirt loosens and is released.

If the rug is too large or heavy to carry, you can,

• Drape it over a fence or railing outside.

• Dust the rug with your hands, a soft brush, or a broom, as this loosens surface dirt and debris from its fibers.

Step 2: Deep Clean with a Vacuum

Shaking or knocking the outdoor rug can only remove so much dirt. You must deep clean the front and back of the rug through regular vacuuming. 

• A standard vacuum with strong suction power is ideal for regular deep cleaning.

• If you do not have access to a power socket nearby, use battery-powered vacuums. However, these may not remove deep dirt.

• For outdoor washable rugs made with polypropylene or other weather-resistant materials, use an electric or dual-suction wet/dry vacuum for an effective deep clean.

• Removing pet hairs or stains may call for using an indoor vacuum outside because of its high suction power and turbo brushes.

Using the steps above is how you can easily clean outdoor rugs without the intervention of a pressure washer. But if the dirt or stains are persistent, move on to the next step.

Step 3: Rinse your Rug

Next, you need to learn how to rinse-clean your outdoor rug, even if it is made from jute and other washable materials. As for how you can use a pressure washer to clean out dirt lodged deep in the rug’s fibers, check the rug’s label to verify this. If the outdoor rug is made of plastic,

• Place it on an inclined surface, like the driveway or yard, so the water can drain quickly.

• Hose it down with the pressure washer.

The pressure washer can rinse away deep-seated grime embedded in the rug’s fibers.

Step 4: Gently Scrub

An outdoor rug can get cleaner with a gentle scrub. Before you get started, remember to check its care label to ensure soap won’t damage the material. If you cannot find the tag, the manufacturer typically offers recommendations online.

Step 5: Gather the Right Cleaning Solutions

Using the right cleaning solutions is how you can clean tough stains, including algae, from an outdoor rug.

• Cleaning essentials at home, like baking soda, white vinegar, and diluted dish soaps, work well to clean most outdoor rugs.

• You can use club soda to absorb acidic stains, like red wine.

• For sticky stains, persistent spots, or greasy particles, spot-treat them with a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.

Once you’ve applied the adequate cleaning solution, scrub the spots or the entire surface of the outdoor rug with a soft-bristle brush.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

For the last step of the process,

• Rinse the rug to remove the cleaning solution residue.

• Place the rug flat to dry or pin it to a clothesline.

• After one side of the rug is dry, turn it over to the back.

Place the rug back in its designated space once both sides are dry.

Note: Do not drape the rug over a railing. It may lose shape as it dries or absorb color from the railing.

How Do I Remove Mold or Mildew from an Outdoor Rug?

Easily learn how to clean an outdoor rug with mold and mildew with these ingredients.

Bleach

Assuming the outdoor rug is synthetic, it can withstand bleach. To remove mold or mildew with this cleaning agent,

• Add a small amount of bleach to water

• Apply it to the strained area

• Let it sit for a few minutes

• Rinse the rug thoroughly

Note: Remember to test a small area before applying it to the rest of the rug. Also, since bleach can affect nearby surfaces or plants, you could execute this part of the cleaning process on a concrete surface.

Related: How to Remove Wax from a Rug?

Baking Soda and White Vinegar

Since bleach is abrasive, you can skip using it completely. Instead, learn how to use baking soda and white vinegar to clean an outdoor rug with these steps:

• Sprinkle baking soda over the rug

• Then, fill a spritzer bottle with vinegar and spray the affected area

• Let the solution sit for a few minutes

• Follow this by rinsing the rug to remove any residue

• Keep it out to dry

Did you know?

• In addition to getting rid of mold and mildew, the combination of baking soda and white vinegar helps to naturally deodorize the rug. This is also true for stains caused by pets.

• Sun drying an outdoor rug can also prevent mold and mildew growth because the material gets treated with natural UV rays.

How to Keep an Outdoor Rug Clean?

While the steps above will help clean a dirty outdoor rug, you also need to learn how to maintain it in the long run. These straightforward tips should assist you in the maintenance process:

• Keep the rug outdoors during warmer months. Also, remember to shake off dust and debris regularly. Vacuuming or sweeping the rug will also help keep it clean and well-maintained.

• Store the rug indoors when it snows and rains. Remember to tuck it away in a dry space, like the basement or a well-sealed shed.

• Protect the rug from rodents or insects by placing it in an airtight plastic bag, which will also keep moisture away.

If you have pets at home,

• Regularly trim their nails to stop them from tearing the rug’s fibers

• Apply a protective spray to make the rug stain-resistant and maintain fiber integrity

• Use runner rugs in high-traffic pet areas to reduce wear and tear

• Vacuum frequently to remove pet fur

• Buy durable, washable rugs as they are easier to clean

Also Read

Best Materials for Pet Friendly Rugs
How to keep an Outdoor Rug from Blowing Away?

FAQs

Can you pressure wash an outdoor carpet?

Yes, you can pressure wash an outdoor carpet. However, they cannot withstand excessive pressure. So, use a gentle setting and maintain an ample distance to prevent damaging the fibers.

How to keep outdoor rugs from molding?

If you’re using rugs year-round, clean them regularly. Dust off any debris that accumulates. If damp, let it dry thoroughly. 

Remember, an airy foundation for your rug is your best ally to keep mold and mildew at bay.

How to clean an outdoor rug without a carpet cleaner?

Carpet cleaners may be harsh on your skin and rugs. Try dry cleaning methods like vacuuming, using a rug beater, shaking and brushing the rug, or using dry-cleaning powder for a deeper clean. To know more, refer to our detailed guide on how to clean a rug without a carpet cleaner

What are some effective tips for cleaning outdoor carpets?

Quick tips:

• Dust to remove most dirt

• Rinse thoroughly

• Spot clean with a cleaning solution

• Rinse out the remaining chemical residue

• Let it dry