While outdoor rugs and garden carpets are made from synthetic materials which are designed to handle dirt, moisture and sun, they can still become dirty. Changing seasonal weather, frequent family use and those playful pets can all sully a synthetic rug. 

It’s easy to keep an outdoor rug clean though, discover how to clean an outdoor rug by following these simple steps.

Cleaning

Some dirt can simply be dislodged from your rug by giving it a shake. Just hold the corners of your rug and shake it until the dirt, small stones or any other debris fall off. 

For larger rugs that can’t be handled alone, you can hang them over a fence and hit the rug with a sturdy stick to dislodge any dirt. This is how it was done in days of yore with carpet beaters.

Regular sweeping of flat weave rugs is a great way to keep them looking clean, but to remove the more stubborn dirt clinging to the rug vacuuming is a great solution. Vacuum both sides of your outdoor rug every couple of weeks to keep it in good condition.

Spot Clean

To combat stains or spills on particular areas of your rug, spot cleaning is recommended.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A bucket of warm water
  • A sponge
  • Gentle detergent 
  • A towel
  • Garden hose
  • Edged tool

Cleaning method:

  1. Remove any liquid spills from the spot by blotting with a towel
  2. For any dried, solid dirt or mud, use an edged tool, like a knife to remove it
  3. Add your gentle detergent to the water 
  4. Use the sponge to carefully blot the stained spot with the detergent water. Avoid rubbing as this may result in pushing the stain further into the rug fibres
  5. Clean out the sponge and repeat until the stain is removed
  6. Use clean water to rinse out the whole rug to wash away any remaining detergent
  7. Completely dry out the rug to avoid moisture and mould build up

outdoor rug

Washing

Outdoor rugs are suitable for washing, however avoid doing so on grass as the detergent or cleaner may be harmful to plants.

Washing method:

  1. Make sure to thoroughly soak the rug with water either by using a hose or buckets of water
  2. Mix a detergent or rug cleaner with warm or cold water in a bucket
  3. Before fully washing make sure to test the mixture in an area of the rug to check that the colour of the rug is not affected. After applying the detergent to the test area, wait for a few minutes for any changes then rinse it off with water. If you do not notice any colour fading or bleeding then it is safe to continue washing the rug
  4. Use a brush to lather the detergent mixture into the rug and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then rinse the rug thoroughly with water until the detergent is completely washed off and the runoff water is clean.
  5. Remove any remaining water from the rug by tightly rolling it up and standing it up vertically
  6. Unroll the rug and lay it out flat until it is fully dry

Cleaning mould, mildew or moss

If you leave your rug outside for extended periods of time in humid or damp conditions, dark spots of mildew may start to form on the fabric. If this is left untreated, mildew may turn to mould and an unpleasant, musty smell will develop. 

You should regularly check your outdoor rug for any signs of mildew or mould. If you notice any it can be removed using bleach or a natural cleaning solution, such as white vinegar. Before cleaning your entire rug, make sure to do a spot test in an unobtrusive area to check if it will stain or fade.

Using bleach

When using bleach avoid doing so on grass or wood as it can harm plants or cause discolouration.

  1. Mix a small amount of bleach with water and do a spot check in an area of the rug to check that there is no colour fade
  2. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and apply it to the rug
  3. Wait for a couple of minutes before rinsing the rug with water
  4. Completely dry out the rug

Using a natural solution

Using a natural solution like white vinegar will not harm other plant life but will combat mould, mildew and moss.

  1. Use a spray bottle to spread the white vinegar over any mildew spots
  2. Wait for several minutes to allow the vinegar to affect the unwanted mould or mildew
  3. Completely rinse off the rug using a hose before drying

Drying

After you have finished cleaning your outdoor rug and rinsed it off, lay it out flat preferably in direct sunlight. Once one side has dried, flip the rug over to allow the bottom to dry as well. The rug is completely dry when you cannot feel any moisture when pushing your fingers into the fibres. Do not be concerned if the fibres feel stiff, as they will soften over time.

Storage

During winter months it is recommended to store your outdoor rug away to ensure its longevity. Before storing your rug indoors make sure it is clean and completely dried. Tightly roll up the rug and store it indoors in a cool and dry place. Wrapping the rug in fabric or placing it in a storage case will ensure it is protected from gathering dust or moisture.

Shop all outdoor rugs and garden carpets at Primrose.