Taking Care of Your Outdoor Rug

Utilize every space outside of your home by placing weather friendly rugs on your patios, porches and decks. Intimidated by the maintenance that comes with rugs meant for the great outdoors? In reality, proper outdoor rugs are built to last various weather conditions and dirt, meaning that cleaning is minimal.

Look for outdoor rugs that are mold and mildew resistant, resist fading from sun exposure and dry quickly. Synthetic outdoor rugs are often made from polypropylene, nylon or acrylic, while natural outdoor rugs are typically made from bamboo.

While cleaning instructions depend on the individual rug and company, in general you should be able to clean your outdoor rug with water and a bristled brush. Most outdoor rugs are water resistant. Scrub out any dirt or stains you see on your rug. Depending on your climate, you might want to clean your rug weekly or monthly. If your outdoor rug is shaded, you might only need to clean it a few times during the summer months.

After you’ve hosed down your rug, hang dry it so that water will run off quickly. When the rug is damp, leave it out in the sun to finish drying. For tougher stains, it might be possible to scrub diluted dish soap on your rug, but make sure to read the cleaning instructions first.

Owning an outdoor rug is much less trouble than you might think. Plus, when the the cold front starts to come through, simply roll your rug and store it in a dry place. It’s important to never fold your rug because folding can create permanent creases.

Don’t be afraid to decorate your backyard, porches, patios and decks with a stylish and durable outdoor accent rug this spring!

Happy rug hunting!