Summer Refresh: The Best Way to Clean Your Patio Rugs

Now that the weather is warmer, it’s time to set out the patio furniture and unroll the outdoor area rug for another great summer on your porch, patio or deck.

Outdoor rugs are popular for a few reasons. One of the simple pleasures of summer is going barefoot. Outdoor carpets protect feet from scorching surfaces.

An outdoor rug is a great way to finish off a space and pull together a furniture arrangement.

Today’s outdoor area rugs come in a multitude of colors and styles and many are manufactured using fade and weather-resistant materials.

Outdoor rugs vary in some key ways from the carpeting you might have in your bedroom or living room.

First, they’re usually made from materials that can manage weather extremes. These synthetic fibers generally are mold and mildew resistant, so they can stand up to a rainstorm. Outdoor rugs often feature UV protection. This makes them resistant to fading from the intense summer sun.

Patio rugs tend to be low pile, too. The shorter fibers make them easier to clean and quick to dry.

If you’re looking for an outdoor area rug, pay attention to the materials from which it is made. Consider where you will be using the rug to ensure you buy a product appropriate to the needs of your outdoor space.

Nylon - This durable material holds up to high traffic without wearing or matting. However, it is less stain resistant than other fibers. Nylon rugs that are placed in full sun can feel hot underfoot and may be better suited for use in areas that are shaded or under cover.

Polyester  - Polyester rugs are durable and fade resistant. However, since they’re more prone to matting and pilling, they may not be the best option for high traffic areas. If you’re looking for a rug for your outdoor dining table, bear in mind that oil (from salad dressings, barbecue sauce, buttered corn on the cob and other common outdoor foods) may stain your polyester rug.

Polypropylene - Polypropylene is used to make everything from yogurt cups to car bumpers. As a carpet fiber, polypropylene resists most stains and is easy to clean, making it a durable material for outdoor area rugs. While this material offers superior fade resistance, it does not do well with oily stains. It’s also not a good choice near the grill, as it is not fire resistant.

Plant Fibers - Many beautiful outdoor rugs are made from jute, sisal, seagrass and cotton. However, these natural materials require special care, since they soak up and hold moisture. They also don’t dry quickly. A wet rug could quickly begin to harbor mold and mildew. Because they should not get wet, rugs made from natural fibers are best suited to enclosed porches and other well-covered areas.

DO NOT use water to clean rugs made from sisal, jute and other plant fibers. The following instructions for outdoor rug cleaning apply only to patio rugs made from synthetic materials.

One advantage of indoor outdoor rugs is that they can protect the surface beneath, like wood decking or tile. As your rug sits there, day after day, it catches dirt, pollen, pet hair, dander, bugs, food crumbs and plant materials. This debris can make your outdoor rug dull and dingy.

Not only that, when the weather turns hot and humid, trapped dirt may encourage mold and mildew to grow in your rug. Yuk!

Just as you regularly vacuum your indoor rugs, you should do the same for your patio carpet. You can use a wet vac with a flathead hose attachment or an upright vacuum cleaner with good suction on the lowest setting. Because dirt can get ground into the carpet fibers, it’s a good idea to flip the rug and vacuum the reverse, as well.

An outdoor carpet with a flat weave or very low pile can be swept clean with a broom occasionally. You also can shake out smaller area rugs. If your outdoor patio rug is large, drape it over a clothesline, fence or lawn chairs and beat the dust out. The flat side of a broom works well for this step. Dust will fly, especially if there is a breeze, so you may want to wear a mask.

If you eat or drink outdoors, your patio rug is bound to attract its share of spills and spots. Try to address them immediately, so they don’t set in or attract insects. Spills that are still wet can be blotted up with a clean towel.

Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to determine which cleaning products are safe to use on your outdoor rug. “For most messes, a simple mix of a few drops of liquid dish soap in warm water should do the trick,” advises Better Homes & Gardens.

It’s best to lay the rug flat to dry, since hanging can stretch it out of shape. Your driveway is an ideal drying surface. When one side is dry, flip it over and allow the other side to dry, as well. Drying can take several hours, but making sure your outdoor rug is completely dry helps keep mold and mildew from forming.

While your outdoor patio rug is drying, clean and sweep the area it will cover. No sense in laying a clean patio rug on a dirty surface, right?

An outdoor patio rug can be an investment. Regular cleaning helps ensure your beautiful outdoor rug will continue to stand up to more summers of fun and entertaining.

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