Emily Smith
Now is the perfect time to give your outdoor rug a seasonal refresh, ensuring it's clean and ready to style any outdoor space.
Outdoor rugs are the latest garden trend taking over patios and decking, perfect for dressing up outdoor living ideas and blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor space. However, they can soon become dirty due to the nature of living outside in the elements.
Thankfully, cleaning an outdoor rug is a simple chore, especially with a little help from experts to ensure optimum care while cleaning. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to cleaning an outdoor rug to tackle the task with ease.
How to clean an outdoor rug in 6 easy steps
Knowing how to clean an outdoor rug properly will ensure your freshly washed decking or clean patio slabs aren't let down by the presence of a dirty rug placed over the top.
To start the process of cleaning an outdoor rug, you will need:
- Garden hose
- Dish soap/mild liquid detergent
- Soft bristle scrubbing brush
- (Optional) Vacuum cleaner
- White vinegar
RRP: £8.95 for 3 x 320ml | Dish soap really is the wonder product when it comes to cleaning, especially in places where you don't want to use lots of chemicals.
RRP: £5.99 | Another key cleaning product, white vinegar is a brilliant, gentle cleaner that will make quick work of breaking down dirt and killing bacteria whilst also being gentle on various surfaces.
RRP: £13.95 | Whatever it is you're scrubbing in your garden, these helpful brushes with non-slip soft grip handles will make the task much easier. They're perfect for tackling dirty outdoor rugs.
1. Remove surface dirt
Like when cleaning outdoor cushions, the first step is to remove any dirt and general garden debris from the surface of the rug before you start to apply any cleaning solutions.
To do this, simply give the rug a good shake to loosen up any dirt, encouraging it to work its way free from the rug. "You can also use a vacuum or brush to remove dirt amongst the fibres," suggests Clare Walsh, a brand expert at Kukoon Rugs.
"Depending on the size of the rug, you may need a helping hand with this part, or you could hang it over a fence or washing line before giving it a good brush. It’s worth noting that you should do both sides."
2. Carry out a pre-clean rinse
Sometimes, a thorough rinse is all that is required to restore your outdoor rug to its original clean state. "To give the whole rug an overall clean, water from the garden hose is usually sufficient," says Clare.
It's best to carry out any water-based cleaning steps on the patio or decking, avoiding grass because it could ruin not only the rug but also your freshly reseeded lawn.
Try to elevate the rug after rinsing it to encourage excess water to run away, preventing it from becoming waterlogged. It's also important to choose a warm, dry day before you start cleaning and rinsing because otherwise, you run the risk that the rug won't dry sufficiently, which could cause mould or moss to form.
3. Scrub surface stains with a cleaning solution
It is only now, once the surface dirt is removed and rinsed away, that you can clearly see any remaining dirt or stains you need to tackle.
"If it needs a little more or if it smells, then mix warm water with a mild detergent to make a simple, effective cleaning solution," says Clare. "Using a soft brush, gently scrub the rug all over to remove dirt and refresh the fibres and colour hues."
We recommend mixing a solution of dish soap and warm water, mixing just enough for a soapy lather to form, and working it into the fabric. When cleaning any carpet, it is advisable to carry out a small patch test, even when using a mild detergent or dish soap, to check that the solution won't discolour or damage the fibres in any way.
4. Tackle tougher stains
"For tougher stains that remain, use a gentle, non-abrasive sponge and a mild washing detergent to spot-clean the areas once more," suggests Clare. Similar to cleaning carpet stains indoors, she warns: "Try to avoid harsh scrubbing, which can make stains worse, and instead, gently blot to lift the stain from the fibres."
"If moss or algae forms on the rug, the most effective way to remove it is by using diluted bleach or white vinegar." We are most in favour of cleaning with vinegar to avoid using harsh chemicals.
Simply mix a natural cleaning solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water to apply directly to the stain. Allow the solution to work its magic for 15 minutes or so before rinsing clean. Again, carry out a patch test before using it more liberally to make sure it's suitable for your chosen rug design.
5. Rinse away any residue
When you’re happy that your rug is sufficiently clean, it's time to rinse and remove traces of any cleaning solutions.
To do so Clare suggests: "Using your garden hose again to wash off any detergent or cleaning solutions and rinse the rug thoroughly on both sides." Fear not, if you don't have a garden hose, you can use buckets of clean, warm water to rinse.
6. Allow it to air dry thoroughly
Lastly, allow the rug to completely air dry. "To avoid moss and algae forming, ensure your rug is thoroughly dry before placing it down," warns Clare.
"Try and remove any excess water and then lay it out flat in the sunshine. When the top is dry, flip it over to dry the bottom and leave it drying until you can no longer feel any moisture when you push your fingers into the pile."
An alternative way to do this to ensure the air is able to circulate more efficiently is to hang your rug over a washing line, fence, or decking bannister – anywhere that still allows the rug to dry naturally with all sides exposed.
FAQs
How often should you clean an outdoor rug?
Despite outdoor rugs being hardwearing and robust against the elements, they do still need cleaning frequently to keep them fresh.
"Ideally you should clean an outdoor rug every few weeks," says Clare. "Giving it a much-needed spruce up at the end of the summer season. Following these important steps and taking the time to clean it properly will ensure it lasts longer, stays free from moss and algae and the colours stay fresh."
Do you need to store an outdoor rug away in bad weather?
Despite outdoor rugs being made to face the elements it is preferable to store your outdoor rug somewhere dry during spells of bad weather - and most definitely during the colder seasons.
"Although outdoor rugs fare well in most weather conditions, it is probably best to store them away during rainy, snowy, or icy conditions," says Claire. "You can either bring your outdoor rug inside for home use or store it away until spring."
"When storing away an outdoor rug, it is essential that you roll it up, as opposed to folding it, which will ruin its shape. Outdoor rugs are best stored in a dry, indoor space, such as a garage, however, if this option isn’t available to you, an outdoor rug can be rolled up, wrapped in plastic, and placed under the decking."
Should you pressure wash an outdoor rug?
While you're cleaning your decking this summer, you might be tempted to use your pressure washer on your outdoor rug. And whilst it's not on the list of things you shouldn't pressure wash in your garden, the experts would suggest avoiding it.
"In most cases, it’s better to skip the pressure washer. While tempting, it can be too harsh, especially on rugs with delicate fibres or backing. The powerful spray can fray the edges, lift the backing, or force water deep into layers where it can’t properly dry," explains Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at Smol.
Instead, she recommends sticking to the garden hose and soft brush method, as this won't risk shortening the life of the rug.
Having worked for the cleaning brand Smol since its creation, Catherine has tested each and every product before its release. She is also involved with the production team's process and provides feedback for the development of the company's products.
Can I put an outdoor rug in the washing machine?
There are many things you should never put in your washing machine, some of which can damage both the items themselves and the machine. Your outdoor rug is possibly okay to throw in for a wash, it just depends on the size and material.
"It depends on the rug," explains Catherine. "Some smaller, machine-washable outdoor rugs can go in on a gentle cycle with mild detergent - just skip the spin and avoid tumble drying. However, many outdoor rugs have backing or fibres that aren’t machine-friendly, so ALWAYS check the care label first. When in doubt, it’s safest to wash it by hand using the method above."
It's always a good idea to get ahead and sort your garden out before the good weather arrives. And whilst this includes cleaning your outdoor rug, there are lots of other essential summer garden jobs to keep you busy on the run up to the hottest season.
