Home Cleaning Cleaning How-Tos How to Clean Outdoor Rugs Thoroughly So They're Spotless Dingy outdoor rugs will be a thing of the past. By Mary Marlowe Leverette Mary Marlowe Leverette Mary Marlowe Leverette has over four decades of experience and has been writing and consulting for more than 20 years sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, stain removal methods, and textile conservation. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on April 03, 2024 Close Photo: Katarzyna Bialasiewicz/Getty Images Project Overview Skill Level: Beginner An outdoor rug adds comfort and style to a patio, porch, or deck... but it also takes a beating from the weather, muddy feet and shoes, and pets. Fortunately, these rugs are manufactured from polypropylene, rubber, and acrylic (often recycled materials) and are moisture and mildew-resistant to withstand the abuse. However, they still need regular cleaning to help keep them looking great, and you probably have everything you need on hand to do the task. Simply pick a sunny, breezy day to clean an outdoor rug and get started. The Best Indoor-Outdoor Rugs for Every Style & Budget How Often to Clean an Outdoor Rug Clean up and treat spills and stains with an enzyme-based carpet stain remover as soon as possible. Blot liquid stains and use a dull-edged knife or spatula to lift away solids like mud or dropped food. Use a broom or vacuum to remove soil at least once a week. The rug should be thoroughly cleaned at least twice a year; once at the beginning of the outdoor weather season and again before you remove it for winter storage. How to Clean an Outdoor Rug What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Broom or vacuum Garden hose with spray nozzle or power washer Bucket Spray bottle Microfiber cloth Nylon-bristled scrub brush Plastic tarp Materials Dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleaner Enzyme-based stain remover Distilled white vinegar or chlorine bleach Paper towels Instructions Remove Loose Dirt and Debris Use a stiff broom to sweep away or a vacuum to collect the dirt, dust, and debris that accumulates on the outdoor rug. Prepare the Rug for Deep Cleaning Place the rug right side up on a plastic tarp on the lawn, patio, or driveway for cleaning. Fill a bucket with a gallon of warm water and add 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleaner. Pretreat Stains Spot treat stains using an enzyme-based stain remover or carpet cleaner. Apply the cleaner and use a soft-bristled nylon brush to work the cleaner into the rug fibers. Allow it to work for at least 15 minutes before moving to the next step.If there is mildew growing on the rug, you can use chlorine bleach or vinegar to kill it. Be sure to dilute the bleach and test it on a corner hem before treating the rug to be sure there is no color loss.To kill the mildew and remove the stains with bleach, mix 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach in one gallon of water. Blot the solution on the stains and let it work for 10 minutes before rinsing it away.To kill mildew with vinegar, mix one cup of distilled white vinegar with one cup of water. Spritz the mildewed area with the vinegar solution and let it work for 20 minutes before rinsing it away. Treat the remaining stains with an enzyme-based stain remover.Protect grass and plants because both bleach and vinegar can cause damage. Wet the Rug Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle or a power washer to wet the rug thoroughly. If your outdoor rug is made from sisal, do not soak it with water. A sisal rug should only be vacuumed regularly and spot-cleaned to remove stains. Scrub Away Stains and Grime Use a soft-bristled brush to apply the soapy solution to the rug. Work in a grid so that every part of the rug is cleaned. Use some extra elbow grease on heavily soiled areas. Rinse Well Use the garden hose spray nozzle or a power washer to rinse away the soapy solution and soil. If you are cleaning the rug on a tarp, roll it up loosely and stand it upright for a few minutes to allow the extra water to run off the rug.If you have a sturdy deck or porch rail or a heavy-duty clothesline, hang the soapy rug before you hose it down for more thorough rinsing. Air Dry the Rug The rug should be hung from a clothesline or draped over waterproof outdoor furniture to air-dry. This can take up to eight hours and you should turn it over at least once so that there is good air circulation on both sides. The rug should be completely dry before putting it back in place. Wet rugs can mildew and attract soil more quickly than dry ones. How to Keep Your Outdoor Rug Clean Longer If your outdoor rug becomes wet, hang it to dry to help prevent mildew from forming underneath and to prevent stains.Vacuum or sweep outdoor rugs several times per week.Place doormats at outdoor porch and deck entrances to trap soil before it reaches the rug.Treat stains immediately.Before storing the rug for the winter, be sure it is thoroughly clean and dry. To protect it from dust and insects, store the rug in a sealable plastic bag or cover it with a waterproof tarp. 10 Charming Patio Ideas to Elevate Your Backyard