When Can I Leave My Rug Outside
Rugs are TOTALLLY fine outside when-
How To I Store A Rug
I polled my audience on and 56% leave their rugs out all the time and 44% put theirs away for rain.;
When it is winter and snowing or if you choose to bring a rug in during the rain, make sure to roll the rug up and then store in a dry location.
Dont ever fold a rug! Why? You can dent the backing and it may never straighten out. Rolling the rug protects the backing and is the best way to keep the rug looking good. Ive seen rugs get crumpled up in storage and they never look as good again because they wont lay flat after the back gets dented. Dont do that!
Next, I thought Id share my favorite places to buy outdoor rugs.
How To Clean Indoor Outdoor Carpet
On April 9, 1965, AstroTurf was introduced to the world. It was an artificial grass product called AstroTurf because it made its debut at the Astrodome.
The innovation was amazing heres a carpet substance that can be subjected to rain, sun, and snow. It didnt take long for the turf to start appearing on patios of private homes.
The problem was, there wasnt much variety. AstroTurf is supposed to look like grass. In a stadium seat, it did, but up close, it was a little cheap looking.
Homeowners also found that over time, their turf patios were crushed and didnt look so great. It was also really tough on bare feet like sharp, pointy grass instead of soft, lush grass but it was really the only option for indoor/outdoor carpet.
But how the times have changed! Now indoor/outdoor carpet can look just like carpet or even more like grass.
It comes in a variety of colors, and the textures can be incredibly soft on feet. These carpets can take so much abuse that you can actually put them around a swimming pool!
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How To Clean An Indoor Outdoor Rug
There are many ways as to how to clean an indoor outdoor rug. Of course, you can hire a professional cleaning service but many area rugs can be cleaned effectively by yourself. Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your carpet for your outdoor space which is why you need to start with very basic instructions;
How To Dry An Outdoor Rug
A wet rug is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Now that youve cleaned it well, its time to let it dry.
The method that youll use to dry an outdoor rug is not as important as it is the fact that you have to let it dry entirely. After cleaning the rug, you need to let it dry completely before you use it again or before you store it.
The best way to dry it is to lay the rug somewhere where it will be exposed to the sun so that it will dry out faster. Try to find a flat surface or hang it over a rail, your balcony, or over a fence. It can be either indoors or outdoors as long as there is good air circulation.
Once the top part of the rug is dry, flip it over to the other side. Most people forget about this step of the drying process, but its actually essential that the entire surface is completely dry.
Using the sun to dry your rug is the best alternative because its not damaging to the fibers. Direct sunlight can also reduce bacteria and lower the chances of mold and mildew.
Check the rug with your hands, and when you cant feel moisture anymore, you can put it back on your porch or prepare it for storage.
If youre not able to let the carpet dry in direct sunlight, you can use a heater. The thing about heaters is that they can cause damage to the rugs material, which is why you generally should avoid using them for this purpose.
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How To Clean A Rug With Mold And Mildew
Outdoor rugs arent prone to mold and mildew, but they can appear if the rug is constantly exposed to humidity and moisture. These rugs are made of synthetic materials that prevent mold, mildew, and moss, but they are not 100% resistant.
If you live in a humid area, you should check the rugs to see if you notice a strange smell or growth. When there are clear signs of mold, you should prepare to clean the rug.
One of the best ways to get rid of this problem is with a natural cleaner made of white vinegar and baking soda.
After you shake and vacuum the rug, you can sprinkle baking soda all over it.
Next, get a spray bottle and fill it with water and a little white vinegar. Spray the mixture on the rug, then wait for 10 minutes.
When the wait is over, rinse the carpet with water and let it dry completely. This solution should completely get rid of mold and mildew, but letting the rug dry in direct sunlight will further protect it.
Can You Steam Clean Outdoor Rugs
Check with your manufacturer. In most cases, its not recommended to steam clean an outdoor rug. Steam cleaning may shrink or damage the carpet. Instead, use dish soap and water, a commercial cleaner, or baking soda and vinegar to clean your outdoor rug.
Hopefully you found this guide on how to clean your outdoor rugs helpful. Whether youve got mold, tough stains, algae, or just need to do a quick clean, its easy!
If youre on a roll, keep cleaning! Check out our how to clean articles for more quick step-by-step guides!
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How To Store An Outdoor Rug
Properly storing your outdoor area rug when youre not using it is very important. There are various reasons why you might need to remove it, starting with the fact that you bought a new one, youre changing to a different rug each season, or you simply want to protect it from the snow. You need to know how to pack and place it to protect it from damage, mold, mildew, and insects.
One of the most essential rules to keep in mind is that you should only store a completely dry and clean rug. If its still wet or damp, youll end up having a problem with mold and mildew.
Once youre done using the rug, make sure that you roll it up. You should never fold a rug because it can cause permanent damage and creases. Rolling it means that youre saving space, and you can place it almost anywhere.
Before you roll it, figure out which is the more gentle side. That one should be facing inwards, and it usually features fibers.
Now that you have a roll, cover the rug with a cotton sheet all around. Secure the sheet with polyester tape so that it stays in place while the rug is in storage.
Next, amp up the protection with a polyurethane tarp, making sure that youve covered every single inch of the roll. To secure the tarp, you can use ropes, stretch cords, or bungee cords. This is the best and safest way to cover and protect a rug, even if it will be in storage for several months.
How To Clean Outdoor Rugs The Naturally Effective Way
Sommer Poquette . Sommer PoquetteHome Depotoutdoor carpetMichigan
I’m a clean freak, but with a husband who works on heavy equipment, a Great Dane, and two children, plenty of dirt gets tracked into my home .
This is why I use outdoor rugs to catch dirt before it comes into my house. That’s the idea, anyhow! I ask my family to wipe their feet and take off their shoes before entering the house. Most of the time, they listen.
The outdoor rugs that line my garage and mud room, in turn, get filthy and need a good cleaning every now and again-a cleaning that usually goes beyond just vacuuming. Whether or not you need to hire a professional carpet cleaner depends on what your outdoor rug is made of; some are wool, cotton or natural fibers that can easily be discolored or damaged. Always check to see what your rug is made of and spot test a small area.
I clean my outdoor rugs with a combination of eco-friendly dish soap, white vinegar and baking soda. I spot clean stains with the dish soap and then sprinkle with baking soda, spray some vinegar and then scrub with an outdoor broom.
Some stains require more scrubbing than others! When the weather is nice, I hose off my outdoor rugs, after spot cleaning, and let them dry in the sunlight. Often times, the sunlight will bleach out any stains. This is how I’ve always cleaned my outdoor rug, as well as those we use for car camping in the summer.
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How To Clean Your Outdoor Rug
Our outdoor rugs are manufactured to last for years to come, but we know that accidents happen and rugs are designed to be walked on, so your rug will probably be exposed to some dirt and matting eventually. Here are a few easy steps you can take to extend the life of your rug and keep it looking great.
Treat Stains And Spots
Stains on outdoor rugs are best treated with a store-bought stain remover. After youve found the right product, follow the instructions listed on the packaging, and youll find it quite simple to get rid of stains.
Liquid Spills
Tackling a liquid mess is the first step toward a clean rug. If an accident happens and you spill your soda, tea, or coffee, you should get a rag or paper towel right away and absorb all the liquid.
You shouldnt scrub the spot, though, because you can make the stain more extensive and push it into the fibers even more. Use gentle pressure and blotting until there is no more liquid.
When the stained area is dry, you can use a stain remover according to the instructions to further treat the rug. If you dont have a stain remover at home, mix a little mild detergent with water and apply it to the area. Let it sit for five to 10 minutes.
Next, use a damp clean cloth or sponge to rinse the detergent and achieve a clean rug.
Dry Spills
Dry spills are easier to take care of because they dont soak into the fibers.
You will need a sharp object to scrape the spill and remove as much as you can. Now you can apply a stain cleaner or a little mild detergent with warm water to the spot. Wait for five to 10 minutes, then rinse the area with water.
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Reduce Wicking / Stain Reappearance
A big problem with indoor/outdoor carpet is wicking. Because of the nature of the olefin fibers, they dry extremely quickly from the base upward. You might think youve completely removed a stain when it suddenly appears again!
This is because the soil and stains sink to the base of the fibers and the backing of the carpet. When the carpet gets wet again, it brings the stains up to the surface as it dries. You might also notice that your carpet looks so much cleaner when wet. This is also an effect of wicking.
The easiest solution for wicking is to vacuum the carpet twice with a powerful vacuum before cleaning. This will pick up more of the dirt that is sitting at the base of the fibers. If you eliminate them before cleaning, they wont rise to the surface as the carpet dries.
Another way to cut down on wicking is to control the amount of water you use and use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up the water from the base of the carpet. If you suck up the water with a ShopVac, you will get some of the dirty water up from the carpet backing.
How To Clean An Outdoor Rug + Round Up
Whenever I share a picture of my patio with my outdoor rugs out, I get a million questions- do you leave it outside all the time? How does it look? Whats the secret to having an outdoor rug and keeping it looking great? So I thought Id share some tips for how to clean an outdoor rug and maintain it.
Because the thing about an outdoor rug is that it 100% pulls the space together! It makes it feel comfy and intimate like a room. An outdoor rug finishes off a patio or deck, but it can be a bit of work to keep it from getting ruined by the elements. Here are some guidelines for keeping it looking good.
Note, a special thank you goes out to my for sharing their tips with me so I could make this post as informative as possible!
At our house, we keep our rugs outside until a rainstorm is coming and then we bring them inside. Utah doesnt get much rain so it can be out most of summer. In Florida, the rainy season is in the summer so its stored through September.
I think its the most work to bring rugs in and out through inclement weather, but keeps them looking the best. On the other hand, it means that the rug is in storage more than it is out since it is annoying to bring it in and out all the time. BUT there are other options!
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Let The Outdoor Rug Dry In The Sun
I pulled it over to a sunny spot in the driveway to start drying out.;
It took about 12 hours to fully dry , so keep this in mind if you plan to wash your outdoor rug!;
Once it was dry, I pulled it back over to the lounge area of the patio and admired how bright the whites were and how there was no more mildew on my outdoor rug!
This rug cleaning process really made a difference in the look of my outdoor space!;
Now when we enjoy making smores out here in our DIY Outdoor Fire Pit, we wont be thinking how the patio is so nice EXCEPT for the nasty rug. ;;
-Bre
Types Of Outdoor Carpet
Most outdoor carpet is low-pile loop , cut and loop patterned or flat woven. All handle the wear and tear of weather and foot traffic better than plush or deep-pile carpet types. For completely exposed areas or high-humidity climates, choose a carpet with all-weather marine backing to resist moisture.
- Broadloom rolls:;Purchase outdoor carpet in a wide broadloom roll to install as a wall-to-wall floor covering in an open or semi-enclosed deck or patio. Carpet on broadloom rolls can also be cut to a custom size and finished around the edges for an area rug that fits your space.
- Tiles or planks:;Outdoor carpet in tile or plank form rather than broadloom can also be installed wall-to-wall. You can also use a single piece or small grouping to cover a smaller area of your floor space, or create a rug-like centerpiece.
- Area rugs:;Outdoor rugs have the same durability and water-resistance as outdoor carpet, but are smaller and designed as an accent rather than a full floor covering. If youre placing an outdoor area rug on your deck, you may want to move it around every so often so you dont have uneven fading, advises Gibbs.
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Clean Spills And Spots Immediately
Accidents happen, and that’s okay. If something spills on your rug, you’ll want to clean it quickly, but never rub a spill. Always blot to prevent fraying of the yarns. Simple soap and water should remove most stains. However, be sure to test cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area to be sure the cleanser will not damage the fiber.
How To Clean Your Carpet With Soap
You can use a mixture of soap and water to perform a deeper clean on your outdoor carpet.;The best option is to use a mild detergent such as dish soap.;You mix it with water and then apply it with a sponge or brush. If you have a large carpet, you can use a push broom to scrub the surface.
You can rinse the carpet with a clean sponge, or you can use a garden hose. If you can hang your rug or place it in the sun after washing, then the garden hose is a much more convenient option.
If possible, set the carpet on an inclined surface and spray it with the hose to rinse out all the soap. Because of the slope, the water will eventually flow off the carpet. This strategy will aid drying. This method can prove very useful if you waited until the last minute to clean your carpet .
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