How to Clean and Treat an Outdoor Rug

Written by Haim Shemesh | Edited by Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: July 11, 2022 References

Outdoor rugs can really perk up your space, but they need freshening up, too! If you're wondering how to clean an outdoor rug, look no further. We'll walk you through a simple cleaning process, step-by-step. Plus, we'll give you helpful guidance on treating stains, removing mold or mildew, and storing your outdoor rug.

This article is based on an interview with our carpet and rug cleaning specialist, Haim Shemesh, owner of Sunlight Fine Rug Care & Restoration. Check out the full interview here.

1

Shake out the rug for light cleaning.

Spend a minute shaking dirt and debris off before you clean the rug. If you have a small rug, you simply hold it with both hands and shake it vigorously. If you can't hold the rug, drape it over a railing or clothesline and hit it with a rug beater or broom to loosen dirt and debris.^{[1]
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- You'll get rid of more dirt if you flip the rug over and shake the opposite side, too.

2

Vacuum the rug to remove deep dirt.

Use the suction setting on your vacuum to remove grime. If you use the vacuum's bristle bar, you might damage the surface of the rug. Run the vacuum over the surface of the rug whenever you see light dirt or debris.^{[2]
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- If you don't have a vacuum, use a stiff-bristled broom instead.
- Make a point of vacuuming your outdoor rug at least once a week and before you wash it. This can actually prevent mold from growing on your rug.

3

Scrub the rug with soapy water.

Fill a bucket with water and a few squirts of liquid dish soap. Dip a soft nylon scrub brush into the solution and work it across the surface of the rug. Keep scrubbing until the surface looks sudsy. Scrub both sides of the rug, so it gets completely clean.^{[3]
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- Plan on washing your outdoor rug once a month. This really cuts back on the dirt and keeps your rug looking great!
- The majority of outdoor rugs are made with synthetic materials like polypropylene, nylon, acrylic, and polyester, so they can withstand the elements and regular cleaning.

4

Treat mold, mildew, or algae with diluted vinegar.

Scrub mold, mildew, or algae with a 50-50 vinegar and water solution. Mix a diluted solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Dip your scrub brush into it and work it into the rug. Then, rinse the rug with plain water. Vinegar kills the bacteria or fungi that could be growing on your outdoor rug.^{[4]
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- To speed up drying time and prevent mildew, press a dry towel onto the rug to absorb excess moisture. Air-dry the rug completely before you use it or store it.
- Natural-fiber rugs like sisal, jute, and seagrass are often backed with glue-based or rubber backing. These trap moisture, which can promote mold, mildew, and algae growth.

5

Remove smells or stubborn stains with baking soda.

Use baking soda along with a soapy vinegar solution to deep clean your rug. Sprinkle baking soda over the damp rug. Then, make a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Mix in a few drops of liquid dish soap and spray the solution onto the baking soda. Scrub the area with a brush and let the rug dry completely before you vacuum it.^{[5]
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- Gently use your vacuum's brush attachment to suck up dried baking soda that's deep within the rug.

6

Rinse the rug with plain water.

Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment to rinse the rug. Keep hosing off the rug until you don't see soap suds anymore. If you don't have a hose, you can fill a bucket with water and pour it over the rug.^{[6]
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- If you've got a sloped yard or driveway, spread the rug on the slope and rinse from the top down to the bottom. This way, the soapy water will run off of the rug instead of collecting on it.

7

Use a pressure washer to rinse extremely dirty rugs.

Fill your pressure washer with cold water and choose the lightest setting. Hold the nozzle 1 foot (0.30 m) away from the rug and spray slowly across the surface. Try to pressure wash evenly, so you rinse all the soapy water out of the rug. Keep pressure washing until the water running off the rug is clear.^{[7]
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- If your rug is made from natural fibers like jute or sisal, avoid pressure washing since it can destroy the delicate fibers.

8

Lay the rug flat to dry.

Spread the rug in direct sunlight and let it dry completely. Flip it over to ensure that the back of the rug dries completely, too. Keep the rug completely flat as it dries—if you drape it over a railing, it can warp the rug, so your rug doesn't lay flat.^{[8]
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9

Roll the rug to store it.

Put the outdoor rug into storage when you're not using it. If you leave it out during rainy or cold seasons, the elements can damage the rug or cause it to mold. Instead, flip the rug upside down and roll it up. Then, store it indoors until you're ready to use it.^{[9]
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- By flipping the rug upside down before you roll it, you'll guarantee that the rug will lay flat when you go to unroll it.

Warnings

Avoid using bleach on your outdoor rug. It's too harsh and can damage the material. It can also lift the color, so your rug will look faded.

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Check the care label for your rug if you're thinking about machine-washing it. Unless it's designed to be washed, you'll damage the rug. In general, plan on getting your rugs professionally cleaned every year and a half to two years.

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