When it comes to furnishing outdoor spaces, some of the biggest mistakes we see consumers make involve how they care for their outdoor rugs and upholstery. While it’s true that outdoor rugs are designed to handle much more exposure than indoor rugs, they still need regular cleaning and care. But frankly, many shoppers don’t know the best way to go about it.
Sun, rain, pollen, leaves, dirt, food, pets, and foot traffic can all affect how an outdoor rug looks and performs season after season. The good news is that a few simple habits can help keep it cleaner and reduce the risk of stains, odors, mold, mildew, and premature wear.
Before we get started, please note that because materials and backing systems vary, always begin with the specific care instructions provided by your rug manufacturer. That being said, let’s explore the best practices for outdoor rug cleaning and maintenance below.
Sweep or Vacuum the Rug Regularly
Loose dirt or other debris is always easier to remove before it becomes ground into the rug’s fibers. For this reason, we recommend making sweeping and/or vacuuming your outdoor rug part of your regular cleaning routine around the house. If you use a vacuum, avoid aggressive settings or attachments that could pull or damage the weave of the rug.
For routine cleaning, we recommend you:
- Sweep the rug with a broom
- Shake it out if it is small enough
- Vacuum it using a setting appropriate for the rug
- Sweep leaves or other debris from underneath it
Regular cleaning is especially helpful during North Georgia’s pollen season, when outdoor surfaces can develop a visible coating quickly, or during fall, where damp leaves can often accumulate.
Always Clean Spills as Soon as Possible
Outdoor rugs are often stain-resistant, but that does not mean stains cannot occur. Regardless of what type of accidental spill you’re dealing with, cleaning up sooner is almost always better than letting it sit. However, please note that rubbing too hard can spread the mess or push it farther into the rug.
When something spills:
- Blot the area rather than rubbing it.
- Remove as much of the spilled substance as possible.
- Follow the rug manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
- Use only cleaners that are appropriate for the rug’s material.
- Rinse thoroughly when directed.
Additionally, avoid automatically reaching for the harshest allowable cleaners for a material, like bleach, solvents, or other chemicals. Even for outdoor rugs or upholstery that are bleach-cleanable, we recommend trying milder cleaning solutions first, and working your way up to stronger options. Lastly, please remember that cleaning methods that are safe for one outdoor rug may damage the color, fibers, coating, or backing of another.
Can You Hose Down an Outdoor Rug?
You can, but only under the right circumstances, while taking the right precautions. Many synthetic outdoor rugs can be rinsed with a garden hose, but you should always verify that the manufacturer recommends it before doing so.
If the outdoor rug can be hosed down:
- Move it to a clean outdoor surface
- Remove loose debris first
- Rinse both sides if practical
- Avoid excessive pressure that may damage the fibers
- Allow it to dry completely before putting it back
Do not use a pressure washer unless the manufacturer specifically says doing so is safe. The high pressure jets of water from a pressure washer can damage a rug’s weave, backing, or fibers themselves.
Let the Rug Dry Completely
Keeping a rug dry is one of the most important parts of outdoor rug care because excess moisture can do more damage than practically anything else. After rain or cleaning, trapped moisture may contribute to odors, mold, mildew, or damage to the patio surface beneath the rug.
To help the rug dry:
- Lift the corners to improve airflow
- Hang or drape the rug when appropriate
- Move furniture temporarily
- Let the ground or deck dry beneath it
- If you store your rug seasonally, avoid returning to storage until completely dry
Even rugs made from moisture-resistant fibers can hold water between the rug and the floor, damaging surfaces.
How to Help Prevent Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are much more likely to be an issue when moisture remains trapped in or beneath the rug without proper airflow.
To reduce this risk:
- Keep the area beneath the rug clean
- Allow the rug to dry after rain
- Avoid leaving it on consistently damp surfaces
- Move furniture occasionally so covered areas can dry fully
- Store the rug only when it is fully dry
- Use an outdoor rug pad engineered for better airflow that is also compatible with your deck’s surface material
If you notice mold, mildew, or a musty odor, check the manufacturer’s care instructions before cleaning. Some rugs may only require a mild soap solution, while others may allow for harsher cleaning methods, up to and including bleach-based cleaning solutions. When mold, mildew or fungal growth is extensive enough that the rug cannot be cleaned safely, replacement may be the better option.
Protect the Surface Beneath the Rug
As we discussed above, outdoor rugs can trap moisture, dirt, and other debris beneath them. For this reason, it becomes just as important, if not more important, to also protect the deck, porch or patio surfaces underneath your outdoor rug.
Regardless of whether your rug sits on a wooden deck, painted porch, stone pavers, or a finished concrete surface, the same general rules apply:
- Lift the rug periodically
- Sweep underneath it
- Regularly check for discoloration or moisture
- Always allow the surface to dry after rain or cleaning
- Make sure both the rug and rug pad are suitable for your deck or patio’s material
As we’ve discussed already, a breathable outdoor rug pad may help with airflow and stability, but it must also be approved for the surface that is beneath it.
Keep the Rug From Shifting or Sliding
Outdoor rugs may move in windy or open spaces, or simply from lots of foot traffic from kids, pets or barbecue guests. To help keep them in place, we recommend the following solutions:
- Placing furniture legs on the rug
- Using an outdoor-rated rug pad
- Choosing a heavier rug
- Repositioning it away from strong wind paths
Depending on the surface, rug tape can be a valid solution for indoor rugs. Similarly, this can be a valid solution for outdoor rugs in covered spaces like sun rooms or screened-in porches that are not directly exposed to the elements. Always be cautious with adhesive tape or other products that may leave residue or damage the flooring beneath the rug.
However, please note that we do not recommend rug tape for any true outdoor spaces like decks, porches, patios, or anywhere else the rug will be exposed to precipitation. This is because once the rug is secured to the surface, you will be unable to lift the rug to clean it or air it out.
Rotate the Rug Occasionally
It is important to note that sunlight and foot traffic can cause uneven wear. Just as we recommend rotating mattresses or couch cushions to help them wear more evenly, rotating the rug from time to time may help:
- Reduce uneven wear
- Balance fading from UV exposure
- Prevent furniture impressions from developing in one area
How often you will need to rotate it depends largely on the space, how much use it sees, and how much exposure it receives from the elements.
Should You Store an Outdoor Rug for Winter?
Some outdoor rugs can remain outside throughout the year, but storing one during periods of low use may help extend its useful life and protect it from prolonged moisture, debris, and weather exposure.
Before storage, it is important to do the following:
- Clean the rug.
- Let it dry completely.
- Roll it rather than folding it.
- Store it in a dry, protected place.
- Keep it away from moisture and pests.
Folding may create creases that are very difficult to remove. If the rug came with specific storage instructions, follow those instead.
How Often Should You Clean an Outdoor Rug?
There is no single schedule that works for every home. For example, a rug on a screened-in porch may need less frequent cleaning than one beside a pool or beneath an outdoor dining set.
We simply recommend that you make such cleaning a part of your regular house cleaning routine. Routine sweeping and prompt spill cleanup usually reduce the need for much more involved cleaning.
Regular exposure to the following means that you should probably clean your outdoor rug(s) more frequently:
- Heavy pollen
- Pets
- Food and drinks
- Frequent rain
- High foot traffic
- Leaves or tree debris
When Should You Replace an Outdoor Rug?
Lastly, it is important to understand that cleaning cannot solve every problem. It may be time to consider replacing an outdoor rug if it has:
- Widespread mold or mildew
- A damaged or separating backing
- Large tears or unraveling edges
- Persistent odors
- Significant fading or brittleness
- Any other damage that creates a tripping hazard
A worn outdoor rug may no longer be safe or practical, even if parts of it still look usable. If you are in the market for a new outdoor rug, be sure to read How to Choose the Right Outdoor Rug for Your Patio, Deck, or Porch for help choosing a rug that suits your space and maintenance preferences.
Outdoor Rug Care: Final Thoughts
Outdoor rug care does not need to be complicated. The most important habits are preventative ones. Remove dirt and debris regularly, clean spills promptly, never let the rug stay wet for an extended period of time, and regularly check beneath it for trapped moisture.
Furthermore, when cleaning, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, especially before using cleaning products or washing methods that could affect the rug’s fibers, color, or backing.
Have more rug questions? Visit Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet to see our selection of both indoor and outdoor rugs and furnishings in person. Our rug experts would love to answer any and all of your questions about rug types, rug styles, materials and care requirements. See you soon!
[Editor's Note: Looking for cleaning tips for your indoor rugs? Don't miss How To Clean a Rug: Everything You Should Know About Area Rug Cleaning & Maintenance]
