Outdoor rug maintenance
How to Clean An Outdoor Rug
If you’re wondering how to clean an indoor outdoor rug, you’ve come to the right place! You may be wondering if outdoor rugs are easy to clean. The good news is, keeping your outdoor patio rug looking like new is simple. In fact, indoor/outdoor rugs are the easiest type of rug to clean because they are made from synthetic materials that are made to handle lots of dirt, moisture, and sunshine. Outdoor rugs dry quickly and resist fading. Outdoor rug cleaning and maintenance are simple with these steps.
Shake
- Firmly hold the corners of your outdoor rug while you powerfully shake it.
- Continue shaking until dirt, debris, and crumbs stop falling from the rug.
- If your rug is too large to shake alone, hang it over a railing, fence or clothesline. Then hit your outdoor rug with a broomstick or other strong stick until there is no more debris coming from the rug fibers. Don’t forget to hit both sides of the rug to help extend the life of your rug.
Vacuum
Vacuum your outdoor rug frequently to keep dirt, dust and stains at bay. Vacuum both sides of the rug every few weeks to help loosen dirt and debris and to keep your indoor outdoor rug looking its best.
Sweep
For flatweave or low pile rugs, sweeping the rug on a frequent basis helps to keep the rug clean and looking sharp. However, sweeping can’t completely remove the dirt so we still recommend vacuuming your outdoor rug occasionally to help remove any dirt left behind.
How To Spot Clean An Outdoor Rug
If your rug only has a few areas that need to be cleaned, spot cleaning will be your secret weapon.
- Remove any excess moisture or debris from the spot. Blot liquids (like urine or wine) with a clean towel.
- If the stain has dried, use the edge of a utensil like a knife or a spoon to remove any solid debris.
- Mix together water with a small amount of mild detergent.
- Use a clean sponge to blot the spot with the detergent water. Be sure not to rub as this can drive the stain further into the fibers.
- Clean the sponge and repeat until the stain is gone.
- Next, rinse the rug with clean water until all the soap is removed.
- Make sure the rug dries completely on both sides to avoid mold and mildew growth.
How To Store Your Indoor Outdoor Rug
During snowy months, you’ll want to store your rug to extend its life.
- Before you put your rug away, make sure your rug is clean and dry by following the above steps.
- Once your rug is clean and dry, roll it up and store it indoors in a cool, dry place. We recommend wrapping it in a protective fabric to further protect it from any moisture, dust or pests.
Can You Wash An Outdoor Rug? The Answer Is Yes!
Take your rug outside on a warm sunny day, preferably with little wind. Don’t wash your rug on the grass as the soap may be harmful to plants.
- Thoroughly wet down your rug using a hose or several buckets of water.
- Mix a small amount of soap or rug cleaner with warm or cold water in a bucket.
- Test the soap mixture in a small corner of the rug to be sure the soap doesn’t affect the color of the rug. Let the soap sit for a few minutes and then rinse it out thoroughly. If the color doesn’t fade or bleed then you’re safe to clean the entire rug.
- Using a soft scrub brush, lather the soap mixture into the rug. Let the soap sit on the rug for a few minutes, and then rinse it thoroughly with water. Make sure the soap is completely rinsed out and the runoff water is clear.
- Roll the rug up tight and then stand it upright for several minutes to remove excess water.
- Lay the rug flat and allow the rug to dry completely.
How To Clean An Outdoor Rug With Mold, Mildew Or Moss
Outdoor rugs aren’t usually prone to moss, mold, and mildew as they are made from synthetic materials. However, if you live in a humid environment, you should check your rug regularly to make sure nothing is growing. If you notice any moss, mold or mildew on your rug, it can be removed using bleach or other natural cleaners. Always be sure to spot test an area before cleaning the whole rug.
Using bleach:
- Mix a small amount of bleach with water. Most synthetic rugs are bleach safe but we still recommend testing the mixture on a corner of the rug first.
- Next, use a spray bottle to spray the mixture on your rug.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then rinse the rug thoroughly with a hose.
- Bleach can harm plants and discolor wood so we recommend doing this on cement. A driveway is a great place for rug cleaning.
Using a natural cleaner:
A natural cleaning solution that can get rid of moss, mildew, and mold, but won’t harm plants is baking soda and vinegar.
- Sprinkle baking soda evenly over a dry outdoor rug.
- Next, use a spray bottle to spray the mixture on your rug.
- Spray your rug with vinegar and allow the mixture to sit for several minutes.
- Next, rinse the rug thoroughly with a hose. Make sure all of the solution is removed before letting it dry.
How To Dry An Indoor Outdoor Rug
After using your cleaning method of choice, your rug needs to dry completely.
- Lay your rug flat in a sunny area to allow it to dry.
- Once the top is dry, flip your rug over to dry the bottom.
- The rug will be dry when you can’t feel any moisture when you push your fingers into the rug. The fibers may be a little crunchy but will soften over time.
- Next, rinse the rug thoroughly with a hose. Make sure all of the solution is removed before letting it dry.
FAQs
Q:
Can I clean my outdoor rug with a pressure washer?
A:
Generally, outdoor rugs can be power washed. They can also be shampooed or steam cleaned as needed. Always check the care label before trying any cleaning methods at home.
SHOP INDOOR OUTDOOR RUGS
6 Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining an Outdoor Rug – Sunnydaze Decor
An outdoor rug adds a cozy touch to a patio or deck. Why? It makes your outdoor living space feel like a part of your indoor spaces, an extension of your home. And just like the rug in your living room, an outdoor patio rug requires a little maintenance so it continues to look good season after season. The end of the summer season is the perfect time to clean up your rug so it’s fresh and clean for next year and this article will show you how.
6 Steps for Cleaning Your Outdoor Rug
Step 1
First, you will want to remove excess dirt and sand from your rug. You can do this by sweeping or shaking off these larger particles. For large or heavy rugs, you can also drape your rug over a railing or clothesline and beat it with a broom or tennis racket to make sure all of the loose dirt is shaken out.
Step 2
To get rid of smaller dirt and dust bits, grab the vacuum. Use the vacuum to clean up both sides of the rug to ensure that it is completely free of debris.
Step 3
If you simply want to spot clean an area of a rug or want to get rid of a stain, use a rug cleaner or mix up your own by combining a tablespoon of clear dish soap with a gallon of water. Avoid using strong detergents as they can cause the colors of your rug to fade or damage the fabric.
Dampen a clean sponge with your cleaning solution and blot the area. Repeat this step until the area is clean and you can no longer see the stain. If the stain refuses to disappear, club soda is another time-honored method for removing particularly stubborn stains.
Step 4
To give your rug a good scrubbing, first apply the cleaning solution mentioned in the previous step to a small portion of your rug to ensure that it doesn’t have any negative effects on the fabric. Allow this small portion to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out completely and letting it dry. Once you’re confident that it won’t harm your rug, proceed to the next step.
Step 5
Using a soft-bristled brush, lather both sides of your rug with the cleaning solution. Allow the soap to sit for a few moments before thoroughly rinsing out the rug. To prevent your rug from sitting in dirty water, try washing your rug on an outdoor, inclined surface like on a slanted driveway or over a fence or railing so the water flows away from the rug.
Step 6
Once you’ve finished scrubbing the rug. Roll up the rug and stand it upright for a few moments to allow the extra water to run off the rug. Then, lay your rug flat or hang it over a railing or fence outdoors in sunlight. This will help the rug dry faster and also help prevent mold or mildew from forming. Once the top of your rug is dry to the touch, flip it over to ensure that the bottom dries as well.
How Do I Remove Mold or Mildew from an Outdoor Rug?
Most outdoor rugs are designed to resist the outdoor elements, but if you live in an area that is exceptionally humid or experiences large amounts of rain mold or mildew can develop on an outdoor rug. There are a couple of materials that can be used to remove mold and mildew. One of them is bleach. Most synthetic rugs are able to withstand bleach, but it is very important to test a corner first before applying it to your rug. Add a small amount of bleach to water and apply it to the affected area. Allow it to sit for a few moments before thoroughly rinsing it away. Keep in mind, bleach can damage nearby surfaces or plants so it is best to do this on a concrete area like a driveway.
Another option that you can use to remove mold or mildew is baking soda and white vinegar. Not only can this combination help get rid of mold, it is also a natural deodorizer that can leave your rug smelling fresh. First, sprinkle baking soda over your rug. Then, fill a spritzer bottle with vinegar and spray the affected area. Allow the solution to sit for a few moments before thoroughly rinsing the rug clean and setting it out to dry.
Maintain Your Rug So It Stays Fresh and Clean
Keeping your outdoor rug well maintained is key to its longevity. As a general rule, only keep the rug outside during the warmer months, generally from May until September. Snow and ice can be rough on your outdoor rug, so in the off-season months, keep it stored in a dry space, such as a basement or a well-sealed shed. For added protection against pests like rodents or insects, store the rug in a plastic bag that can be sealed to keep these critters and moisture out or cover it with a waterproof tarp.
When you are using the rug in the warmer months, make sure that you regularly shake off the dust and dirt. You should also sweep or vacuum your rug often to help keep the debris from building up.
Keep Your Rug Looking Great
With an outdoor rug beneath your feet, your patio or porch will become your favorite place to relax. You’ll be able to enjoy your rug much longer with a little bit of maintenance. Following the simple tips in this article will keep your rug in tip top shape.
Carpet care | The world of carpets
Cleaning carpets is not an easy task, because in addition to removing dust, you need to deal with removing stains and removing unpleasant odors. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the instructions for cleaning carpets using improvised means.
We clean carpets regularly
It would seem that such a simple and obvious piece of advice is that regular use of a vacuum cleaner to clean carpets (at least every other day) can not only keep the carpet clean, but also extend its life. This advice is especially relevant for those who have a pet or carpeting that reaches the front door or kitchen. One cleaning a week is not enough!
Carpet cleaning should be taken seriously every six months. It can be a vacuum cleaner with the ability to professionally clean carpets, specialized dry cleaning, or the old “old-fashioned” way - cleaning the carpet in the snow. Cover the carpet with freshly fallen snow, brush or broom until the snow is clean. Snow not only cleans the carpet, but also removes unpleasant odors and refreshes.
Tip
If you don't have a stain remover, spray vinegar on the damaged areas. If you use a steam cleaner or a washing vacuum cleaner to clean the carpet, then at the end you should definitely allow the carpet to dry.
We clean new stains on the carpet without delay
The faster you remove the stain, the less effort you need to do it. For light soiling, use a clean rag or paper towel to soak up spilled liquid. Then apply carpet cleaning powder to the damaged area and leave for 15 minutes. When the stain is completely dry, you can vacuum the carpet.
Another way to clean carpets from dirt is to clean the carpet with salt. Take large table salt, sprinkle it thickly on the carpet. After a while, wash the hard brush in hot soapy water and use it to sweep away the salt. As it gets dirty, the brush should be rinsed in water.
How to clean the carpet from stubborn stains? Consider the most common pollution.
- Wine. If wine or other colored liquid is spilled on the carpet, add a little baking soda to the powder and spray the resulting liquid onto the damaged area.
- Blood. Carpet blood stains are best removed using cold water. If the stain has had time to dry, you should put a wet rag on it, and when it softens, wash it with a brush dipped in cold water.
- Fat To remove a grease stain from a carpet, you can dust it with talcum powder or chalk, then cover with a sheet of blotting paper and iron it with a hot iron.
- Another way is to cover the grease stain with a product that will absorb excess grease. It can be salt, but starch is best. Then rinse with ammonia and water.
- Coffee. Coffee stains can be removed by smearing them with glycerin and then rinsing with cold water and ammonia.
Getting old stains right
Old stains need a slightly different approach than fresh ones. In no case should you rub old stains hard or fill them with stain remover - with this approach, your carpet will look even worse. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to remove an old stain, gently spray the stain with vinegar, then lightly wipe it with a rag.
If the stain has ingrained into the carpet, it is best to saturate the damaged area with stain remover and then add baking soda. After the carpet is dry, it needs to be vacuumed.
Refresh the paint on the carpet
To freshen the paint on the carpet, use one of the following methods:
- Mix the juice of one lemon with salt , apply this mixture evenly on the carpet with a brush. Sweep the salt from the carpet with a broom or vacuum cleaner. Faded colors will become brighter.
- Take potato , grate it, the finer the better, cover with water. Leave for 3 hours. Strain and clean the carpet with this water. Let dry and vacuum.
- To freshen up the color, you can clean carpet with vinegar solution . First, the carpet should be vacuumed, and then prepare a vinegar solution (1 tablespoon of vinegar per liter of water), soak a brush in it and clean the carpet with it in the direction of the pile.
Carpet Smell Remover
The formula for Carpet Smell Remover is quite simple:
1 cup salt + 2 cups cornmeal + 1/2 cup baking soda.
All of these ingredients should be mixed in any non-food dish. Next, spread the resulting mixture better on the carpet, concentrating on stains and foul-smelling areas, and leave the mixture on the carpet for an hour, after which it can be vacuumed. It is better to vacuum several times, as the cornmeal may not be removed the first time.
Take care of your carpet and it will not stop giving you warmth and comfort and will delight you for many years!
Back to section
- Home
- Information
- Carpet care
How to care for long pile carpets: features, cleaning methods or a child's room. Such a floor covering will add coziness to the room, fill its aura with warmth, home comfort. Proper care of any long pile carpet can significantly extend its life, but errors in operation and cleaning will quickly lead to damage or an inappropriate type of coating.
Contents
- High pile carpet features
- Maintenance
- Wet cleaning with household products
- Light cleaners
- Stain removal
- How to avoid errors
Features of carpets with long pile
Carpets with a pile of 15 mm or more are commonly referred to as long pile. The longer the fibers of the coating, the more difficult it is to remove dirt from it. Dust, sand, pet hair, and other types of dirt quickly get inside and can be difficult to remove.
Modern long pile carpets are made from a variety of materials that are susceptible to soiling to varying degrees. Natural fibers tend to hold more dirt and are more difficult to clean than those made from synthetic materials. Also, natural pile rolls faster, which complicates cleaning and removing dust accumulated at the base of the coating.
How to care for
Knowing how to care for a long pile carpet, you can keep its appearance attractive for a long time, and the texture is soft, pleasant to the touch.
The easiest way to keep your carpet clean is to use a vacuum cleaner. Regular dry cleaning in this affordable way allows you to remove dust and other dry contaminants, helps prevent rapid pile rolling.
Even if the carpet appears to be clean, we recommend vacuuming it at least once a week.
It can be extremely effective to beat the carpet on the surface of freshly fallen snow. This technique, known to all housewives, is suitable even for designer carpets with long pile, because it is completely safe, allows you to achieve excellent results, making the floor clean and fresh.
Steam cleaners can be used to remove stains and will not harm both natural and synthetic surfaces. Penetrating into the pile, steam is able to remove even old dirt, as well as destroy dangerous microorganisms that can live inside the carpet.
Washing a long pile carpet at home is not recommended as the result may be unsatisfactory. In addition, it will be quite difficult to dry the product. If done incorrectly, the carpet will develop an unpleasant odor that only professional dry cleaning will help to eliminate.
But a light wet cleaning will benefit any carpet product. With its help, you can quickly refresh both an expensive long pile carpet from Belgium and a flooring bought on the market. For these purposes, professional cleaning products or compositions prepared independently can be used. The second most effective are sometimes practically inferior.
Wet clean with home remedies
Experienced housewives know quite a few time-tested products that can freshen up long carpets or rid them of stains without help.
Light cleaners
The simplest cleaner can be made by mixing 1 tbsp. a spoonful of soda with a liter of water. Pour the resulting composition into a spray bottle, spray on the surface of the carpet, leave for 30-60 minutes. Then it remains only to vacuum the product and enjoy its freshness. This composition is not suitable for removing serious contaminants, but it can easily make the surface cleaner.
A remedy similar in effectiveness can be obtained by dissolving 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a liter of water with 1 teaspoon 9% vinegar. Use the same as above.
Freshen up an old Russian long pile carpet with 5 liters of water, 3 tablespoons of washing powder and 1 tablespoon of ammonia. The composition is applied to the surface of the floor covering with a sponge or brush, and then removed with a clean, damp cloth.
Regular salt absorbs light dirt very well. It is only necessary to moisten the surface of the carpet a little, then lightly sprinkle it with salt and vacuum it after a while. This cheap cleaner will make the carpet brighter, rid it of dust.
Stain removal
Spot stains require completely different care products with a more aggressive composition.
Regular 9% vinegar will help remove stains from alcohol, berries, milk. It is enough to mix a teaspoon of vinegar with a liter of water and treat the stain with the resulting composition with a spray bottle. Then the place of cleaning will only need to be wiped with a dry cloth, and the room should be ventilated.
Blood, tea, coffee, chocolate and wine stains can be removed with ammonia. To prepare the product, a teaspoon of ammonia is mixed with a glass of water, the resulting composition is sprayed onto the stain, and after 10-15 minutes the treatment site is wiped with a sponge or dry cloth. Attention, ammonia should not be used to clean wool carpets.
How to avoid mistakes
How to properly and safely care for a long pile carpet? The main recommendation is that any product, even the most harmless in composition, should first be tested on a small area of \u200b\u200bthe product. Only if the tests ended well, can the composition be applied to the entire surface.
After wet cleaning, do not:
- Walk on the carpet until it is completely dry, which may take up to 24 hours;
- Roll up or fold in whole or in part, because this may cause deformation, the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
- To dry the carpet on a radiator or with a hair dryer, it is better to do it in a natural way.
Even after thorough wet cleaning, the surface must be vacuumed again. This will help lift the pile, restore its splendor, and also remove the remaining cleaning agent from the surface.
- New
from 2880
show dimensions
hide dimensions
- New