10 of the Best Ways to Deep Clean Your Outdoor Rugs

The first step in cleaning your outdoor rug is getting rid of the dirt via leaf blowing, shaking it out or vacuuming it. You will not need to do all three methods to remove the loose dirt and debris from your outdoor rug. If you choose to use a vacuum on your outdoor rug, ensure that the rug is completely dry. Or, if you have a wet/dry vacuum, play it safe and use that instead.

Pro Tip: During the patio months, add vacuuming or shaking the outdoor rug to your weekly clean checklist.

There is a reason we’ve been hitting rugs with brooms for generations — it really does work! Hang up your outdoor rug outside and take out some of the week’s frustrations on it using your broom. As you hit the rug, you’ll see dirt come to the surface. Simply brush the dirt off.

Time to rinse your outdoor rug. I personally like deep cleaning my outdoor rug using a power washer because it is efficient, but depending on the material, you may need to use a gentler method such as a garden hose. When cleaning an outdoor rug with a pressure washer, remember to set it on the lowest setting to avoid damaging the rug. While outdoor rugs are designed to be exposed to the elements, they are often not waterproof (they’re water-resistant). Once you get to this step, it’s important you make it to step seven on the same day (you’ll understand why later).

Pro Tip: Consider moving your outdoor rug to the driveway or somewhere sloped so the water can easily run off it as you rinse it.

When it comes to deep cleaning your outdoor rug, DIY solutions are the way to go. In a bucket, mix one gallon of warm water with two tablespoons of clear dish soap (avoid brightly-dyed soaps that can lead to discolouration). Go easy on the soap as a little goes a long way and using too much can cause unwanted residue that is difficult to rinse. Use a soft bristled brush to scrub gently in a circular motion before rinsing the rug again.

Have a stain on your outdoor rug? Cleaning your outdoor rug with vinegar might not always be the best choice. Just like with your indoor rugs, each stain needs to be addressed slightly differently depending on its cause. Before trying any of these solutions, always test them on an inconspicuous area of the rug to ensure no damage is caused.

Coffee, Tea or Soda: Blot with a cloth, rinse with cold water, then mix equal parts cold water and white vinegar, and blot the stain again. Rinse again.

Red Wine: Blot with a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Sprinkle salt over the stain to absorb the wine, then mix one tablespoon of dish soap, one tablespoon of white vinegar and two cups of warm water, and blot the stain with the solution. Rinse, and then blot it dry.

Candle Wax: Place a paper towel over the wax, and gently press a warm iron over it to absorb it. Repeat as needed.

Oil Stains: Sprinkle cornstarch over the stain to absorb the oil. Let it sit for an hour, then gently work in a small amount of dish soap with a brush and rinse it off.

Pet Accidents: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the solution onto the stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then blot with paper towel and allow it to dry.

Is your outdoor rug home to mildew? As vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can help kill mold and bacteria, a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar is an effective way to remove mildew from outdoor rugs.

You’ll need the weather to cooperate with you on this one — it’s time to harness the powerful sun to air dry your outdoor rug. The sun is one of the best ways to ensure all the water is evaporated and that mildew and mold can’t grow. The sun’s UV rays act as a natural disinfectant, killing bacteria, mold and mildew that might be present on the rug​. You can use a strong clothesline for drying or simply lay the rug flat in a sunny spot for a few hours before flipping it over.

Baking soda is effective in neutralizing bad odours from an outdoor rug because it acts as a natural deodorizer. To use it, first vacuum the rug to remove loose dirt. Then, generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire rug and let it sit for a couple hours to absorb the odours. You can then vacuum the rug thoroughly to remove the baking soda. This is a great option if you want your outdoor space to smell fresh, but are short on time.

Give your outdoor rug a little spin every now and then! If one area is always under patio furniture or stuck in the shade, it can become a hotspot for mold and mildew. Plus, rotating your rug helps avoid uneven sun fading.

The best thing about outdoor rugs is that they are usually reversible. So, if after following this guide your outdoor rug still has a stain, you have our permission to flip it over. The verdict is still out on how long outdoor rugs last, but with good maintenance and regular cleaning, you’ll be able to enjoy them for many seasons to come. To prolong the life of your outdoor rug even more, consider storing it during extreme weather conditions like heavy rain or snow. Store it rolled up in a dry, shaded place to protect it from unnecessary wear and tear.