Your Outdoor Rug Care and Cleaning Questions, Answered

Last updated on March 13th, 2024

Outdoor rugs are the perfect way to bring your personal style from the indoors out. While they are made to stand up to the elements, it’s important to keep up with proper maintenance to keep them looking fresh.

In this guide, we’ll go over your frequently asked care questions so you can get the most out of your outdoor rugs, season after season.

Are indoor/outdoor rugs easy to clean?

Yes! There are a number of different ways to clean an outdoor rug. We go over the most common methods in our guide on how to choose and care for outdoor rugs.

If you’re using an outdoor rug inside your home, we recommend vacuuming at least once a week on a suction only setting. You can either take the rug outside to rinse away spills or spot clean indoors.

Learn more about how to clean your rugs at home.

How do I keep my outdoor rug from blowing away?

Whether on a deck, on concrete, or directly on grass, the last thing you want is for your rug to fly off in the wind. You can stop this by placing heavy furniture or sand bags on the edges. For a more aesthetic look, try arranging some large potted plants on the rug corners to keep them in place!

Can you leave outdoor rugs out all the time?

It’s a good idea to bring your rug inside during extreme weather, no matter where you live. This includes during heavy storms or snowy weather.

While you can leave your rug outside in light to moderate rain, give both sides time to fully dry as soon as possible. This will help prevent mold and mildew buildup. The easiest way to do this is by placing the rug somewhere that’s fully exposed to natural light.

You can also drape the rug over a railing or clothesline to cut down on drying time.

How can I clean mildew out of my outdoor rug?

If you’ve already had the misfortune of leaving your rug completely wet long enough for it to develop mold or mildew, follow the steps below:

Start with a fully dried rug (refer to the previous section on how to dry your rug).
Spread an even layer of baking soda on the affected area.
Add white vinegar to a spray bottle and spray on the baking soda.
Wait a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
To clean mold, leave the baking soda applied in step 2 on overnight, then follow remaining steps above.

How to store your outdoor rug

If you live an area with snowy winters, you’ll want to consider a longer term storage solution for protection through the colder months.

To store, roll the rug up so the backing faces outward. Use plastic wrap or strings around the middle and ends to keep the rug from unrolling. If you can, cover the rug with a polyurethane bag for extra protection.

Store it in a cool, dry place such as the garage or storage shed. Do not store anything on top of the rug so it doesn’t develop creases. Try to avoid keeping it directly on the ground, especially if you haven’t covered it with a bag.