Most people remember to wipe down tables and chairs when hosting a backyard playdate, garden party, or barbecue. But chances are your colorful rug gets no love. Outdoor rugs, carpets, and mats accumulate dirt, bugs, and allergens that are easy to track into the house. Luckily, because most outdoor rugs are built to withstand the elements, your guests might be none the wiser. Still, you’ll know when it’s time to give your outdoor mats and carpets a deep clean based on any stains, footprints, or tree debris that won’t budge. Next, choose a preferred cleaning solution. DIY cleaning solutions, like diluted dish soap, white vinegar, or baking soda, work well for most outdoor rugs. For most messes, a simple mix of a few drops of liquid dish soap in warm water should do the trick. Both white vinegar and baking soda are great ways to remove mildew or mold from an outdoor rug; just be careful not to don’t overdo it as you might diminish the rug’s original color. Club soda is another popular choice, especially for absorbing acidic stains like red wine. For sticky stains, tough spots, or greasy messes, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixed into a paste can be used as a spot treatment. Alternatively, there are many specialty or store-bought rug cleaners to consider, including pet-safe, green, and eco-friendly varieties. After lathering, use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub spots or the entire surface, as needed. Of course, if you decide to put your newly cleaned outdoor rug back in place, remember to wash the surface where it once was. This means pressure-washing the deck or hosing down the lawn before laying down your fresh rug. Last but not least, set a reminder on your calendar to do this again in about three months, after the summer entertaining season comes to a close.
