Cleaning Outdoor Rugs

Hand and machine made rugs

Outdoor rugs are made of different materials such as polyester, acrylic, nylon, olefin, polypropylene and DuraCord. These fibers are joined together using various methods to produce a carpet that is woven, tufted, knotted or needle felt. They can be hand-crafted or produced by machine.

Hand-made outdoor rugs are very special and cost in the region of $200-$300. They usually have a higher pile and feel softer, though the downside of this is that they retain water for longer. Machine-made outdoor rugs are more affordable and tend to be lighter. They also dry faster since they are typically thinner than handcrafted ones. People often choose machine-made outdoor rugs for areas that are very exposed to the elements and will be subjected to a lot of abuse; perhaps as the children’s play area or in a main thoroughfare section of your garden. It is a good idea to add mesh underneath your outdoor rug to stop it from slipping. This also has the added advantage of making it look thicker and more luxurious.

Durable outdoor rugs

The durability of an outdoor rug is obviously of great importance. It is subjected to all types of weather; particles of food from your patio table; dirty shoes, and possibly muddy paw prints. Therefore, outdoor rugs need to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear if they are going to last and still look good.

Always check the labels of indoor outdoor rugs and look out for those that come with UV protection so the bright colors of your rug will not quickly fade in strong sunlight; also those that are mold resistant so your rug will not grow mildew and rot in damper weather. Some rugs are treated with stain protection so they will not be permanently marked by food or liquid being spilt on them. Weather and damage resistant outdoor rugs will be perfect for use the whole year round.

Caring for your outdoor rug

Even though you do buy a weather resistant rug made of strong materials, you still need to look after it so that it continues to last and retain the beauty that first attracted you to it. Regularly vacuum your outdoor rug just as you would do with your indoor carpet. Lift it up and give it a good shake and brush the area underneath. For thorough cleaning you should periodically hang it up and hose it. Of course, it is essential to ensure it dries out completely before replacing it again so there is no moisture retention. You should also hang it up to dry after it has been exposed to heavy rain. This will preserve the surface are underneath from rotting as well. It is common sense to bring your rug in or cover it well with plastic if you are aware that there is going to be torrential rain or a snow storm.

Since you outdoor living area is so important to you and place where you and your family enjoy spending a lot of time, it is very important to ensure that you maintain this outdoor accessory so it looks its finest. The style and elegance of the outdoor rug and the comforting feeling of softness beneath your feet will draw you to the area defined by your outdoor rug, and will look and feel as an extension of indoors.