Using rugs in outdoor spaces has become a widely preferred decor approach and it is worth going for, by all means. However, with the outdoors come plenty of influential (damaging) factors and weather conditions which can, at times, take a toll on the rugs. Though outdoor rugs are designed to withstand such impacts, still, they are still not completely safe from deterioration.
And that’s what we shall be talking about today at Shaggy Rugs, i.e. do rugs placed outdoors need a lot of care and protection? And if they do, how you can carry it out with the least trouble and expenses? If you own outdoor area rugs at the moment or are planning on having them any time soon, our data contains all the guidelines you need for their upkeep and longevity enhancement.
Caring For Outdoor Rugs | Helpful Insights & Tips
We’ll be going through a lot of favorable and equally interesting data in two major steps.
Do Outdoor Rugs Require Minimal Care?
As per the initial part of our discussion, the extent and nature of care requirements depend on the outdoor rugs type you get and how it is made. In other words, it’s mainly the construction fibers and methods (weaving) that decide the aftercare required by a rug.
Up ahead is some valuable information in this regard:
- Rugs made from synthetic materials are the most low-maintenance: The most common options of synthetic fibers used for making rugs are Olefin (Polypropylene), Polyester, Nylon, and oftentimes their blends as well.
- They are extremely damage-resistant too: Synthetic rugs aren’t just a breeze in terms of TLC but they also come with the highest levels of toughness against a vast majority of damages such as UV rays, moisture, and mold or mildew.
- Best for homes with children and pets: Another fundamental advantage of using man-made rugs is that they are stain, scratch, and impact resistant, meaning they won’t get damaged by kids or pets and won’t be a threat to their health either.
- Natural Fiber Rugs can also be low-maintenance: If the idea of chemical-induced and/or man-made fibers doesn’t seem okay to you, the good news is that there are plenty of natural outdoor rugs material options available as well, like Sisal, Jute, Bamboo, Coir, and Seagrass.
- These are all-natural and completely free from toxins: The best part about these rugs is that they bring a touch of nature into one’s surroundings and their construction involves little to no chemicals, they are hypoallergenic and moisture-resistant too.
- If you care about the environment: And you don’t want to indulge in troublesome or costly rug aftercare, you can go for recycled plastic rugs. They are highly resistant to damage, hold up well against outdoor conditions, and do not impact the planet badly.
How To Clean & Care For Outdoor Area Rugs?
Now that you know which rugs are a more smart choice than others, you can ensure making wise purchases. But if you already have exterior rugs and are concerned about keeping them safe and long-lasting, we’ve got your back in this matter as well.
Here is a detailed and practical presentation on how you can effectively maintain your exterior floor rugs.
Regular Cleaning
- This is the easiest measure and you can even do it on an everyday basis or whenever your rugs get subjected to dusty weather or a lot of foot traffic.
- Simply shake your rug thoroughly to clear out all loosened debris, dust, and dirt particles. You can get some help from a soft-bristled brush too.
- Make sure you do the dusting/shaking in an area away from prominent spaces/in a spot which you won’t mind getting dirty.
- If your rug is compatible, you can also vacuum clean it, which is the most effortless way of cleaning, just like any other carpeting.
- The best approach to determining cleaning methods is to read the care label and proceed accordingly.
Occasional Washing
- Depending on the everyday use and infrequent conditions (accidents, intense use, etc.) you can give your rugs a good wash once a month or a few times a year.
- Most exterior rugs simply require to be hosed down, which you can easily carry out for a fresh and tidy look.
- In case of heavily soiled and/or stained rugs, you’ll need to use a mild soap or detergent, in addition to warm or cold water (following your rug type).
- You can also benefit from home-based stuff like vinegar and baking soda for cleaning purposes, they will be cheaper and equally effective.
- A soft-bristled brush can be handy if you feel the need to do some scrubbing, just don’t be harsh while rubbing or you can damage the rug fibers.
- Give the rug a thorough rinsing and enough time to dry. It’s best to have them dried in covered yet well-ventilated spaces to avoid discoloration.
- Whether you choose commercial cleaners or homemade solutions, always carry out a patch test before actual usage to identify any unwanted effects.
Spot Treatments
- Spot cleaning or treatments are necessary after accidents (spills, splashes, droppings, etc.) and they can also be a quick and efficient substitute for deeper cleanups.
- Performing a spot cleanup right after damage will not just keep excessive and irreversible deterioration at bay but will also make the detailed addressing easier.
- You can make use of a mild carpet cleaner or shampoo in this regard. Or at best, use a dedicated rug cleaner/stain remover for optimum results.
- Again, you can opt for all kinds of homemade cleaning recipes at this point if you’ve got enough confidence.
- In case of huge stains or marks, you’ll also need to perform some scrubbing after the cleaner application. Just avoid rubbing the stain in as doing so can make it permanent.
- Remember to carry out patch tests, even if you’re sure about the effects of a cleaner, and do give your rug enough time to dry after the treatment.
Storage Considerations
- It’s always the best approach to store your rugs away/bring them indoors during bad weather or prolonged damaging conditions or simply when the rug is not in use.
- Always store the rugs in covered, moisture-free, and temperature-controlled areas and have them rolled tightly and evenly, if they are larger, before storing them away.
- Make use of dry boxes or containers for keeping rugs and for extra protection, you can also use paper wraps or brown craft papers.
- Roll the rugs instead of folding them and never use plastic for wrapping or storing purposes as it can block the breathability of the rug and damage it.
- In case of a damp rug (due to rain or snowfall), have it dried completely under the sun or in an airy space before storing it away to eliminate the chances of mold/mildew growth.
Protective Measures
- If feasible, always place your outdoor rug in a covered space and not in contact with direct sunlight. Even if it has high UV resistance, a careful placement can be helpful.
- Keep rotating your exterior area rugs to prevent uneven wear and tear and this also helps in identifying any damages or stains and taking care of them timely.
- Ensure using a rug pad or underlayment to prevent pile shedding, ruptures, and dislocations. This also makes the rug safer to step on.
- Invest in UV or stain protectant treatments according to the fiber type of your rug. These agents keep huge damage and trouble away.
- You can also get reversible rugs that can be used from both sides. This way, you can enjoy the benefits and comfort without frequent cleanups or maintenance.
In A Nutshell!
Outdoor rugs are a truly wonderful element to consider for area beauty and comfort enhancement. But just like any other home decor product or improvement treatment, they do ask for some sort of preservation and safety measures. Given this concern, the guide we’ve presented you with covers a lot of favorable and thought-provoking info that will help you with both useful decision-making and necessary servicing regarding outdoor area rugs. We have potential hopes that you’re meant to find this data entirely advantageous and can bring about healthy plus cost-effective changes around your place through it.
