Care Tips for Your Outdoor Area Rug

One of the most popular home design trends involves creating a living space on your patio. This means that you add furniture and décor items like couches and throw pillows to create a space that is stylish and functional. Outdoor area rugs are also becoming a popular addition to outdoor patio areas. Even though an area rug can add style, it can also wear quickly when it is exposed to outdoor elements. This means that before you buy an outdoor area rug, it is important to be aware of the care tips that are designed to keep it looking new for the longest period of time possible.

Cleaning

Since your outdoor area rug is exposed to dirt and debris, it is important that it is cleaned regularly. You do not want the dirt to become ground into the fibers of the rug. You can create your own cleaning solution for your outdoor rug by mixing water and a mild dish detergent. You can then use a brush to scrub the cleaning solution onto the surface of the rug. Make sure that you scrub gently to not damage the fibers of the rug. You can then rinse the rug clean using the outdoor hose. Positioning the rug on a sloped surface when you are hosing it off is best because it allows the water to drain freely.

Drying

Once you have cleaned your outdoor area rug, it is important that you let it dry completely. If you position your area rug underneath furniture when it is still damp, it will most likely result in the growth of mold. This means that you need to place your outdoor rug in direct sunlight until it has dried completely. Make sure that both sides of the rug are exposed to sunlight.

Moss

Not only do you have to worry about the growth of mold on your outdoor rug, but you also need to prevent the growth of moss. Most outdoor rugs are made of synthetic materials that are designed to be more resistant to mold, but they are not very resistant to moss. Bleach can be a great way to prevent the growth of moss, but this is not a cleaning solution that you should apply to a colored rug. It is best to create a cleaning mixture using water and diluted vinegar. You can apply this to parts of the rug that are prone to moss growth.