How to Clean Indoor-Outdoor Carpets

Durable indoor-outdoor rugs bring a little comfort and style to your solarium, patio, porch, or deck. With a variety of colors and designs to choose from, you can find rugs and rolls that are perfect for edge-to-edge installations. The main difference between the rug you choose for your bedroom and indoor living space and the exterior rug is the material used to make the rug.

Outdoor carpets are made of synthetic materials such as polypropylene, rubber, and acrylic. They are UV-resistant, reduce fading, moisture, and mildew, and are often made from recycled materials. While indoor rugs should not be used in spaces that are exposed to the elements, outdoor rugs can be used indoors. Indoor-outdoor carpets are often found in commercial spaces and high-traffic areas of homes, such as recreation rooms.

Another benefit of indoor-outdoor rugs is that they are easy to clean.

How Often to Clean Indoor-Outdoor Carpets

As with any type of carpet, vacuuming at least once a week is a must – and more often for outdoor spaces that are frequently used during the warmer months. Spills and stains should be disposed of as soon as possible. Deep clean at least twice a year.

Tip: When you’re ready for a deep clean, choose a sunny, breezy day to help your rug dry faster.

What You’ll Need

Equipment/Tools

• Vacuum
• Broom
• Garden hose with nozzles
• Spray bottles
• Microfiber cloth
• Bucket
• Nylon bristle scrub brush
• Power washer
• Steam carpet cleaner
• Plastic tarps

Material

• Enzyme-based detergents
• Dishwashing liquid or multi-purpose detergent
• Paper towel
• Distilled white vinegar

How to Clean Indoor-Outdoor Carpets

01. Dispose of Spills and Stains in a Timely Manner

Dispose of spills and stains as soon as possible. Wipe off the liquid with a paper towel or microfiber cloth.

For solid stains such as mud or dropped food, use a credit card edge or a blunt knife to remove the solid stain. Never wipe the stain as it will push the solid deeper into the fiber. After the initial cleanup, follow the recommendations on the stain removal chart to deal with specific types of stains.

02. Vacuum or Sweep Weekly

Vacuuming or sweeping at least once a week can prevent dust and dirt from getting too deep into your indoor-outdoor carpets. Excessive build-up of dirt creates odors and creates wear and tear on the fibers, making them look like they’re wearing out faster.

When cleaning, set the vacuum cleaner to the lowest setting, as the pile of indoor and outdoor carpets is very low. Remove furniture and other items from the carpet and vacuum them slowly or slowly in both vertical and horizontal directions.

03. Perform a Deep Clean

When a deeper level of cleaning is required, vacuum both sides of the carpet. You can also hang the rug on a sturdy railing and tap the sides of the rug with a broom to loosen the soil.

When the carpet is hanging, use a garden hose with a nozzle or a low-speed electric washing machine to rinse the soil. If you don’t have a place to hang your rug, place it outdoors on a plastic tarp while cleaning.

Once the carpet is wet, fill the bucket with cold water and add about 1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleaner. Use a brush to apply the soap solution to the carpet. Pay special attention to heavily soiled areas.

Use a garden hose or electric washer to rinse the soap solution. Hang the rug to air dry. This can take up to eight hours, flip it over at least once so that the air circulates well on both sides. It’s best to dry the rug completely before putting it back in place.

How to Clean the Installed Indoor-Outdoor Carpets

01. Dispose of Stains Quickly and Vacuum Regularly

Whether the indoor-outdoor carpet installation is located indoors or outdoors, it should be vacuumed at least once a week and the stain should be treated as soon as possible, just as you would a rug.

02. Deep Clean Indoor-Outdoor Carpets with Vinegar

Since the installed indoor-outdoor carpets cannot be washed with a water hose, they should be cleaned like any indoor carpet.

• Vacuum thoroughly to remove loose soil.
• Use an enzyme-based stain remover or carpet cleaner to remove stains. Some stains such as oil stains, tar stains and pet accident stains require special treatment. Consult the stain removal table for the appropriate cleaner to remove these stains.
• Mix one part distilled white vinegar and three parts cold water in a spray bottle. Working in a small area of 3 feet x 3 feet, spray the vinegar solution onto the carpet until it is very damp. Do not saturate. Follow the grid so you know where you’ve cleaned.
• Let the solution sit on the carpet for five minutes to begin to decompose the soil. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe off the solution and dirt. Prepare a bucket of clean water to rinse the microfiber cloth. Wring out the cloth and change the water frequently if it gets dirty.
• Allow the rug to air dry thoroughly before returning to normal use.

Tip: Indoor-outdoor carpets can be cleaned with household or commercial steam carpet cleaners. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

Tips to Keep Your Indoor-Outdoor Carpets Clean for Longer

• Use a doormat at the entrance to help collect the soil.
• If the carpet gets wet, hang it to dry to prevent mold from underneath the carpet.
• Vacuum or sweep the carpet several times a week.
• Dispose of stains immediately.
• Clean the carpet before storing it for the winter.