7 Tips for Maintaining Outdoor Home Rugs
When thinking about a waterproof rug for patio, balcony, or any outdoor space, the polypropylene outdoor rug has become the go-to preference of many. Polypropylene is one of the many compounds created by the plastics industry for a variety of uses.
Its semi-crystalline structure makes it very flexible and adaptable to making synthetic materials. It is used to make many products from car parts, outdoor furniture to surgical implants. As a fabric, polypropylene is among the most water-resistant for outdoor rugs.
Along with its tremendously effective waterproof properties it holds color well. This makes it an ideal material for a variety of outdoor carpet rug ideas and designs. When selecting a polypropylene outdoor patio rug, check the materials that are used for the bindings, border, and base.
Although the polypropylene fabrics are effectively water-resistant, as well as mold and mildew repelling, it is important that there are no other materials in the rug that are not. Lifting an outdoor rug and finding an outline of mold or mildew is more than disappointing, it is unhealthy and requires a lot of elbow grease to clean up.
Maintaining Outdoor Rugs
To clean an outdoor rug and in order to make them look fresh and beautiful in your outdoor living space, regular cleaning habits should be established:
1. Sweep or Vacuum
From the most outdoor-friendly rug, the polypropylene outdoor rug, to the least, they all need to be cleaned. Clean outdoor carpet by sweeping or vacuuming the rug regularly, depending on the environment this could be as much as daily. It should be done at least weekly.
2. Stain 911
Should the inevitable wine, food, popsicle, or pet stain happen do not wait to remove it? Consider stains on the outdoor waterproof rugs for patios, balconies, and other spaces an emergency.
Keep a list of stain removing tips handy for all the potential possibilities. Do not just blot or push the stain deeper using a soft scrub brush. Salt absorbs, dish soap is a degreaser, good old shaving cream applied to dry could remove some tough stains.
3. Avoid Bleach
When investigating an outdoor area rug, colorfast was on the list of qualities. Even though an outdoor waterproof colorfast rug was purchased, bleach should be avoided at all costs. If children or pets or You are present, remember bleach is a caustic, carcinogenic product.
4. Remove Mold, Mildew, Algae, and Stains with Nature
Rugs for patios, balconies, pool areas, cabana areas, and other outdoor spaces are meant to enhance the use of nature’s beauty. Use natural cleaners to clean outdoor rugs. In response to a cleaner environment, many manufacturers offer shelves full of all-natural bleach alternatives.
Included among these products that bleach alternatives or rug cleaner are the natural choices, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, lemon juice, distilled white vinegar, the power of the sun along the pressure of water.
5. The Original Dryer
The drying power of the sun is amazing. Rugs that are easily moveable, should be placed in the sun to dry them after cleaning, rain, or just for freshness.
6. Store Them
To extend the life of outdoor rugs, they should be stored away during times they won’t be used for extended periods. These include, winter, while away, and even during the week for rugs that are only used on weekends. The more protection they receive the longer their useful life.
7. Quick Cleans
When you use a leaf blower, think outdoor rugs. Regularly blowing away the dust and dirt off most outdoor rugs can help keep them clean, fresh, and lasting longer.
Outdoor Rugs, Moss and Algae
Although synthetic fabrics used to make outdoor rugs are mold and mildew “resistant”, they can still provide a growing medium for moss and algae. There are many commercial algaecides on the market.
Bleach is the recommended killer for both moss and algae. This may not be a good solution for outdoor rugs for a number of reasons.
It could fade the colors, effectively cutting the useful life of waterproof rugs for patios. It is dangerous for children and pets who lay or play on the outdoor rugs.
Safer ways to clean moss and algae include:
Baking Soda and Water to kill moss. Mixed in a spray bottle this mixture is as easy as spraying it on to kill and keep moss away. Three tablespoons of Baking Soda to a quart of water are recommended by many cleaning experts.
White Vinegar and Water or a few hours in direct sun will kill algae. It will create a green dust that can be swept or vacuumed away. If the rug is too large to move, mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. The solution should be washed off before children and pets play or lay on the carpet. Make sure to dry completely.
Specifically targeting moss and algae may not be necessary when a regular cleaning schedule is maintained.
Keep Your Outdoor Home Rugs Looking Fresh
By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your outdoor home rugs and keep them looking beautiful for years to come. From regular cleaning to protecting them from the elements, taking care of your outdoor rugs is an important part of maintaining your outdoor living space. So, start implementing these tips today and enjoy the benefits of a clean and well-maintained outdoor area.