How to care for your outdoor rug

Outdoor rugs are a great way to add a stylish element to your garden and protect your wooden decks and stone tile patios from scuffs and scratches. One of the best things about outdoor rugs is their low maintenance and that they are easy to clean, designed to be outside all year round, and can withstand sun, rain and even snow!

Despite their durability, you may still need to clean your outdoor rugs to keep them in tip-top condition. Cleaning them will keep them looking fresh and hygienic and extend your outdoor rug’s lifespan for years to come.

How to clean your outdoor rug

Outdoor rugs should be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt and dust from building up in the rug's fibres. Although dirt and insects come with the territory of being an outdoor rug, fabrics like our Star Woven Rug deserve some TLC to preserve their colour and texture for longer. 

Your outdoor rug goes through a lot. Whether it’s heavy foot traffic from guests, random wine spills from your garden party, or damp smelliness caused by rainfall, it’s best to keep on top of the cleaning and take preventative measures to ensure your rug stays in good condition. That includes:

• Running the vacuum over the rug every few weeks to remove any dirt particles and debris
• Shake off any additional dirty by holding the rug by its corners
• Sweep your rug with a broom to ensure that no dirt is trapped inside its fibres
• If any spills occur, blot the liquid with a damp cloth until it's absorbed
• For any stains, use a mixture of water and rug cleaner/ detergent to scrub away the stain gently
• Wash your rug every so often using a mix of water and rug cleaner/ detergent, with a gentle scrubbing action
• When you're done washing your rug (or after it rains), allow the carpet to dry more quickly by hanging it up out in the sun
• Allow the rug to dry thoroughly on one side before flipping it and moving it to another area so the bottom of the rug can also dry. If the rug material does not receive airflow, mildew can develop
• If mildew does occur, use a mixture of bleach and water to clear away any mould and fungus

Preventative measures for your outdoor rug

Although all our outdoor rugs, including our gorgeous deep blue Star Woven Rug, are UV-stabilized and waterproof, we recommend taking some preventative measures to prolong the lifespan and condition of your rug. That includes:

• Rolling up your rug when you’re not using it and storing it in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place
• Not leaving it in direct sunlight or high humidity areas to prevent colour and pattern fading 
• Bringing it inside during heavy rainfall and avoid placing it next to pools and bodies of water