Some people randomly walk into a household store and pick a couple of mats, and then upon getting home, they select which one to place there. In most cases, the dark-colored rugs are kept outside to take on the dust and dirt that will be the shoes of whoever is incoming. However, this mode of purchase misleads many people since there are specific outdoor rugs for that section.
Outdoor rugs, unlike indoor rugs, are made of materials and in a manner to cope with the outdoor environment. They are meant to withstand the exterior elements, and the durable materials help them hold up properly in high-traffic areas. So which are the different types of these rugs, how can you clean and store them? Read on to find out.
Different Types of Rugs Used Outside
There are two major types of exterior rugs—those made from plant fiber and synthetic materials.
Plant Fiber
Some of the natural materials used for making plant fiber include bamboo, hemp, seagrass, sisal, and jute. These rugs are eco-friendly and sustainable. Some of the properties of these rugs have a soft feeling, luxurious underfoot, and they dye well.
Synthetic Materials
The materials used for these rugs include nylon, polypropylene, and polyester. These rugs are resistant to mold and mildew, and they can withstand harsh environments.
How to Clean Outdoor Rugs
You can wash your rug the old-fashioned way to be effective. The following is the procedure to ensure you have a clean rug.
- Collect any stick, leaves, snow particles, or dried mud on the rug (an alternative is to shake it or sweep it).
- Dust the rug off to remove any small particles of soil and dust inside or any stain (you can decide to vacuum it also).
- Using several buckets of water or a hosepipe, thoroughly wet down your rug.
- Mix some water and soap or detergent and pour it onto the rug.
- Use a sponge to scrub and wipe off any persistent stains.
- Continuously rinse the rug until the soap is no more.
- Hang it to dry.
How to Store Rugs Used Outdoors
The best way to store these rugs is by considering which rug you have in your outdoor space. The plant fiber rugs work well in covered areas since they tend to wear and tear if directly exposed to the harsh outdoor elements. However, rugs made of synthetic materials can stay anywhere at ease provides you physically don’t damage them.
You should adequately dry your rugs after leaning them so that they can let out all the moisture, especially for those made of plant fiber. It is wise to hang them instead of laying them on the ground to dry evenly, as this process helps in their lifeline. The primary rule is not to store a wet or dump rug as it will attract mold and mildew.
Knowing which rug to get and how to clean them is very important. Moreover, after the cleaning procedure knowing how to store them is essential for longevity and good conditions. It is crucial to maintain your rugs for them to serve you well in the long run.
