How to Clean and Store Outdoor Rugs for Year-Round Use

Quick Answer

Clean your outdoor rug with mild soap and water, let it dry fully, then roll it up and store it in a dry place to keep it looking great for years.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning and Storing Your Outdoor Rug

1. Shake or Brush Off Loose Dirt: Take the rug outside and shake it vigorously. Use a soft-bristle brush to remove stuck-on dirt, leaves, or crumbs. This prevents grinding debris into the fibers during washing. Don't skip this step—washing a dirty rug can push grit deeper into the weave.
2. Rinse and Scrub with Mild Soap: Hose down the rug with water. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water, then scrub the rug gently with a sponge or soft brush. Rinse thoroughly until no soap remains. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals—they can damage the waterproof coating and fade colors.
3. Dry Completely Before Storing: Hang the rug over a railing or lay it flat in a sunny spot to air dry. Make sure both sides are dry to prevent mildew. This can take several hours depending on humidity. Storing a damp rug is the fastest way to get mold—wait until it's bone-dry.
4. Roll, Don't Fold: Roll the dry rug loosely (right side out) to avoid creases. If you must fold, use a low-traffic area and unfold it periodically to prevent permanent lines. Folding can crack the plastic weave over time; rolling preserves the shape.
5. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Place the rolled rug in a breathable storage bag or wrap it in an old sheet. Keep it in a closet, under a bed, or in a dry garage away from direct sunlight and pests. Avoid plastic bags—trapped moisture leads to mildew. A cotton sheet is better.

Products Featured in This Guide

• Moroccan Souk Blue Round Outdoor Rug: Made from hardwearing recycled plastic, this Moroccan Souk Blue Round Outdoor Rug is both weatherproof and rollable. Its weatherproof material makes cleaning simple—just hose it down—and the rollable design makes storage easy.

  

• Green Tropical Outdoor Rug: The Green Tropical Outdoor Rug is made from woven plastic, weatherproof, lightweight, and easy to clean. The lightweight build means you can shake off debris and fold or roll it without heavy lifting, perfect for quick seasonal storage.