Placing a rug in your outdoor living space can liven up the area and protect your flooring. There’s just one problem—when faced with constant exposure to Mother Nature, outdoor rugs never seem to last long. Amid rain, wind, storms, and animals, rugs can look worse for wear after just a couple of weeks (or even mere days) outside. To avoid regularly purchasing a new rug every few months, try implementing these helpful tips on keeping your outdoor rug in good condition.
Choose the Rug’s Location Wisely
The place where you put your outdoor rug can have a substantial impact on how long it lasts and how much maintenance it will require. To increase your rug’s lifespan, avoid placing it in high-traction areas—such as directly outside a doorway—where people will walk across it a lot and cause wear and tear.
In addition, avoid placing your rug in direct sunlight; this can bleach out the material and fade the colors. Lastly, you should choose a dry location that doesn’t attract a lot of water or moisture, which can cause mold to form in your rug.
Clean the Rug Regularly
Regardless of where you place your rug, it will likely require a bit of cleaning every so often. To prevent mildew, mold, and large amounts of dirt from accumulating, you should clean your outdoor area rug every couple of weeks. If the rug just has a bit of dirt and debris on it, you can simply spray it down with a hose and let it air dry or sweep it with a broom. However, if you have waited a long time between cleanings and mold and mildew have started to form, you will likely need to perform a heavier clean. Use white vinegar and do a bit of scrubbing before washing it off with soap and water.
Take Your Rug Inside From Time to Time
Another effective tip on keeping your outdoor rug in good condition is to give it a break from time to time. For example, if the weather forecast shows signs of rain or snow for the next few days, consider rolling your rug up and bringing it inside until the adverse weather passes. Besides, you probably won’t spend much time outside in the rain admiring your rug—the snow would surely cover it up anyway.
