Every spring, you go outside and make plans to improve your porch, deck, and other outdoor areas. From outdoor seating areas to coloured dining tables, you want your outdoor living space to be as beautiful and welcoming as your indoor space, while also being resistant to the sun, rain, and mould. Using plastic outdoor rugs, you can create an outdoor space that is as inviting as your home. Here are a few things to consider:
What is a Plastic Outdoor Rug?
A plastic outdoor rug is a rug specifically designed and constructed to stand up to rain, sunshine, and the elements while maintaining its gorgeous finish. Manufacturers design these rugs to be durable and sustainable while being left outside for the seasons, from the backing to the materials used to treat the product.
You already know it's not a good idea to move your kitchen rug into your outdoor space, unless it's an indoor outdoor rug. It will be sufficient for a time, but not as a long-term solution. Certain materials are more resistant to the elements than others. You may also find better outdoor rug options depending on whether you'll use it as a just-right washable outdoor rugs, a spot-on patio rugs, a hand-picked rag rugs, or more, depending on the space (or spaces!) outside your home where you and your friends will be gathering.
Benefits of Plastic Outdoor Rugs
Plastic outdoor area rugs are quickly becoming the "go-to" piece for connecting together outdoor living spaces. They come in a variety of colours and styles and help define the space you want to create in your garden or backyard for relaxing or entertaining.
However, not all outdoor rugs are created equal. Plastic outdoor rugs have a high level of durability. Last summer, I purchased a polypropylene plastic outdoor rug, and it still looks as good as the day I put it on our porch.
Types of Plastic Outdoor Rugs for Decks, Patios and More
Polypropylene plastic rugs are perfect for outdoor use since they’re weather resistant and moisture resistant. Quick to dry and mold and moisture resistant, these rugs are great for decks, patios, and porches. They’re also very easy to clean. I have two dogs and two cats, so I have to clean a lot, but a plastic outdoor rug is easy to clean. I simply plug my regular vacuum in the outdoor waste bin, and in no time my rug looks great.
They come in a variety of sizes, making them suitable for both large and small spaces. Most home improvement stores carry them, but searching the web will generate so many options that you'll have trouble deciding which to buy. They’re so reasonably priced that you might decide to buy two!
How Do You Clean a Plastic Outdoor Rug?
Although dirt and bugs are a natural part of the outdoors, you should still clean your outdoor furniture and rugs. This cleaning not only makes the area more hygienic, but it also helps to extend the life of your outdoor furniture and décor. Here are some methods for cleaning your outdoor rug:
- Shake it: Holding one corner, vigorously shake the rug to remove dirt and debris. When a rug is too large to hang by one corner, you must hang it over a fence and strike it with a broom handle or other stick-like object.
- Vacuum: It's a good idea to run a vacuum cleaner over the top and underside of outdoor rugs every few weeks. This removes surface dust and particles while also loosening any packed dirt. After vacuuming, shake it out before replacing it on the floor.
- Sweep: If your vacuum cleaners cord isn't long enough, you can always sweep it quickly and aggressively. You want to shake and sweep both sides after your done to remove any remaining debris that you knocked loose.
- Spot clean wet stains: If you spill wine or another type of liquid on your rug, blot it with a dry cloth until the liquid is absorbed.
- Spot clean dry stains: By dipping a sponge or cloth into a solution of water and a mild detergent. Clean the area gently with a sponge or cloth. Rinse the sponge frequently and blot gently until the stain is gone. Allow the rug to dry after rinsing it thoroughly with water.
- Wash the rug: Yes, the entire outdoor rug can be washed. Here's how it's done:
- This is best done on a sunny, breezy day.
- Remove any loose dirt and debris by vacuuming, sweeping, or shaking.
- Wet the rug with a hose or bucket.
- Combine water and a mild detergent or rug cleaner.
- Scrub the soap mixture into the rug with a soft brush.
- Allow the soap mixture to sit for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse the rug thoroughly, making sure the rinse water is clear.
- While drying, the rug should be laid flat.
- Remove mould and mildew: If you discover mould or mildew on your rug, you have two options:
- Bleaching method: To remove loose dirt and debris, sweep, vacuum, or shake the rug. Spray the rug with a bleach-water mixture on your driveway, then thoroughly rinse it. Allow it to dry in the sun.
- Baking soda and vinegar method: If the rug isn't bleach-safe, you can use baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda over the area once the particles and dirt have been removed. Spray the afflicted areas with vinegar after filling a spray bottle with the liquid. Give it a few minutes to soak. It might start bubbling, which is okay. After that, give it a thorough rinse and let it dry in the sun.
Plastic outdoor rugs require less care and are simple to maintain. Here are some helpful hints:
- When washing your rug, use a power washer to remove any stains from the deep layers.
- If your rug is wet from head to toe, fold it up tightly to sweat out excess liquid.
- Before using any form of cleaner on the entire rug, including vinegar and baking soda, always test a tiny area first.
A large outdoor rug can be added to your deck or porch for a pop of colour, a unique pattern, or to tie a look together. Your outdoor rug will last for years with minimal care. The styles and materials available make it simple to complement the furniture and decor you already have in your outdoor space.
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