Caring for your Outdoor Rug

An outdoor rug is a great addition to your outdoor space, and these days, it's all about indoor/outdoor living. If you already have an outdoor rug or are considering purchasing one, follow these simple steps to maintain the life of your rug so you can enjoy it for many seasons to come! 

• Make sure your outdoor rug says "UV-Stabilized" on the label, think of it as sunscreen for rugs. In these rugs, the fibers have been treated prior to manufacturing the rug so your rug won't fade in direct sunlight. 
• If you stain your rug or notice that it could use a wash, you can use a hose or power washer to rinse the entire rug. If possible, it's best to get the rug off the ground so it can thoroughly air-dry. If you're unable to lift the rug, try to at least lift the corners to circulate some air under the rug. 
• If you live in a snowy climate, it's best to roll the rug and store it indoors for the winter. Protecting your outdoor rug from the elements will prolong the life of your rug, so depending on how well you care for your rug, you can enjoy it for many years.

A few final notes:

If your rug could use some extra elbow-grease, you can use diluted dish soap with water to wash your rug. Please avoid scrubbing your rug as this can "frizz" the surface. Additionally, vacuuming your outdoor rug with a strong suction or beater-bar vacuum can also "frizz" the surface, so it's best to sweep your rug just like you would sweep your outdoor patio. 

The industry standard for UV-Stabilization is 300 hours of sun exposure. If you live in an extremely sunny climate, know that your outdoor rug will not last as long as it would in a more temperate climate. If you can, try to use your outdoor rug in a covered area of your patio, or use an umbrella to shade it from constant and direct sunlight.