How to clean an outdoor rug?

To clean an outdoor rug, you will need a vacuum, a rug shampoo, a sponge, and water. You need to vacuum it, shampoo your rug, and then rub it with a sponge to get any debris, clean it with water, and let it dry. If you are looking for a new outdoor rug, use the AR tool for an effective decision-making process.

Can outdoor rugs get wet?

Yes, outdoor rugs can get wet, especially if it rains. The rain doesn't damage the fibers of your outdoor rug; before you walk on it, let it dry completely. If you want to see more outdoor rugs, you can use the AR tool to see in your space.

See Outdoor Rugs in Your Space

We love all types of outdoor rugs, so we want to help you make the right decision without being lost in the world of rugs. We believe that seeing the rug in your space before you purchase will give you the leverage on how this rug will look in real life.

What are outdoor rugs?

Photo by Beliani

The weather is getting better, and this transition invites us to spend more time outside. It's always a pleasure to spend time on the porch, deck, or patio, which is an excellent way to enjoy spending time with your loved ones. So, naturally, you need to decorate it to make it more inviting.

To make your outdoor space that's both functional and stylish can be difficult because you need to decide where to start. Our suggestion is to start with a rug and then build around the rug. If you start with an outdoor rug, then you can easily choose a color palette or gamut you want to embrace in this space. Or if you want a rug that fits both in and outside of your home, you can read this Angela Rose post.

Let's say that you decided on the color scheme of your outdoor rug, but here's the thing the rug world is quite extensive. You can easily be confused about which one will suit your outdoor space, and when you make a purchase, you see that it's not the way you imagined. That is why online purchases can go to waste. To ensure that this doesn't happen and you are satisfied with your outdoor rug choice - try to see it in your space before making the final decision.

It seems like it's impossible, right? We have a perfect solution for you - the AR tool. This tool is ideal if you can't make the decision right away. It helps you see the rug in your space from your smartphone; if that rug doesn't exceed your expectations, try to see another one. All you need to do is choose one of the outdoor categories and test it to see them in your space:

Outdoor area rugs

Photo by Centsational Style

It is no secret that the material of the most important thing about outdoor rugs is their materials. Typically outdoor area rugs are made from synthetic materials or fiber plant materials. Not every rug material is safe to use outdoors; the UV rays can damage the rug, and its beauty can vanish. Here we made a list of safe outdoor area rug materials that will withstand a lot of things:

Polypropylene outdoor area rugs. Polypropylene is one of the most popular synthetic rug materials. Most designers recommend choosing this type of material for outdoor rugs because it's resistant to UV rays, so if you choose a colorful or bright-colored outdoor rug, the color won't fade in the hot, blazing sun. Another great thing about polypropylene rugs is that they are stain-resistant. Because of this factor, they are low-maintenance rugs, so you don't need to worry about them that much.

Olefin outdoor area rugs. Just like polypropylene, this one is also a synthetic rug material. This material is also entirely stain-resistant is lightweight, so you don't need to worry about it being too heavy looking for your outdoor space. This material is also great because its mildew-resistant, which breaks it or takes it to deal with outdoor rugs since they are constantly exposed to the elements.

Polyester outdoor area rugs. If you are on the market for a rug that can withstand anything that Mother Nature throws at it - then this material is the best one. The high durability factor helps stay in the best condition for a long time. This rug material is trendy among many other outdoor rug materials.

Pro tip:If you are unsure if you like the outdoor area rugs in your space - we suggest you see them using your smartphone. How does it work? Use the AR tool and see the round rug in your area before purchasing.

Nylon outdoor area rugs. In general, synthetic rug materials are affordable. But nylon material is on the pricier side because it is more costly to manufacture. But it's a perfect choice if you have a high-traffic area in your outdoor space. So, this material won't wear down that easily, and you can leave this rug outside no matter what season it is - it's that resistant to the climate. Talking about affordable outdoor rugs, Casey Finn has a good article about this topic.

Outdoor patio rugs

Photo by The Spruce

So choosing the outdoor material can be a challenge, but the next challenge comes with styling it. To create the perfect vibe on your outdoor patio, you need to make sure that you choose the style and the pattern of the outdoor rug you need to understand what you want. You can always follow some of the trends you see on the internet, but the actual style is the one that you feel most comfortable in.

So, to create this perfect vibe on your patio, you need to choose the perfect rug. One way to do this is to see what kind of rugs people usually put there. For example, taking some inspiration from the internet is always a good thing. Another thing is to try and use an AR tool. This tool is designed to use on your smartphone to see rugs in your space before purchasing.

So, to help you get more inspired in your patio decorating journey, here are a few things you can take into consideration before your choose something:

Natural fiber outdoor rugs. We mentioned that outdoor rugs are usually made from synthetic materials, but there is no secret that they can be made from natural fibers, like jute or sisal. So, you can always be a little bit more sustainable and eco-friendly. Natural rugs are not dyed this way. They are more likely not going to fade in the sun. Also, putting such a material rug on your patio can give you a natural and relaxing atmosphere.

Outdoor patio rugs with patterns. Patterns are one of those things that never go out of style. And putting such a rug on your patio can give an exciting and wholesome character. Also, patterned outdoor rugs can act like an added texture or even a statement. You can always try layering different outdoor rugs to help you find the perfect balance.

Earthy-toned outdoor patio rugs. You can always go with more earthy-toned rugs if you don't want patterns. This is an excellent choice if you are trying to choose a rug that will create more of a relaxation oasis on your patio. Outdoor patio rugs can be a perfect balance between color and texture. Take into consideration that these toned rugs are usually made from natural fiber materials that are safe to use for an outdoor space.

5x7 outdoor rugs

Photo by Hannah Westby

When you have determined the style and material of your new outdoor rug, you need to look at the size of the rug. This is one of the most crucial steps you need to consider, even more important than the material or the style.

First, you need to take a look at your space. For example, if your outdoor space is on the smaller side, you need to consider a smaller rug. And if you have ample room, you can put a pretty big rug to cover the space and bring some coziness into it.

So, 5x7 outdoor rugs can be an excellent fit for ample outdoor space. Of course, everyone can consider their space differently, so for example, you try this sized rug with an AR tool. Just use your smartphone, and you can see the rug before purchasing.

To help you create a wholesome look in your outdoor space, we prepared a few pointers for you to help you accessorize your room. Here are they:

1. Defining the space with 5x7 rugs.

There is a cardinal rule in the rug placement world that no matter if you put the rug outside or inside, you need to make sure that you define the suitable space with that rug. For example, with 5x7 outdoor rugs, you can determine the seating space on your patio or terrace. Place the furniture front legs on the rug. This way, you can create a more cohesive look and define the specific area.

1. Highlighting the outdoor area with 5x7 rugs.

Another thing that rugs do well is highlighting the specific areas. If you want to make more of a highlight on your terrace, you can try a popular trend - layering. Layering is when you place a smaller. Usually, they can be a different material rug that highlights the specific area in your outdoor space. For example, putting the smaller rug under the outdoor table will highlight the table area.

1. Color & pattern of your 5x7 rug.

We have mentioned before that outdoor rug can as fun and exciting or calm and relaxing. So, it is really up to you what kind of rug you want to choose. But the thing is, even the most colorful rugs can be one of those things that can create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Try it out, and you will see that it makes the perfect balance in such space.

8x10 outdoor rugs

Photo by Dine & Fash

Now that you have all of the information on choosing the perfect outdoor rug, you need to look at the maintenance of such rugs.

It is doesn't matter what kind of size or material rug you have. The care for these rugs is essential. For example, if you choose an 8x10 outdoor rug. It is on the bigger rug size that will look perfect on your outdoor terrace. But here is the thing if you want to have a beautiful and vibrant rug all year round, you need to take care of it.

If you decide to buy an 8x10 outdoor rug, you need to look at the care process. Usually, the care process of any rug can consist of 5-6 steps, but to make it simple for you, we have narrowed it to the two crucial steps. And if you follow them, then you will have a perfect rug:

Vacuuming. We know that this can be something that can take up time, and you can be laze about it. But actually, this helps to elongate the lifespan of the rug. It will be perfect if you do this step once a week. It removes the dirt and dust, so your rug can be more vibrant.
Deep cleaning. This step you can perform once a year. While vacuuming is the process that helps you to have a beautiful rug every day and help you maintain the rug. This step enables you to remove the dirt in the deep fibers that you can't see with your eye, or the vacuum doesn't pick that up. In this step, usually, you can call the professionals to help you clean the rug, or you can do it yourself.

We understand that the care process can be exhausting, but you need to do that to keep your rug longer. If you are on the market to purchase a new one, it can be risky, especially if you are buying it online. So, to help you make a successful decision, you can use the Augmented Reality tool with your smartphone and see if the 8x10 outdoor rug will create the perfect look on your terrace.