How to Clean Your Outdoor Furniture and Soft Furnishings

Like their indoor counterparts, outdoor rugs attract dirt and grime. To get rid of accumulated debris, approach them as you would your interior floor coverings. Start by picking up the rug. (You may need a helper for a larger one or need to drape it over a piece of furniture, fence or railing.) Move to a grassy or out-of-the-way area where you don’t mind any dirt’s settling, and shake the piece well a few times. Brush off any remaining debris with a brush or broom.

Follow up by vacuuming the rug on both sides to remove any fine dirt or debris still clinging to the fibers. You can use anything from a handheld vacuum or an indoor vacuum to a heavy-duty wet-dry model if the rug is tightly woven. The more powerful the vacuum, the more dirt you’ll remove.

Most outdoor rugs are washable, but check the care instructions to be sure. Set the rug on a flat surface (one that is slightly inclined will help with water runoff) and lightly hose it off. You can then wash it gently with warm water and a few drops of a nondetergent dish soap or a gentle commercial cleanser that’s safe for your pillows and cushions. Scrub with a soft brush to create a lather and remove dirt.

If stains are set in, sticky or stubborn, try treating them with a paste made of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Try club soda for removing red wine stains. White vinegar and baking soda are good for treating mold and mildew, but test first to be sure they won’t harm the rug’s fibers or color. Rinse the rug with water after treating and lay it flat to dry. Turn it over once the top is dry so the underside will dry completely too.