How to Clean Outdoor Carpet

Today's outdoor carpet is a wonderful addition to a deck or patio. Outdoor furniture that looks like indoor furniture and outdoor carpets that look like interior area rugs can make an outdoor room seem just as cozy and inviting as the most upscale living room. Outdoor carpets are designed to handle the harsh weather conditions with flair. They are also designed to be easy to clean and maintain. Since the carpets are made from a type of plastic and the dyes are incorporated into the fibers, nearly any kind of cleaner can be used.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Household detergent (dish soap such as Palmolive works well)
• Bleach (if needed)
• Soft scrub brush
• Vacuum

1. Vacuum the carpet front and back, thoroughly.

2. Mix a solution of dish soap and warm water.

3. Using the soap mixture, scrub the carpet, paying special attention to any stains.

4. Rinse thoroughly. A garden hose might be useful for this step.

5. Bleach out any mildew or mold, by either lying the carpet in the sun, or by mixing a solution of bleach and water. The carpet should be colorfast no matter what you do to it; but to be safe, test the bleach solution on a tiny area first.

6. Allow the carpet to dry.

References

• Choosing and cleaning outdoor carpets