Durable indoor-outdoor carpet adds comfort and style to your sunroom, patio, porch, or deck. There are edge-to-edge carpet rolls and area rugs in a variety of colors and patterns. The primary difference between carpets used in bedrooms and other interior living areas and outdoor carpets is the material used to make the carpet.
Outdoor carpets are made from synthetic materials such as rubber, acrylic, and polypropylene. They are moisture and mildew resistant, UV fading resistant, and are frequently made from recycled materials. Outdoor carpeting can be used indoors, but it should never be used outside. Indoor-outdoor carpeting is common in commercial settings as well as high-traffic areas of the home, such as rec rooms.
An indoor-outdoor carpet’s ease of cleaning is an added bonus.
Tips
When you’re ready to clean the carpet thoroughly, choose a sunny, windy day to speed up the drying process.
What You’ll need
Tools / Equipment.
- Vacuum
- Broom
- Garden hose with spray nozzle
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber cloth
- Bucket
- Nylon-bristled scrub brush
- Power washer
- Steam carpet cleaner
- Plastic tarp
Items
- stain remover based on enzymes
- All-purpose cleaner or dishwashing liquid
- The paper towels
- Distilled vinegar for whites
- Handle spills and stains right away
Spot spills and stains as soon as possible. Using paper towels or a microfiber cloth, absorb liquids.
Remove solid stains with a dull knife or the edge of a credit card. Rubbing stains will cause the solids to seep deeper into the fabric. Once the initial cleanup is complete, treat various types of stains by following the instructions on a stain removal chart.
- Weekly Vacuum or Sweep
A weekly vacuuming or sweeping will prevent dust and dirt from becoming too deeply embedded in an indoor-outdoor carpet. Overstuffing causes odors and abrasive action on the fibers, causing them to appear worn out faster.
Indoor-outdoor carpets have very low pile, so vacuum on the lowest setting. After removing all furniture and other items from the rug, carefully vacuum or sweep it in both vertical and horizontal directions.
- Purge Everything
When it’s time for a more thorough cleaning, thoroughly vacuum both sides of the rug. Another option is to hang the rug from a sturdy railing and use a broom to gently remove dirt from both sides of the rug.
While the rug is suspended, use a low-pressure power washer or a garden hose with a spray nozzle to rinse away soil. If you are unable to hang the rug, move it outside and cover it with a plastic tarp while you clean.
After wetting the rug, fill a bucket with cool water and add 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleaner. Scrub the rug with the soapy solution. Pay particular attention to filthy areas.
Advice
- Indoor and outdoor carpets can both be cleaned with a domestic or commercial steam carpet cleaner. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the product.
- Advice for Keeping Indoor and Outdoor Carpet Cleaner for Longer
- Use doormats at entryways to aid in retaining soil.
- Area rugs should be hung to dry if they get wet to help stop mildew from growing underneath.
- Rugs and carpets should be vacuumed or swept several times a week.
- Deal with stains right away.
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