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How to Clean an Outdoor Rug (Without Bleach)

July 15, 2019 by Bre 8 Comments

Outdoor rugs are an amazing way to add color and style to a deck or patio – when they’re clean, that is!  Not surprisingly, outdoor rugs can go from fabulous to forlorn (and even disgusting) in no time, since they’re exposed to the elements. 

My outdoor rug was totally nasty: covered in mildew and completely discolored.  But I figured out a way to get it looking brand new again, and I’m happy to share with you how to clean an outdoor rug without bleach! 

Even an outdoor rug covered in mold and mildew can be cleaned! See how to get your outdoor rug looking brand new with this cleaning technique.

Step 1: Sweep Off The Outdoor Rug

In order to get my outdoor rug clean again, I started by sweeping off all the loose debris and marveling at all of the nasty mold and mildew spots covering the rug.  This rug was truly disgusting!

Gross! This nasty outdoor rug may seem impossible to clean, but this post will show you how to clean an outdoor rug and get it looking brand new!

Step 2: Mix a Batch of OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover

Next, I mixed up a batch of OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover in a small plastic bucket.  Getting specific, I measured 16 ounces of hot water and poured it in the bucket, and then used the scoop that came in the OxiClean bucket to fill it to the line marked 1. 

I mixed the solution together and headed outside.  (Note: make sure to read package directions if you purchase OxiClean.  If you purchase a type different from the kind I used, the instructions may be different.)

Mix a solution of OxiClean to get an outdoor rug clean.

Step 3: Apply the OxiClean to the Outdoor Rug

From there, I liberally applied the OxiClean solution to the rug with a sponge.  Of course, I made sure to do this in an area where it didn’t matter if OxiClean seeped through the rug and onto the surface below.

Scrub an outdoor rug with OxiClean to get it clean!

I let the OxiClean solution sit on the rug for about an hour.  Then I hosed it off to reveal a rug that was cleaner, but not yet pristine! 

In order to properly clean an outdoor rug, it may take two times with cleaning solution.

Because there was still some mildew and/or staining on the outdoor rug, I repeated the process of mixing up the OxiClean solution and liberally applying it to the rug.  And this time, I rubbed it in to the rug even more – making sure to pay special attention to the green spots.

I again let the rug sit with the OxiClean solution for approximately one hour, and then I hosed it off again.  The second time was a charm!  The outdoor rug was clean and bright and fresh! 

Step 4: Let the Outdoor Rug Dry in the Sun

I pulled it over to a sunny spot in the driveway to start drying out. 

When cleaning an outdoor rug, let it dry in the sun for at least 12 hours.

It took about 12 hours to fully dry (which was really surprising to me), so keep this in mind if you plan to wash your outdoor rug! 

Once it was dry, I pulled it back over to the lounge area of the patio and admired how bright the whites were and how there was no more mildew on my outdoor rug!

Get your outdoor rug clean with help from this blog post! This method takes care of mold and mildew stains, too!

Make your outdoor rug look brand new with this easy method for cleaning outdoor rugs!

This rug cleaning process really made a difference in the look of my outdoor space! 

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Now when we enjoy making s’mores out here in our DIY Outdoor Fire Pit, we won’t be thinking how the patio is so nice EXCEPT for the nasty rug. (HA! I’m pretty sure I was the only one thinking that.  My family definitely does not notice those types of things.)   

Thank goodness for this easy way to clean an outdoor rug without bleach!  Please make sure to save this image to Pinterest if you agree!

This is SO helpful! See how she cleaned her outdoor rug and made it look brand new again! No bleach involved. This is a great way to get rid of mold, mildew, and other stains on outdoor rugs!

-Bre

Filed Under: Cleaning

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Seana Turner says

    July 16, 2019 at 8:41 am

    I need to try this. I usually spray it with bleach, but that does weaken the fibers. This year I tried a product called “Wet and Forget” on my flagstones and it worked really well, so I was considering that. But maybe I will try OxiClean instead!

    Reply
  2. Chris says

    May 4, 2021 at 4:53 pm

    I have this same rug and have to power wash it every summer. I’ll try your idea. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Bre says

      May 12, 2021 at 11:46 am

      Hi, Chris! I hope it works great for you! PS I am going to rent a power washer for the first time this summer. I’m excited to try it! I want to clean my concrete patio. đŸ™‚

  3. Juniper says

    July 19, 2021 at 11:52 am

    wow! I thought I would have to inhale bleach all day and loose my sense of smell!Thanks for this new way!

    Reply
    • Bre says

      September 2, 2021 at 2:30 pm

      So glad this helps!!

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Hi, I’m Bre! Thanks for visiting Average But Inspired, where I show you how to work with what you’ve got to create a home you love.

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