How to Clean an Outdoor Rug (Without Bleach)

Outdoor rugs are an amazing way to add color and style to a deck or patio – when they’re clean, that is!  Learn how to clean an outdoor rug and keep it fresh with this easy process.

Not surprisingly, outdoor rugs can go from fabulous to forlorn (and even disgusting) in no time, since they’re exposed to the elements. 

I would know since 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 outdoor rugs without bleach or harsh chemicals! 

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Supplies Needed to Clean Outdoor Rugs

You’ll probably be happy to know that it doesn’t take much to get your rug looking great again! Here are the rug cleaning supplies you’ll need:

• Broom (or leaf blower)
• OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover (this is a mild detergent with great whitening power)
• Heavy Duty Scrubbing Sponge or Scrub Brush
• Bucket
• Garden Hose
• Measuring Cup
• Rubber Gloves
• The sun 🙂

Steps for Cleaning an Outdoor Rug

Before you do anything: check the weather forecast. You’ll need Mother Nature on your side for this rug cleaning project. Make sure there’s no rain in the forecast and that the sun will be shining.

Step 1: Sweep or Blow Off the Rug

In order to get your indoor / outdoor rug clean again, start by sweeping off all the loose dirt and debris. If your rug is really dirty, you may prefer to use a leaf blower for this step.

Just look at all of the nasty mold and mildew spots covering this rug.  It was truly disgusting, but this process made it better: I swear!

Step 2: Mix a Batch of OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover

Next, mix 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 mixing instructions may be different.)

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.

OxiClean is pretty gentle and I didn’t wear gloves, but I probably should have. If you have sensitive skin, make sure to wear gloves.

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! 

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

This is not the time to gently scrub – you want to really work the cleaning solution into the rug’s fibers!

I again let the rug sit with the OxiClean solution for approximately one hour, and then I hosed it off.  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. 

It took about 12 hours to fully dry (which was really surprising to me – that seems very long), 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!

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

Going forward I will keep it fresh with a spot clean here and there. The OxiClean will work for that, or I may try using baking soda or dish soap. I’ve heard those can work, too!

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!