This article comes from The Spruce.
How to Clean Indoor-Outdoor Carpet
As with any type of carpet, vacuuming at least once per week is a must—more frequently for outdoor spaces that receive heavy use during warm seasons. Spills and stains should be treated as quickly as possible. Do a deeper clean at least twice per year.
1. Treat Spills and Stains Promptly
Treat spills and stains as quickly as possible. Blot away liquids with paper towels or a microfiber cloth.
For solid stains like mud or dropped food, use the edge of a credit card or a dull knife to lift away the solids. Never rub a stain, as it will push the solids deeper into the fibers. After the initial clean-up, follow the recommendations on a stain removal chart to treat specific types of stains.
2. Vacuum or Sweep Weekly
Regular vacuuming or sweeping at least once a week will keep dust and dirt from embedding too deeply in an indoor-outdoor carpet. Excessive build-up of dirt causes odor and abrasive action on the fibers so they look worn more quickly.
When you clean, set the vacuum to the lowest setting because indoor-outdoor carpets have a very low pile. Move furniture and other items from the rug and vacuum or sweep slowly in both vertical and horizontal directions.
3. Do a Deep Clean
When it’s time for a deeper clean, vacuum the rug well on both sides. You can also hang the rug from a sturdy railing and beat both sides of the rug with a broom to loosen the soil.
While the rug is suspended, use a garden hose with a spray nozzle or the low setting on a power washer to rinse away soil. If you don’t have a spot to hang the rug, place it outdoors on a plastic tarp while you clean.
After wetting the rug, fill a bucket with cool water and add about 1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleaner. Apply the soapy solution to the rug using a scrub brush. Pay extra attention to heavily soiled areas.
Use the garden hose or power washer to rinse away the soapy solution. Hang the rug to air-dry. This can take up to eight hours, turn it over at least once so that air circulates well on both sides. It is best to dry the rug completely before putting it back in place.
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