How to Remove Algae From an Outdoor Rug (Complete Procedure!)
Usually, it is quite easy to clean an outdoor rug, but algae growth might add to our woes. But if you’re looking for a complete procedure to remove mold or algae growth from your outdoor rugs, you’ve landed on the right page.
Although most outdoor rugs are made out of synthetic materials, and it is quite difficult for algae to grow on them, many still develop this green growth. If you live in a super humid environment, it is more likely to happen to you.
Natural cleaning solutions can be the most effective remedies for cleaning your outdoor carpets. They are also great for spot cleaning.
Just as you would clean a mildew-resistant outdoor rug normally, a rug with green growth needs similar procedures of deep cleaning. Have a look at the whole process.
Steps To Remove Algae From An Outdoor Carpet
The steps to get this green mold out of your patio rug or outdoor carpet are quite easy. You just need a few items and a whole day of cleaning, and your rug will be good as new.
Things Needed
- A vacuum that allows upholstery cleaning (or a broom)
- A bucket
- A scrub sponge or scrub brush
- Soap and water solution
- Garden hose
- Dry towels
Procedure:
Follow these steps to quickly and efficiently clean outdoor rugs of any algae outgrowth.
- Step 1: Try to let the rug or carpet soak in high sunlight for a few hours to kill any algae on the surface. If it isn’t possible to move the rug, soak the excess dampness using dry towels or sponges.
- Step 2: Now, let us get rid of any dust, debris, or dead algae by shaking the rug (if it is not attached to the floor).
- Step 3: Further, we can go ahead and broom or vacuum the carpet to get rid of all the dirt, grime, and dead algae.
- Step 4: It is time to start washing our rug now. Squirt warm water and the dish soap solution on the dry carpet and make it completely wet.
- Step 5: Use a scrub brush or sponge to start the cleaning process. This will also remove the rest of the algae.
- Step 6: Now is the time to rinse the rug. We do this with the help of a garden hose or pressure washer. Alternatively, you can also splash buckets of water over it.
- Step 7: Once you have gotten rid of all the soap and algae on the surface of the rug, you can line dry your carpet in broad sunlight for several hours. This will ensure that molds or algae do not grow back.
After you dry your outdoor rug, you’re ready to install it on the patio, deck, or balcony again. But make sure that the rug has dried off completely.
Cleaning Indoor Outdoor Rug FAQs
Are you not sure what might be wrong with your carpet? Or are you struggling with any of the cleaning processes? Don’t you worry!
In this section, we cover all the frequently asked questions related to cleaning outdoor rugs with algae:
Why Is My Outdoor Rug Turning Green?
If you live in extremely humid conditions, green algae might often develop on your outdoor rugs due to wet conditions.
This green mildew growth can spoil your rug forever. Hence, it is urgent and absolutely necessary to clean such a rug.
Can You Power Wash Outdoor Rugs?
Absolutely! In fact, we recommend using a garden hose or a pressure washer to clean these outdoor rugs with algae. The added pressure breaks down the algae better.
Another great tip is to clean these rugs with a pressure washer on sloped surfaces (like a driveway). This way, water just out of the rug can easily drain out.
What Household Ingredients Are Used In Cleaning Rugs?
The following are the two natural ingredients that effectively clean or spot clean algae out of a mildewy or moldy rug with a spray bottle:
- Baking Soda: Just gently sprinkle it over the affected area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then spritz the area with white vinegar and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes. Finally, clean with a hose.
- Borax: You can also use water with borax and baking soda as a natural cleaner for the rug. Just spritz the solution all over or on the affected areas.
These methods and natural cleaning solution remedies are not only extremely handy but also quite effective in cleaning our outdoor rugs.
Can You Use Bleach On An Outdoor Rug?
If your patio rug is looking dingy and dull with green growth, bleach is the absolute best idea. Just scrub the surface with good bleach and it will kill mildew, remove stains, and renew the carpeting.
Alternatively, you can use OxiClean in the recommended quantities by the brand to remove stains and refresh the carpet.
Can We Steam Outdoor Rugs?
It is not recommended to steam outdoor rugs. High temperatures can destroy and shrink certain materials. That’s why steaming is generally avoided as a method to clean outdoor carpets.
How To Store An Outdoor Carpet?
Mold, mildew, and algae can still develop even if you’re not using your outdoor carpet. That is why storing your rugs properly is quite important.
You can store it by rolling it up, tying it, and wrapping it in plastic wrap. Make sure it is clean and dry before you do that.
The Bottom Line
It is quite easy to clean an outdoor rug with mold, mildew, and algae problems. First, you can try cleaning with household ingredients like Borax, baking soda, or vinegar.
You can also clean the outdoor carpet by brooming and vacuuming it first. Then, it will be ready to break down the algae better. Most of these rugs are mildew resistant anyway.
However, to really clean the algae off the rug, we need to wash (using a dish soap) and scrub it off as we have mentioned above in this write-up.
Here are some tips on how to keep an outdoor rug on a concrete patio without slipping and blowing away.
