Your patio or deck is a space to relax and entertain, but dirt, dust, spills, and changing weather can take a toll on your outdoor rug. Keeping it looking fresh doesn’t have to be a chore. With a Ruggable outdoor rug, cleaning is simple, fast, and hassle-free. From everyday maintenance to deep washing, rain care, and seasonal storage, here’s everything you need to know to keep your rug looking its best.
New to Ruggable? Learn How Our Two-Piece Rug System Works.
Key Takeaways:
Ruggable outdoor rug covers are machine washable for easy care.
Wash the rug cover in cold water with mild, non-bleach detergent.
Air dry or tumble dry on air-fluff before placing it back on the rug pad.
To prevent mold and mildew, ensure your rug does not remain wet for extended periods and allow it to dry completely before placing it back outside.
For best long-term care, wash and store rug covers during extended heavy rain, snow, or winter months.
Daily Outdoor Rug Maintenance
A little attention goes a long way:
Shake, sweep, or vacuum the rug to remove dirt, dust, and debris.
Treat small stains promptly with Ruggable’s Spot Cleaner & Stain Remover or soap and water.
These simple habits help extend the life of your outdoor rug and keep it looking fresh between washes.
How to Wash an Outdoor Rug
Deep cleaning your outdoor rug is simple with Ruggable’s two-piece rug system:
Step 1: Detach the Rug Cover: Separate the washable rug cover from the rug pad.
Step 2: Shake Out Debris: Shake or sweep the rug cover to remove loose dirt, dust, or leaves before washing.
Step 3: Machine Wash: Place the rug cover in your washing machine and wash on cold; using a mild, non-bleach detergent.
Step 4: Dry the Rug Cover: Use the air-fluff setting in the dryer or lay the rug cover flat to air dry.
Step 5: Reattach the Rug Cover: Once dry, place the rug cover back onto the rug pad and smooth it into place.
For more detailed instructions, visit our Machine Wash Guide.
Pro Tip: Washing your Ruggable outdoor rug regularly keeps it clean and ready for daily use without the backache of traditional cleaning methods.
Cleaning the Rug Pad
The rug pad does not need to be machine washed. Ruggable Outdoor Rug Covers are designed to work with the Standard Rug Pad, which can be used both indoors and outdoors. We do not recommend using the Cushioned Rug Pad outside.
To clean the pad:
Rinse it with a garden hose or spot clean using soap and water.
After cleaning, lay the rug pad flat on a clean, dry surface such as a patio, deck, or driveway, away from direct sunlight to prevent warping.
Allow the rug pad to air dry completely, which typically takes 12–24 hours depending on weather and humidity.
Once fully dry, reassemble your rug.
Pro Tip: Ensure the pad is fully dry before placing the rug back on top to prevent mold or mildew.
Storage Tips
Proper storage helps protect your outdoor rug when it’s not in use:
Roll (don’t fold) your rug cover with the design side facing out.
Store in a dry, climate-controlled area if possible.
Avoid direct sunlight or extreme temperature areas.
Keep the rug pad and cover rolled separately for added protection.
Keep Your Outdoor Space Looking Its Best
Maintaining your outdoor rug doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little regular upkeep and the simplicity of Ruggable’s machine-washable covers, your patio, deck, or entryway can stay fresh, clean, and inviting.
Ruggable outdoor rugs are built for everyday outdoor life—durable, fade-resistant, and easy to care for. They resist mold and mildew, handle year-round outdoor use, and can even be used indoors with a standard rug pad. Each rug is consciously made-to-order to reduce waste while keeping your space fresh.
Ready to simplify your outdoor living? Explore the full Ruggable Outdoor Rug Collection and find the perfect rug for effortless care and lasting freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ruggable Outdoor Rug Covers are part of our two-piece rug system — a washable cover that attaches to a non-slip rug pad underneath. The cover is designed specifically for outdoor conditions: UV-resistant, water-resistant, and machine washable for easy care. The rug pad anchors the cover in place and can be wiped down or rinsed without machine washing.
Ruggable Outdoor Rug Covers are made from polyester with UV-resistant fibers designed to maintain color and vibrancy with sun exposure.
Though made with the same polyester material as our Flatwoven Rug Cover, the Outdoor Rug Cover features a thicker weave that creates a more durable construction while still feeling comfortable underfoot. It's also designed to resist fading and maintain its structure when exposed to sunlight.
The Outdoor Rug Cover remains low-profile. When paired with the Standard Rug Pad (1/8" thick), the assembled rug sits close to the floor, making it suitable for most doorways and transitions between surfaces.
Ruggable Outdoor Rugs are designed for patios, decks, entryways, and covered porches.
Yes. Ruggable Outdoor Rugs work beautifully indoors as well. Their durable construction and easy-clean design make them great for:
Mudrooms
Kitchens
Sunrooms
High-traffic living areas
For areas near doors, make sure there is adequate clearance so the door can pass smoothly over the rug.
Not just yet. Our Outdoor Rug Covers have their own designs, and we're still coming up with more so stay tuned!
Ruggable Outdoor Rug Covers are designed to work with the Standard Rug Pad, which can be used both indoors and outdoors. The Standard Rug Pad is low-profile at 1/8" thick, making it suitable for most doorways and high-traffic areas with minimal clearance concerns.
We do not recommend using the Cushioned Rug Pad outside. Ruggable Outdoor Rug Covers are designed to work with the Standard Rug Pad, which can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Yes. Ruggable Outdoor Rug Covers are designed for machine washing, making it easy to refresh your rug without scrubbing or hosing it down. Simply remove the cover, wash it in the machine, and let it air dry.
Many traditional outdoor rugs require hosing, scrubbing with soap, and waiting hours—or even days—for them to dry.
With Ruggable, you can skip the heavy lifting. Just remove the rug cover and machine wash it for a quick, thorough clean.
Sweep or shake out your outdoor rug weekly to remove dirt, leaves, and debris. During high-traffic seasons, we recommend deep-cleaning your rug every 4–6 weeks to keep it looking fresh and prevent buildup that can lead to stains or mildew.
Ruggable Outdoor Rug Covers typically air dry in about 1 to 2 hours. Their lightweight construction helps shed water quickly so you can get your outdoor space back to normal faster.
The Standard Rug Pad should be allowed to air dry completely as well, which typically takes 12 to 24 hours depending on weather and humidity.
Yes. Ruggable Outdoor Rug Covers are water-resistant and designed to handle rain.
However, prolonged standing water can lead to mold or mildew with any outdoor rug. If your rug becomes soaked or experiences several days of heavy rain, we recommend washing the cover and allowing it to dry completely before placing it back outside.
During long rainy seasons or storms, it's best practice to wash and store your rug cover indoors until conditions improve.
Ruggable Outdoor Rug Covers are made with UV-resistant fibers designed to minimize fading. While no rug is completely immune to sunlight, these fibers help maintain color and vibrancy longer than traditional outdoor rugs.
For best results:
Place rugs in covered or partially shaded areas
Clean them regularly to remove debris
Wash and store them during long periods of non-use or harsh weather
If mold or mildew appears, act quickly to prevent it from spreading:
Remove the rug cover from the pad.
Shake off loose debris.
Machine wash the cover following care instructions.
Allow it to dry completely before placing it back outside.
Regular cleaning and ensuring the rug does not remain wet for extended periods will help prevent mold and mildew from forming.
For best long-term care, we recommend washing and storing your outdoor rug cover indoors before winter or extreme weather conditions such as snow, heavy storms, or freezing temperatures.
While Ruggable Outdoor Rug Covers are designed to be durable, storing them during the coldest months helps preserve color, structure, and performance season after season.
When storing your rug pad, lay it flat or roll it loosely — never fold it, as folding can cause permanent creasing. Store it in a dry, climate-controlled space away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep the pad and rug cover stored separately for best results.
The Re-Jute Rug is designed for indoor use. It gives you the natural woven aesthetic of a classic jute rug — without the scratchiness, shedding, or cleanup hassle — with a softer feel and washable durability. They bring instant texture and warmth to living rooms, bedrooms, dining spaces, and beyond.
The Outdoor Rug Cover, by contrast, is built to handle sun, rain, and outdoor conditions with UV-resistant, water-resistant polyester. If you're outfitting a patio, deck, or entryway, the Outdoor Rug Cover is the right choice.
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