How to Clean & Care for Outdoor Rugs & Pillows

Outdoor rugs and pillows earn their keep on a patio, deck, or balcony, but they still need a little care to hold up through sun, rain, and everyday use. Here's how to keep them clean and looking good all season.

How to Clean an Outdoor Rug

Start by shaking out or vacuuming loose dirt and debris. For everyday spots, hose the rug down and scrub gently with mild soap and water, then rinse well. Let it dry fully in the open air, ideally standing on its edge or over a railing so air can reach both sides, before putting it back down or storing it. Avoid bleach or harsh chemical cleaners, which can affect the color and fibers over time.

Removing Mildew or Mold from an Outdoor Rug

Mildew shows up when a rug stays damp for too long, usually in shaded or poorly ventilated spots. If you spot it, scrub the area with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and dry the rug completely in direct sunlight, which helps kill remaining spores. Moving the rug to a spot with better airflow afterward helps prevent it from coming back.

How to Clean Outdoor Pillows

Spot clean the cover with mild soap and water and a soft brush or cloth, working the suds in gently rather than soaking the pillow through. Rinse the soap out and stand the pillow on its edge to air dry completely before using it again or bringing it inside. For mildew, the same approach works: clean with soap and water, rinse, and dry fully in the sun.

Storing Outdoor Rugs & Pillows for the Off-Season

Make sure everything is completely dry before you put it away — packing away anything damp is the most common cause of mildew in storage. Roll rugs loosely rather than folding them sharply, and store both rugs and pillows in a dry, ventilated spot such as a closet, bin with airflow, or breathable storage bag. Avoid sealing them in airtight plastic, which traps any remaining moisture against the fabric.

Can You Leave Outdoor Rugs and Pillows Outside All Year?

Both are made to handle regular outdoor use, rain and sun included. That said, for the longest life we'd still recommend bringing them in — or at least under cover — during extreme weather or long stretches of heavy rain, the same way you would with any outdoor furniture cushion.