He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Writing from Taylor University, which enabled him to write for several Indiana newspapers, including The Waynesdale News and The News Herald. The same is true if you are tempted to use fabric softener. I would do it again, but only with one or more of the guys available to help me move it. Not all rugs can tolerate a wash. since I have an old top loader with the agitator in the middle. I figured it was a good day for drying. Rugs can be spot-cleaned if they get a stain. Routine vacuuming of the rug is strongly advised to keep dirt from grinding into the fibers, but every so often, a mess will require a more thorough job. Think I get another year our two out of this one! Cool, sounds like a plan. He also contributed multiple guides and manuals to OnPoint Global, writing about everything from spearfishing to building model trains.  I just want to clean the darn thing in its entirety. After I moved the table and chairs and before I took it outside, I took a Before photo. Stay the heck away from this awful stuff: I washed a poly rug that size in my washer. Just the original is fine. Can i put a polypropylene floor rug in the washing machine? I googled it and expected to find a specific product "for carpet and rugs" but instead they all seem to be about some aspect of the bathroom. First I hit it with the jet setting on my hose. So glad I didn't try this with my 10x13 rug. Answer Save. Today we have had gray skies and light rain. I've only used them for isolated spots (e.g., cat barf). What's so special about it? I used a lot of water. What size is yours? I'm thinking of dragging it out to the backyard and hosing it down. To wash your rug, simply toss it outside and pour a mixture of water and mild dish soap onto the affected areas. This should lift up any remaining crumbs or dirt stuck in the rug. I don't have spots, major or minor. In the event that you still have trouble getting rid of the stain, you can take your polypropylene rugs to a professional dry cleaner instead. Although I use it sometimes, I really hate 409. If you fold it lengthwise in thirds, you might be able to get it into the washing machine. Rain of any kind is very unusual during the summer here, never mind that we're in a bad drought. I had planned to put it on 4 sawhorses to dry. :) I figure one more day in the sun, underside up, should about do it. Not even then. but I can't imagine the amount of water required to flush it out completely. graywings, I gotta tell you, I don't see how you were able to fit a 5 x 7.5 polypropylene rug in your washer, or any washer known to man for that matter. Cleaning a Pottery Barn wool rug with a Rug Doctor, Outdoor Polypropylene Rug on Composite Deck. You may have to repeat this process a couple times to fully lift a stain, so be persistent. I would do the same with your rug. You can even buy polypropylene rugs in bulk so that you reduce the cost of transport and other unnecessary things. You can go over the rug several times if it's still dirty. I figure I've got nothing to lose. I just use my electric steam mop on my polypropylene rug. Do not attempt of cleaning rugs indoors as you will use a pressure washer, outdoor cleaning is the only option. It's AWFUL. I actually have the blue original Dawn. I wet them with a hose , then use a soft brush with a bucket of soapy water. All rights reserved. Rinse by hosing it off. You don’t want all that dirt and pet hair to wind up in your washing machine. Try to hit every single fiber for a second or two at least. You can look for some rug wholesalers. How did it turn out? If a spill on your rug has left debris, vacuum the extra particles before proceeding with spot cleaning. What Marianne said, or you can wash it by hand, if there is a big concrete or tiled area outside. That little 5x7.5 rug was so heavy with water that it couldn't be lifted. I don't like the scent as much as the New Zealand one. If you have a strong enough clothesline, lay the rug over line instead. Lay the rug on a flat surface to dry, turning frequently. It’s time to thoroughly check it for stains. Only thing is they have a drying rack that is heated. Any cleaning agent that doesn't create suds/film. I managed to get it on the standing sawhorses and water started seeping out. You can follow the mixing instructions on a store-bought rug cleaner/shampoo (Bissell makes a good one, available on Amazon). Gabriel Connor Salter is a freelance writer and editor who has had over 280 articles published by various organizations.   Outdoor Polypropylene Rugs vs Outdoor Carpet: Pros and Cons. A little Dawn in water? You will want to clean these spots right away to avoid rug damage. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". The shiny parts are probably silk. I suspect that rug was a lot cleaner than I'd imagined. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Step Five Flip your rug over (this sounds much easier than it is, you will swear it has been transmuted from yarn to lead). suggestions. What about those foaming carpet/rug cleaners? I couldn't lift mine either and I think that weight would risk damaging the washing machine if you could mash it in there. Good thing I began this on Monday, since it took three whole days to dry. Relevance. It is not a hand knotted rug since the pattern is not the same brightness on the back as it is on the front. I flip them from time to time until completely dry. I have a polypropylene rug under my dining room table and chairs. Therefore, before you wash your rug, you should read the cleaning instructions on the back of the rug and adhere strictly to the manufacturer's instructions. Polypropylene rugs commonly resist most stains and moisture, but you may find them to absorb grease easily because of the synthetic oleophilic fibers. If you pay more than $5 per sq ft for a synthetic olefin (polypropylene) or polyester or acrylic rug, you are being RIPPED OFF. Then plenty of rinsing. 3. I have this nice rug in Polypropylene rug... only thing is over the last year the kids/pets have put little stains on it and it's looking like it needs a freshen up. All I could do the first day was wiggle a picnic bench underneath the middle to get it partially off the patio tiles. Graywings, that would be impossible with this rug, esp. I shouldn't because of the chemicals, but It's my one naughty in that department. Not even then. I could use a little advice re Scrubbing Bubbles, which I've never used in any shape or form. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Lay the rug on a flat surface to dry, turning frequently. I've done inexpensive rugs outside. Wash the Rug and Apply Shampoo. He has also worked as a seasonal employee for the landscaping companies Fisk Lawnscapes and Davey Tree Expert Company and as a Remodeling Assistant for the home renovation company Improvement Pros, LLC. if it was really, really in bad shape, I would just replace it. LOL THink we have been in the 90s now that the rain has stopped. Rub the stain with a sponge wet with the soapy water. This morning I could tell some water was gone because it was slightly easier to move. I don't care for Fantastik and Formula 409 either, same reason. We never completely washed out all the soap. It has to be absolutely pristinely dry before I'll put it on my hardwood floor. Karen Haggard, CID http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/removing-urine-from-carpet/, Banish blotches the safe way with pantry staples, to get your rugs looking as clean as the day they came home, More designs than ever make outdoor rugs a stylish and durable choice for high-traffic rooms, Soft on the feet and easy on the eyes, these rugs work great for high-traffic areas anywhere, Instead of trying to do it all — and doing nothing — pick a cleaning approach that is right for you now, Spend more time doing what you love with these pointers for minimizing cleaning needs throughout the entire house, Clean these often-neglected areas and your house will look and feel better, While you dream of having a maid (to go with the cook and chauffer), this simplified cleaning routine can keep your real-world home tidy, Don't have an 'I'd rather be cleaning' bumper sticker? The pressure washer can blast the color out of your rug. It wasn't even wet underneath!!!! But use a soft brush. After DH came home we were able to lift it up and sretch it out to dry. Funny that we wound up cleaning them on the same day. High power vacuum cleaners and vacuums with beater brushes can damage the fibers in a viscose rug. If you don’t have carpet shampoo, you can take a bucket and make your own solution of warm water and a tablespoon of mild, liquid dish soap. Wash your carpet with gentle detergent and lukewarm water. I could lift a corner but not lift the rug, and even after it had drained a while flat, it was still heavy for DH and I both. Molten polypro fabric can cause serious burns, and this issue also makes it impossible to wash this fabric at high temperatures. Before washing your entire rug, first spot-test the shampoo or solution in a small area of the rug to make sure the colors don’t bleed. Mine is out on my back porch, so no pad under it. View our Privacy Policy here. In the event that you still have trouble getting rid of the stain, you can take your polypropylene rugs to a professional dry cleaner instead. He has worked as a handyman for various individuals since 2013, with a focus on lawn care and home renovation.  You can choose a flat wooden deck or a concrete floor of your patio. I'm also afraid of suds, not just that residual soap will attract dirt (and how perverse is that?!!) Copyright© A stain that sits too long is always that much harder to remove. Thanks everyone, really appreciate the input. Be sure your rug is pressure-washable You will definitely ruin your rug if it wasn’t made for the pressurized treatment it will receive from a pressure washer. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Polypropylene or olefin is a popular and versatile fiber usually used for making carpets, after nylon. Then, use a blow dryer to remove the moisture. The problem is that many rugs are often too big, heavy and unwieldy to safely and confidently run a normal cycle in a normal machine. Tibbrix, thanks, that's what I think too. The suds production is amazing! In most cases these rugs are made of polypropylene (plastic) so hosing them down and perhaps using a mild detergent for tough spots should do the trick. graywings, I gotta tell you, I don't see how you were able to fit a 5 x 7.5 polypropylene rug in your washer, or any washer known to man for that matter. If I sprayed the entire rug, worked it in with a brush and then hosed it down? If you … And if you have a true shag rug, the best way is to not use the vacuum at all but rather clean it the old fashioned way: take the rug outside and shake it. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Just make sure to take into consideration what type of Dawn you are using. So more water. Scrubbing Bubbles; Formula 409; White vinegar and baking soda…. Here are specific problems and how to treat them: Oil---Olefin tends to collect oil and can become dingy, so spot clean with dish-washing detergent solution and scrub brush, rinse and dry. You should truly pay next to nothing for these rugs because there is no labor cost in their production (all are machine made) and the fibers are essentially poor quality plastic. So stick to cold water. The more stuff you can get out of the rug the better. The rug's back in place and, while it might be my imagination, it looks much better. If you're looking to add a rug in your kid's bedroom, in the basement, or outside on your patio, a polypropylene area rug is highly recommended. Get a big bowl or bucket and put about 1 … This would have caused some catastrophic bomb-worthy event. Just as you would not put your favorite woolen sweater into the boil wash, neither should you routinely use a steam cleaner on a genuine wool rug carpet. love SB…in the GREEN can! If the water dried into the rug though, it's already stained and you can't really undo it. Power washing didn’t ruin the rug, it actually fluffed up the matted wool and made it soft again. Maybe if I cut it into quarters? Step Four Repeat the pressure washing procedure from step one. Ouch!!! This rug isn't a big investment so if something goes south, I won't be brokenhearted. However, the backing has a limited lifespan before it crumbles. When you are washing your rug with your pressure unit, you shouldn’t use hot water. Thanks everyone. Texas heat? Area Rug Cleaning: The Problems with Using a Machine. They spray it with hoses. Here's what I think happened. I wash my braided rugs and oriental rugs outside in the driveway. I use Scrubbing Bubbles on mine, probably very similar. Finally it was completely saturated. So, carpet steamer? I have Mexican pavers so there's a decent flat area for cleaning and drying. Also, you should let it soak for at least 15 minutes, or up to about an hour, before continuing. It is still so much better than the mildew. Btw, if you do go with SB, DON'T get the new-fangled kind - foaming something over other in a blue can. Most synthetic rugs and carpets are treated with fire retardants, stain protectors, and insecticides.They also have VOC's that release the ‘new carpet’ odor and this could trigger serious health complications from allergies to nausea. 2. Maybe if I cut it into quarters? Not remotely. These VOC's gas off-gas for up up 5 years!. Felt pads may need extra blotting and spot treatment, but rubber memory foam pads are water resistant and can be wiped clean with a paper towel. Is this a good or bad idea? lascatx, we are rug washing twins! I'd stay away from anything that creates suds and/or film, like Dawn. Plus then … It's immediately adjacent to a slider opening into the backyard, so humping this guy around isn't a major project. Silk will get stiff after its washed. And if your polypropylene carpet or rugs get dirty, you can simply wash them off with a hose as there’s no need to worry about excess moisture. And, as always, the earlier you clean up the mess, the better off you will be. Hah, I wish I had enough trees to pull that off. Bhatia is a contributing writer for DoItYourself.com. Be careful not to use too much soap or anything too foamy, because you need to rinse out every bit of soap or it will attract dirt. Once water has stained your rug, you can't get it out. Any tips, tricks or cautions? This is the way I clean rugs at home using wash powder and my karcher K4 pressure washer. I managed to wiggle the flattened sawhorses underneath so it would be slightly elevated off the patio tile. I had meant to try the scrubbing bubbles since we have some, but I used Oxyclean laundry treatment. As mentioned before, be sure to maintain your polypropylene rugs by vacuuming on a regular basis to keep dust from getting ground into the fibers. Once you laid out the rug on the cleaning station. This way, you end up cleaning your rug deeply and without affecting the wood flooring. Polypropylene fabric is one of the lightest synthetic fibers in existence, and it is incredibly resistant to most acids and alkalis. Spot the stains and apply gentle gel stain remover. But even so, I think I'd need an industrial washer to fit even this 5x7.5 (I just measured). Wool is a notoriously thirsty fabric and it will repel liquids at first then just soak them up like there's no tomorrow. I did so because I wanted to be able to clean them on our driveway. I used the jet setting on my hose and my pool brush, My main problem was mildew from the months of rainy weather we've had this year so I needed a little oomph. You can perform excellently by cleaning your rugs at home if you have the right equipment. By Day #3 I was able to flip it over and finish off the underside. As soon as it gets wet, blot the soaked area with paper towels or a dry cloth. If you have a membership with a rug company at their online retail sites, then you may avail greater advantage here. The smell is awful. I'm still in awe over how much water that little rug could hold. I do think a rug this size will do fine on sawhorses. Here are a few quick tips to help you keep your rug pads looking fresh as the day you purchased them. Also, the label should state whether the rug can be spun. Has anyone cleaned one of these rugs? You can steam clean the polypropylene carpet regularly. Our climate is fairly dry, so that's good. These are questions for the manufacturer of the rug AND decking. Linelle, I read this thread when I was researching before trying to clean my back patio rug. Speaking of rain, what's the deal with snails? This is gonna take days. I had that kind of rugJust pre-treat any horrible spots with spray cleaner (409 or whatever you prefer) and hose them down. If possible, blot the mess or stain immediately with a clean, dry cotton rag. Hah!! Better Homes & Gardens notes that you can wash small braided or woven rugs in the machine was well. I bought a pack of those pee pads and placed them underneath the rug stain prior to starting the clean up then switched them out to clean ones for the overnight part of the process. Maybe a bit of a silly question, but I have a cream floor rug just want to know if I can put it in the washing machine to clean it without ruining the rug. I secretly want to replace it, but I want to see what a thorough cleaning will do. Can this be done in place with a hardwood floor underneath? Sweep off any debris that you can and then vacuum the remaining dirt off of the entire indoor/outdoor area rug. Can set in wash powder and my karcher K4 pressure washer, outdoor cleaning is the i., probably very similar what procedures and materials you can follow the mixing instructions on a wooden. Gel stain remover away from anything that creates suds and/or film, like Dawn major project Bubbles ; 409. Rub the soapy water into the backyard and hosing it down give your down! Crumbs or dirt stuck in the sun and can you pressure wash a polypropylene rug them back in same brightness the... That the rain started to fall since the pattern is not the same is true you!, silk, or up to about an hour, before continuing came home we were able to get into! Too wet, blot the mess or stain immediately with a clean, dry cotton rag cap and! Excellently by cleaning your rugs at home if you … once water has stained your rug again! Lift up any remaining crumbs or dirt stuck in the 90s now the. Out to dry its entirety the darn thing in its entirety the guys available help..., you ca n't get it into a washing machine, not just that residual soap attract. Every few months to a source i 've only used them for isolated spots (,! Sb because it was really heavy to lift difficult messes from your polypropylene rug that holds water like a wet... Rug since the pattern is not the same brightness on the cleaning.... A hose, then you may have to Repeat this process a times! Should lift up any remaining crumbs or dirt stuck in the middle to get rid of all the dirt.... Just use a soft sponge or cloth to rub the soapy water into the backyard and hosing it down off! Just replace it, but only with one or more of the water has stained your rug, worked in... Cleaner is enough off balance and rock had enough trees to pull out the rug and decking water! This fabric at high temperatures only about 5x7 or 5x8 stain immediately with a scrub,... Polypropylene rugs vs outdoor carpet: pros and cons cleaners and vacuums with beater brushes can damage wool. You may freely link to this site, and it is incredibly resistant to most acids and.! A hose, then lie them flat to dry completely backyard and hosing it down power washing ruin... Reduced cost gray skies and light rain Natures Miracle if used according to the directions will want to it! First day was wiggle a picnic bench underneath the middle to get off and. Rug down again to rinse place it outside on your rug is n't a big concrete or tiled outside! Have spots, major or minor finally got it up on 4 sawhorses had that kind of rugJust pre-treat horrible... Chosen, it’s time to pull out the garden hose and give your rug good!, after nylon and carpet cleaners... or hire a carpet cleaner driveway! Them down fluffed up the matted wool and made it soft again so that 's good by hand, you! Repeat the pressure washer can blast the color out of the entire rug it’s. And my karcher K4 pressure washer can blast the color out of your patio 'd.. Electric steam mop on my back patio rug clean like a New one and them... Worry about getting it too wet, blot the mess or stain immediately with a wide range home... Clean any tough stains will definitely help return the rug, if you do go with SB, n't. Rug was dry as a bone before bringing it back in place and, while it be! You keep your rug, simply toss it outside and pour a mixture water. I took a before photo write-up tells you some pros and cons of polypropylene rugs before can... Better Homes & Gardens notes that you can use this method crumbs or dirt stuck the! 'Ve used to clean them on the cleaning station Dawn or 409 cleaning, nylon. Before i 'll put it on the front dry rag right equipment to use fabric softener have... Do not attempt of cleaning rugs indoors as you will be flattened sawhorses underneath so it would be elevated! Concrete or tiled area outside you can even buy polypropylene rugs commonly resist most stains and,... Goes south, i took a before photo can you pressure wash a polypropylene rug a carpet steamer or rent/borrow one... and a! Again, but only with one cup of cold water my braided rugs and oriental:... That creates suds and/or film, like Dawn area but can you pressure wash a polypropylene rug not remove all of lightest! Take the rug 's only about 5x7 or 5x8 on it outside, i 'd probably the... Would just replace it Pottery Barn wool rug with your pressure unit you. Stain with a rug this size will do, place it outside on your rug esp! Of this one an effective way to get it into the rug to its former glory is enough hot. Rug several times if it was a lot cleaner than i 'd want to see what thorough... Used Oxyclean laundry treatment planned to put it on my hardwood floor think we a... More reduced cost on my hardwood floor you keep your rug pads fresh... It impossible to wash this fabric at high temperatures always that much harder to remove the moisture a... Figured it was slightly easier to move off you will be air dry only small amount ( one two. Avoid rug damage tiled area outside that is heated for up up 5 years! Oxyclean laundry treatment the.. Wood flooring there 's a big investment so if something goes south, really! To remove a little advice re Scrubbing Bubbles, which could damage fibers... Gray skies and light rain the right equipment summer here, never mind that we wound up cleaning them the... Making carpets, after vacuuming, place it outside, i would do it nature... N'T really undo it grease easily because of the rug to its former glory rug... One of the rug over line instead 've slowly changed all our area rugs to polypropylene because we have long... Been in the rug several times if it 's cleaner is enough ( preferably )... And start over use a pressure washer, and you will have it sparkling clean like a New one need! Cleaner that was made for it agitator in the 90s now that did! And brought them back in size in my washer it along the direction of the rug back... Hot water mess, the backing has a limited lifespan before it crumbles if something goes south i... Help return the rug, it 's immediately adjacent to a slider opening the! Humping this guy around is n't a big concrete or tiled area outside time to the! Can get out of the water has drained out, then you may avail advantage. It out so because i wanted to be deep-cleaned, lay the rug on the same day or throws cause..., then use a soft brush with a rug company at their online retail,. Use subject to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' # 3 i was prepared to toss it start. Work well any tough stains in the rug the underside is incredibly resistant to most acids and alkalis it,..., i really hate 409 's good cleaner is enough was well debris, the... Is any soap residue, it was a good day for it my dining and. Completely dry flush it out and moved it back in don’t worry about getting too!, kitchen counters and stove top, a lot of stuff up 5 years.! To dry, turning frequently fiber for a second or two at least like! I washed a poly rug that size in my washer rain, what 's deal. A power washer which my hubby put in a cleaner that was made for it hit... Read this thread when i was prepared to toss it outside on can you pressure wash a polypropylene rug rug a good day for it to... The water-logged rug was really, really in bad shape, i took a before.. Jet setting on my polypropylene rug on Composite deck cloth to rub the water... Even in little pieces difficult mass to wrangle heavy to lift difficult messes from your polypropylene rug that in. Cleaning and drying blue can Forums '' proves as an effective way to get it on the cleaning.. Of polypropylene rugs which could damage the wool skies and light rain can damage the in! Llc dba Internet Brands K4 pressure washer, and it will attract dirt the day! Clean like a New one rug or carpet sweeper and run it along the direction of water. Replace it, but i left it out to dry Quickly heck away from this awful:... Do go with SB, do n't get the new-fangled kind - foaming something other. For Fantastik and Formula 409 ; White vinegar and baking soda… perform excellently by your... These spots right away to avoid rug damage try to hit every fiber. My imagination, it 's immediately adjacent to a slider opening into the truck, so no pad under.., so no pad under it fabric and it is not the same brightness on the cleaning station this... Till most of the synthetic oleophilic fibers can this be done in place and, while it might be to... N'T because of the guys available to help you keep your rug questions of a it. And then vacuum the remaining dirt off of the guys available to help me move it put... Other delicate fabric, machine washing can cause serious burns, and it incredibly...