How to Properly Care for Indoor/Outdoor Carpet

Indoor/outdoor carpet comes with plenty of benefits. Since almost all indoor/outdoor carpet is made of 100 percent Olefin (a thermoplastic resin), it is tough. Like really, really tough. Indoor/outdoor carpet, much like regular carpet, can get dirty. Here are some helpful tips to keep your indoor/outdoor carpet clean.

Stain Removal

You might think your indoor/outdoor carpet is stain proof and it is, almost. The problem with indoor/outdoor carpet is oil. Oil-based spills will cling to the fibers of the carpet and will not budge. If you have lighter colored carpet, an oil-based spill will appear a dingy grey color. Attack the spot with either our stain remover or a mixture of one part water and one part vinegar. This is the only homemade concoction you should use to treat a stain. This might clean the oil spot and remove any dinginess.

Mold and Mildew

Most indoor/outdoor carpets are mold and mildew resistant, but mold and mildew can still pop up. It typically depends on the type of carpet backing you have. If you are going to purchase indoor/outdoor carpet and install it in an area that is typically wet, you will need to buy marine carpet backing. This will help prevent mold or mildew from destroying your carpet.

Wicking

A common problem with indoor/outdoor carpet is wicking. Olefin fibers dry quickly. So you might think you have removed a stain and suddenly it appears again. This happens because stains and dirt sink to the base and the backing of the carpet, so when the carpet gets wet again, the stain and dirt will be brought to the surface as it dries. The easiest solution for dealing with wicking is to frequently vacuum your indoor/outdoor carpet. This will help pick up the loose dirt that is sitting in the base of the carpet fibers.

Keeping indoor/outdoor carpet clean is easy when you use the tips. Just remember those oil-based spots will need some extra TLC and don’t forget to vacuum to prevent wicking. If you use these tips your indoor/outdoor carpet will look great all year long! For more information about our services, please visit our website or call 317-876-9944.