The conditions for returns and exchanges are governed by the policies of the company from which you purchased the rug. Arrangements for exchange and return can be made by contacting the company directly.

As a company in business in the United States for well over a century, Gertmenian takes care to provide rugs with materials that give beauty and durability in use and that contribute to a healthful living environment. Rugs are made from a variety of kinds of material: man-made fibers like polypropylene, polyester, and nylon; natural fibers like wool, cotton, and jute; and treated natural fibers like viscose. Different kinds of fiber are often used in one rug. The foundation might consist of jute twine, and the surface a of mix of polyester and polypropylene yarns. By law, the contents which make up the surface of a rug are listed on a label attached to the rug. You can find care instructions on the label, or you can visit the Care + Tips section on the Gertmenian site.

The most important factor in making an outdoor rug is that the materials resist absorbing water. This makes them less likely to incur water stains, mildew, or odor. The preferred fiber is polypropylene-based. Fibers like jute, cotton and wool absorb water too easily for outdoor use. Avoid rugs with foundations of jute or cotton (which are not visible but are common in indoor rugs). A water-resistant material in the foundation can be an added expense of a true outdoor rug.

An outdoor rug should have a construction that is not too tight to let water drain and air circulate easily. Internal dampness can cause odor, mildew, and decomposition. The colors of the rug should be UV stabilized to resist fading. Finally, the rug should be sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor use.

Outdoor rugs are perfectly good for use indoors, but most indoor rugs will not stand up to use outdoors.

Follow the cleaning instructions attached to the rug or consult the Care section on the Gertmenian website. Regular vacuuming helps keep the rug looking fresh. (If it is a small rug with a long pile, shaking it out might be easier than vacuuming.) To remove a spot, dab with cool or lukewarm water, while taking care not to spread the discoloration and not to soak the rug. Use a mild, non-detergent soap if needed, but be sure to rinse all the soap out of the rug, again taking care not to soak the rug too much. After cleaning, allow the rug to hang and dry thoroughly, until there is not the least hint of dampness anywhere on either side or within the pile. If these steps don’t solve the problem, it’s a good idea to consult a professional rug cleaner

It’s time to consult a professional rug cleaner. Be sure to find someone reputable who  will stand behind the work.

When you unpack your rug, you might find creases caused by folding or rolling. These creases will relax and disappear over time. You might help by pulling the rug flat and tight on the floor and placing furniture to hold it that way. But your best weapon is patience.

Many rugs have latex backs that provide built-in skid resistance. But if your rug slips easily, it is best to buy a non-skid floor pad to hold it in place. Probably the company from which you bought the rug sells such pads. You can also try home improvement centers and online.

The creases are caused by folding and/or rolling for shipping. It happens all the time. As we  explain above, the creases will come out of the rug in time.

Depending on the material, size, and thickness of the rug, creases generally disappear within a few days after the rug is laid flat; but it can take as long as a couple of weeks or more. It’s annoying, but it’s not forever.

Here are steps you can take to reduce creasing:

1. Unroll the rug, simply let it lie flat where you intend to use it and exercise your patience.

2. Pull the creases out of the rug while it lies flat on the floor and keep it flat by placing objects like books or furniture to hold it.

3. Flip the rug over, pull it flat, keep it in place with heavy objects, and in addition put heavy objects on the crease line itself. (Be sure the crease line has no folds in them before you place the objects!)

4. If the ends are curling (which frequently happens after rolling), tightly reverse roll the curled end, then unroll it and let it lie out. If the curl does not relax, repeat the process. You can leave it reverse-rolled for a time. Finally, you can unroll the rug with the back of the curl facing up, and then leave heavy objects on the back of the curl to flatten it out.

We strongly advise AGAINST attempting to use a clothes iron or a steam iron to remove creases. The heat might damage the rug irreparably. If the steps suggested above do not help make the rug lie flat, you might seek the advice of a professional rug cleaner.

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First, make sure the rug is thoroughly clean and dry before rolling it for storage. Second, roll the rug carefully with no folding and creasing in any direction. This will minimize creasing when the rug is unpacked. Third, choose a cool and dry place with proper ventilation to store the rug. This will help avoid moisture buildup, which can cause mold and mildew. Finally, if possible, wrap and seal it in packing paper to keep it clean and free from household pests.

Our outdoor rugs are resistant to fading and durable due to being constructed with polyester, polypropylene, or a blend of both materials; however, extended exposure to extreme weather conditions may affect their durability.

Cleaning methods for outdoor rugs may vary depending on the material. Here's a general cleaning process:

1. Shake or vacuum the rug regularly to remove loose dirt and debris.

2. Use a hose to rinse off the rug's surface and remove any remaining dirt.

3. Prepare a solution of mild detergent and water. Scrub the rug gently with a soft cloth on stained/ dirty area.

4. Rinse thoroughly with a hose until all detergent is removed.

5. Allow the rug to air dry completely before placing it back in its designated outdoor space. If tough stains still remain, repeat steps 2-4 util stain is removed.

Pressure washing is generally NOT recommended for cleaning outdoor rugs, as the high pressure can damage the rug's fibers and backing.

Please avoid using harsh chemicals on outdoor rugs, as they can damage the fibers and cause fading. After repeatedly taking the recommended steps above and the stains are still not being removed, we recommend referring to a professional cleaning service. Please do extensive research on a reputable professional.

If you live in an area with periodic harsh weather conditions we recommend rolling up and storing your outdoor rug during the off-season. Please use our recommended cleaning instructions on rug or referenced above, ensure it's completely dry, and store it in a dry place avoiding direct sunlight and moisture.

Depending on the traffic and exposure to dirt, we generally recommend cleaning once a month. Regular maintenance of shaking off dirt may help prolong the time in between cleanings.