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msmst25 · 07-12-2010, 12:04 PM

This may seem like a silly question, but I was wondering what people do to try to keep the floor of the trailer clean. I have 3 kids, and require them to take off their shoes outside. I also have an outdoor rug, but it just seems to collect dirt and is impossible to clean. Do any of you like the outdoor rugs that are porous? I realize that the term "clean camping" could be an oxymoron, and I'm not a neat freak, but I'd appreciate any advice.

thanks.

AirsDream · 07-12-2010, 12:30 PM

I have a swell outdorr "carpet" / mat thing sold by ZipDee ... can't remember what it's called, but it is very open weave, and has several advantages that I can see; 1.) dirt tends to fall right through it, so that the top side stays pretty clean; 2.) when back home, just hose it off and it's clean again (it's rubber coated or something, and doesn't absorb water); 3.) the open weave lets enough light through that even after a week or so on grass, the grass is not all yelllow/dead under it.

I stake down the four corners with 60 penny spikes and big fender washers, and it stays in place. Really helps keep the "stuff" out of the trailer. Shoes outside also helps, as does my little vacuum cleaner! Then at the end of the day, I try to ignore the rest until I'm home, where more vacuuming and carpet steam cleaning does the rest.

With my old backpacking tents, you could pick them up and shake the dirt and sand and such out the door. Can't seem to get that done with the Air Stream, so ya' gotta' go with the flow a little bit!

memgrove2000 · 07-12-2010, 12:32 PM

We have a "rv patio mat" that we use under our awning. It is wounerfull for what you are trying to do. We also have the kids remove shoes outside The Patio rug has been great. They sweep off easy, dry out fast and a quick scrub with the push broom and some dish soap twice a year makes them look like brand new.

alclad · 07-12-2010, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msmst25

This may seem like a silly question, but I was wondering what people do to try to keep the floor of the trailer clean. I have 3 kids, and require them to take off their shoes outside. I also have an outdoor rug, but it just seems to collect dirt and is impossible to clean. Do any of you like the outdoor rugs that are porous? I realize that the term "clean camping" could be an oxymoron, and I'm not a neat freak, but I'd appreciate any advice.

thanks.

hi

bought one of these and never regretted it. wicks water away, stows nicely, lays flat, never had to nail the corners down but in real wind it did fold a little but stayed put.

ZIP DEE Original ULTIMAT Outdoor Carpet: eBay Motors (item 320471209443 end time Aug-03-10 15:06:29 PDT)

2airishuman · 07-12-2010, 04:03 PM

here's another thread on THIS patio mat issue...

FOLLOW the links inside for plenty of options.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/...ugs-61625.html

now for KEEPING dirt/leaves/pine needles and so on OUT of the trailer...

i use a shower/bath 'anti slip' mat that has a 1000 little soft fingers on top...

it's silicone and the fingers GRAB stuff like u would not believe, with HOLES that drop crud through...

works REALLY great with organic stuff and cleans with a shake or hose'n.

purchased at wallyworld or target for about 9$ and in a variety of colors.

i've had one in regular service for many years,

because it's a silicone based rubber it's uv resistant and very very durable.

cheers
2air'

olddog299 · 07-12-2010, 05:35 PM

Just remember to NOT leave the shoes or boots outside unattended. I learned the hard way long ago that porcupines LOVE chewing on sweat-soaked leather. In my case it was climbing boots and the little 'woods pig' ate the back out of one and the tongue out of the other!

tkowalyk · 07-12-2010, 05:55 PM

Being long time RVers, we have a number of different outdoor rugs, carpets, and groound covers.

A couple of years ago we ran across the following RV Mat -- it folds easy, doesn't hold water, and is easy to store in an optional bag.

Here is the link to the bag and the carpet:

RPM Patio Mat Carrying Case Storage Bag - RV Awning Rug: eBay Motors (item 300438463851 end time Jul-17-10 07:25:26 PDT)

MMI Reversible Patio Mat 8x16 Black-Silver - RV Trailer: eBay Motors (item 290452400585 end time Aug-07-10 07:24:15 PDT)

Hope this helps

JBinKC · 07-12-2010, 06:33 PM

A friend of ours puts an inexpensive tarp under the mat, then holds them both down with tent pins. As a result, he says, his tow vehicle isn't trashed with the debris left on the mat.