Natural fibers like jute and sisal are a budget-friendly and green pick for an outdoor rug. Just remember unlike synthetic outdoor rugs like polypropylene, nylon, and polyester, natural rug fibers do not stand up well against prolonged exposure to moisture and are not mold and mildew resistant.
Rugs made from both natural and synthetic fibers can be used outdoors. Bamboo, sisal, hemp, jute, polypropylene, nylon, and polyester rank among the most popular materials.
Natural fiber outdoor rugs, especially those made of jute or sisal, are best for covered outdoor areas like a breezeway, porch, an all-seasons room, or a covered deck. They can certainly handle some moisture and even a rain shower, but remember that all natural fiber rugs, when exposed to moisture, are prone to mildew.
Outdoor rugs are designed to be outside all year round and can withstand sun, rain, sleet, and snow.
Jute will turn brown when it's wet. It releases oils that brown the fibers. Since the way to get rugs clean is to wash them, this can create a cleaning challenge. Some rug cleaners, if the rug is not too heavily soiled, opt to go with a good vacuuming and low moisture cleaning methods.
If you want to go green for your outdoor rug, jute is a natural choice that instantly adds texture to an outdoor space. Since jute comes from plants, a jute rug definitely provides a patio, porch or deck with a rugged feel. Keep in mind, jute, while a durable fiber, doesn't do well in very humid climates.
Sisal area rugs are the strongest and most durable natural-rugs you'll ever come across. They're also quite resilient in the face of heavy foot traffic and occasional dirt, which is why they are perfect for furnishing the outdoors and semi-outdoor areas.
Although outdoor rugs are typically mold and mildew resistant, the dirt and moisture that accumulates on them is where these pesky fungi can grow. When cleaning an outdoor rug with mildew, dirt, stains and general grime, some common household items that people reach for include dish soap, white vinegar and baking soda.
Dry The Rug In Sunlight To Prevent Mold
They are easy to clean and resists mold. To ensure that your area rug stays free of mold growth after washing, hang it over a porch railing in the sunlight. If you don't have a railing, lay the rug out in the sun to dry and flip it over to make sure both sides dry thoroughly.
An outdoor rug won't exactly damage your concrete patio, but it could cause the surface to darken. If moisture becomes trapped under the rug, it will seep into the porous concrete and change its appearance. There are several approaches you can take to prevent this.
Vacuum your natural fiber rug regularly to remove dust, dirt and debris. Natural fiber rugs can shed a little, leaving a fine dust under the rug. At least once a week, vacuum both sides of the rug as well as under the rug to keep the natural fiber dust from becoming a nuisance.
Turns out that because jute rugs are made with plant fibers, they become a bit brittle from being woven into knots and braids, leaving them very susceptible to shedding tiny little fibers, aka the dust. Unfortunately, there's not much in the way of preventing shedding, aside from regular vacuuming.
Jute rugs only need to be vacuumed once or twice a week, depending on footfall traffic. Vacuum the rug from different directions, passing over the area several times. Ask visitors and family to keep shoes off the rug and rotate the rug for even wear every six months. Jute area rugs look great with most decor.
Outdoor rugs are not often waterproof. But they are water resistant. Simply put, they absorb less water than most indoor rugs, and they dry a lot quicker after getting wet. Thanks to these characteristics outdoor rugs can be left outside and stay outside even in the rain.
Generally synthetic outdoor rug materials are safe for wood decks. They do not absorb water and dry quickly. You only need to make sure they dry both the top and bottom by flipping it over. In addition, make sure no water gets trapped between the rug backing and deck to prevent rotting and mildew.
Why do I need an outdoor rug? An outdoor rug serves the same purpose as an indoor area rug: it pulls your seating area together into a single, unified space that's inviting and comfortable. It shows an attention to detail, allowing you to create a truly personalized decor for your yard.
If your outdoor rug gets wet, it will most likely mildew and create unhealthy conditions which could potentially cause a mold to grow. Your outdoor rug can also be ruined by mildew which would then call for a replacement.
This is because wet environments create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. You'll know your outdoor rugs have mold growing on them if you see circular stains of brown, green, or black within the fibers, or if you detect a pungent, musty smell.
Short of using your dryer, the best way to dry your rug is to hang it outside in the sun. For smaller rugs, use clothespins or clips to hang the rug straight. For larger rugs, you might need to hang them over a clothesline. If you can't hang it outside, you can also use your hairdryer.
Polypropylene rugs (also known as olefin rugs) have a natural-fiber appearance, but unlike most natural fibers, they are able to absorb water. This makes them well-suited for the outdoors and areas like the bathroom or basement; polypropylene rugs will not grow mold or mildew when exposed to water.
Can Sisal Rugs Get Wet? Sisal is super absorbent and will hold onto liquids. If a wet sisal rug doesn't dry completely, it can develop mold and mildew so it's important to use as little water as possible when cleaning.
Jute is a type of plant fiber, and it's usually woven into rugs. Sisal, on the other hand, comes from plants such as agave or pineapple plants in Africa. It's often used for flooring because its stiffer texture makes it more durable than Jute and Linen. Jute is softer and has a more textured surface.
No, neither sisal nor jute are waterproof. They do tend to absorb moisture (which is fine), so over time, their shape may slightly differ. Because they aren't waterproof, avoid putting them in areas prone to water such as kitchens and bathrooms (as well as outdoor areas).
Jute rugs are waterproof and easy to wash at home since they do not absorb water like other carpets. You can use soap or detergent with warm water when doing the washing. Jute rugs are perfect for those who have allergies to wool because they are made of natural fibers.
Can Indoor rugs be used outside? No, indoor rugs are not made to withstand the elements – rain and sun – of the outdoors. The sun can fade them. The rain can cause watermarks and the fibers to disintegrate.