Outdoor carpet is often made from UV-stable fibers like polyethylene and polypropylene, meaning it's not going to fade in direct sunlight. It's also mold and mildew resistant, and even water-resistant.
Water-resistant but not waterproof, so it can have issues with mold or mildew in extremely damp climates. Less plush than indoor carpets due to dirt- and moisture-blocking low pile or flat weave.
Outdoor rugs are designed to be outside all year round and can withstand sun, rain, sleet, and snow.
Fortunately, most outdoor rugs are made from tightly woven polypropylene or other synthetic fibers that do not absorb water. Not only does this help them withstand spring showers, it also makes them remarkably easy to clean (as we'll see later.)
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.
The best way to prevent mold from developing on an outdoor rug is to keep the rug dry. If possible, dry outdoor rugs after rainfall by moving them into the sunlight or placing them over a deck railing. Flip the rug to expose both the surface and the underside to the sun.
Unlike indoor rugs, the outdoor mats are designed to withstand adverse weather elements without requiring any waterproofing. Still, you can spray the carpet with a waterproofing agent such as Scotchgard Fabric Protector that forms a super-hydrophobic protective barrier around the surface.
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.
Will an outdoor rug damage a wood deck? Yes and no. Most outdoor rugs made of synthetic fibers or polypropylene are perfect for outdoor conditions and will keep your deck in good shape. However, using other outdoor carpet materials can gradually damage your deck and patio.
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.
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.
Almost all outdoor rugs are made of synthetic materials which are not as absorbent as natural materials. This means that outdoor rugs of synthetic material dry quickly and are fairly resistant to dirt and stains.
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.
They add a cozy touch to patios, decks and porches
Outdoor rugs instantly warm up any area needing a little color or texture. And they do it without taking up extra space. From the front door to your backyard patio, consider where your home could benefit from cozy 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.
Don't Forget to Move Furniture and Rugs
This will keep the deck from uneven fading and also cut down on moisture-related problems such as rot and mold.
Before you begin to lay down the outdoor carpet that you have carefully selected, make sure you have a few days of dry weather with light wind conditions. Clear the deck of any debris and give it a good sweep with a push broom. Unroll the finished carpet onto the deck where you plan to have it sit permanently.
Depending on the rug size, it will take anywhere from 2-10 hours for a rug to completely dry. Well, how fast the outdoor rugs dry will depend upon the material type and weather conditions outside.
Waterproofing a rug not only protects it from moisture and humidity but ensures that any spills or pet accidents do not absorb into your area rug.
You'll basically grab the rug, place a waterproof fabric underneath, and use a waterproof fabric seal on its upper side. That way, you can leave it out in the rain as much as you'd like. You'll need a piece of waterproofing fabric, vinyl grip pads, and a fabric seal spray for waterproofing the rug.
A patio or driveway outside with good drainage is a great place to start. Make sure the rug can lay flat on the ground. Outdoor cleaning is the only place to clean your rug. Pressure Washer – Almost any pressure washer will work, the important selection is the type of tip you use.
Technically. According to Good Housekeeping, rugs that are made of cotton or synthetic fibers—even those with a rubber, no-slip backing—can go in the washing machine. Better Homes & Gardens notes that you can wash small braided or woven rugs in the machine was well.
Wet & Forget Outdoor can be used on all your boat surfaces (boat seats, carpeting, covers, etc.) to remove moss, mold, mildew or algae.
Carpet can't stay wet for longer than 72 hours or mold will start to grow, at that point the padding will need to be replaced and the carpet will need to be treated with a microbial agent.