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.
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. It's built to withstand the elements.
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.
Dry The Rug In Sunlight To Prevent Mold
fibers. This type of rug is made to last in wet, outdoor conditions and since it's completely synthetic. 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 properly take care of your outdoor rug and deck, your rug will not cause damage to your outdoor spaces. But if left neglected, outdoor rugs can stain your deck or cause mold or mildew to grow within both the rug and the deck, causing damage that might be costly to fix.
Indoor Outdoor rugs can be cleaned with a hose on both sides. Use a mild soap for more soiled rugs. It's best to rinse the rug on a sloped surface, like your driveway, so the water can drain away. Indoor Outdoor rugs can also be cleaned using any of the normal rug cleaning services.
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.
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.
In most cases, it's not recommended to steam clean an outdoor rug. Steam cleaning may shrink or damage the carpet. Instead, use dish soap and water, a commercial cleaner, or baking soda and vinegar to clean your outdoor rug.
Outdoor rugs are designed to be outside all year round and can withstand sun, rain, sleet, and snow.
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.
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. Mildew will eventually cause the rug to discolor, smell bad and decompose.
While indoor/outdoor carpet (also known as marine-backed carpet) looks similar to commercial carpet, there are actually some pretty key differences.
Rinse it Off
Grab your garden hose and get to work. Hose down the rug until the water comes off clean. It's easiest to do this on an inclined surface like a driveway or side yard. That way the water can easily drain off.
If your rugs are looking dingy and you want to brighten them up, a pressure washer can do the trick. A pressure washer uses high-pressure water spray to remove loose dirt and grime, and it can get your area rugs looking great.
Things You'll Need
Grass carpeting can be used on any outdoor area not exposed to weather, and plush carpeting can be used on covered decks. Choose a carpet that is comfortable to your feet, stain resistant and able to withstand rain. Buy a style that complements the aesthetics of your home's interior or outdoor theme.
If you are covering the entire deck, don't have the carpet meet any exterior walls or solid deck walls. This will lead to water buildup and attract bugs. It will also be harder to clean out wet leaves, dirt and debris.
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.
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.
How to Clean Mildew & Mold off an Outdoor Rug. Go straight to your kitchen cupboard for the white vinegar, and pour it full-strength onto the mildewy or moldy rug. Let it sit for about an hour. Then, add about a cup of vinegar to a bucket of warm water, and use a scrub or deck brush to brush the carpet clean.
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.
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.