In short, yes, outdoor rugs can get wet, whether it's from rain or merely condensation. What separates a well-made rug from a poor rug is how they're designed to deal with wetness. Even if a rug is an outdoor rug, it's still recommended they're taken inside during the colder months to protect its design.
Choosing to leave your outdoor rug outside through winter's harsh temperatures and weather conditions will definitely not help to prolong its life. Extended exposure to moisture under piles of snow will most certainly encourage mold and mildew to grow not to mention eventual damage from freezing temps.
Rugs can lose their shape, attract pests, and succumb to the elements if not properly stored for the winter. Although most outdoor rugs are designed to handle the elements, they still need to be stored properly to prevent damage.
Mildew and mold can grow within the fibers of your outdoor rug if the rug is exposed to water or humidity over extended periods of time. This is because wet environments create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Outdoors rugs are resistant to mold and mildew
Using outdoor rugs indoors is a way to liven up these areas without risking a health hazard. Outdoor rugs, on the other hand, are made to withstand the elements outside, which means they can also handle moisture inside your home.
To put it simply, yes, you need a rug pad for your outdoor rug. Without one, you risk your outdoor rug wearing out quickly. Outdoor rugs also have a tendency to move around on their own causing a slipping hazard, so a non slip pad can help provide a safer outdoor space.
But it's a common question when it comes to outdoor rugs. What will happen to outdoor rugs when they get wet? If your outdoor rug gets wet and isn't properly dried, the rug will likely grow mildew. This creates unhealthy conditions that can lead to mould growing.
Power-washing or hosing down a rug with shampoo and sanitizing solutions can often fix and protect against common mildew problems. Once your rug is washed, air-dry it in a sunny spot, and be sure to hang it in a way that promotes a healthy amount of circulation.
A natural cleaning solution that can get rid of moss, mildew, and mold, but won't harm plants is baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda evenly over a dry outdoor rug. Next, use a spray bottle to spray the mixture on your rug. Spray your rug with vinegar and allow the mixture to sit for several minutes.
Allow your rug to dry completely, flipping it regularly to ensure both sides are fully dry. Whenever possible, dry your rug in the sun to help guard against mold and mildew.
And don't expect them to last a lifetime. Unlike typical outdoor furnishings, outdoor rugs don't have a long life span. You can expect them to last three to seven years, and shorter if you live in a humid or subtropical climate. The most important factor when looking at a rug is breathability.
Staying Cosy, Outdoors
So making sure this is a space you can enjoy is really important. The addition of an Outdoor Rug can add warmth and comfort to your area. Whether your space is on stones, bricks, wood or concrete, a flatweave Garden Rug can give the whole family a place to relax.
Outdoor rugs are designed to be outside all year round and can withstand sun, rain, sleet, and snow. So, forgetting to store your outdoor rug this year doesn't necessarily mean you need to ask Santa for a new one next year.
Outdoor rugs are frequently exposed to dirt and bad weather conditions, which means they may lose their charm if not properly managed. Therefore, we recommend cleaning them regularly to keep them in perfect condition all year. You can check our guide on DIY rug cleaning methods to get the job done.
Moisture trapped under an outdoor rug for a long period of time can leech into the concrete's pores and cause staining or fading. When outdoor area rugs are left unmaintained on wooded decks, they are prone to mold and mildew, which can result in stains and potential wood rot underneath.
Algae thrive in damp and humid environments. If you let your outdoor rug sit outside for too long in this weather, algae may begin to grow.
Polypropylene rugs (also known as olefin rugs) have a natural-fiber appearance, but unlike most natural fiber rugs, they don't absorb water. That means they won't grow mold or mildew when exposed to water. This makes polypropylene rugs an excellent option for outdoor use.
Take warm water and rinse your carpet along with the surrounding cleaning area. After rinsing, you can add a few more sprays of vinegar and let it dry out. Adding extra vinegar will ensure you kill all the spores and prevent future growth. The vinegar smell typically goes away after a few hours.
Keep throw rugs that have gotten wet only if they can be thoroughly washed and do not smell moldy once they dry.” If the mold was caused by flooding that included sewage or other contaminated water, then the carpet is not salvageable and must be replaced. It is important to wear proper safety gear when removing mold.
Placing a rug on a damp surface will only promote mildew and rot, which will ultimately break down the fibers of your rug and weaken your deck. Clean your deck regularly. Everything that lives outside deserves a good cleaning every once and awhile, and your deck is no exception.
Roll up the rug and stand it upright for a few moments to allow the extra water to run off the rug. Then, lay your rug flat or hang it over a railing or fence outdoors in sunlight. This will help the rug dry faster and also help prevent mold or mildew from forming.
A rug is a great way to protect flooring near your front door from dirt, snow, rain and sunshine. We also recommend placing a door mat outside your front door so people can wipe their feet before they come in.
Entryway/Porch: The best outdoor rug sizes for a porch or entryway depends on the size of the area you are working with. A small 2' x 3' outdoor rug will be great for a small space in front of a door, or even as a welcome mat. This smaller area rug size also works well on front steps.
Outdoor rugs are great for guarding against scuffs and scratches on wooden decks — as well as tile and stonework. As with any rugs, make sure to use a non-skid rug pad, which will help protect the rug from wear and friction caused by shifting underfoot.