Even in covered patio areas where the seating area is protected, moisture and stray drops of rain can still sneak in, which can lead to mold or mildew, as well as weakening the rug's fibers.
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.
The best way to maintain your outdoor rug is to keep it dry. After heavy rain or mornings with heavy dew, allow the rug to dry completely on one side – then flip it and move it to another area so both the bottom of the rug and the ground surface can also dry out.
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.
Made to withstand heavy wear and tear, outdoor rugs stand up to weather and are often waterproofed for protection from the elements. What's more, outdoor carpets are much easier to clean than indoor area rugs: Most of them simply need to be hosed down and left to air dry.
Because of its ability to absorb, polypropylene makes for a great waterproof outdoor rug. Furthermore, it will not grow mold or mildew when exposed to water – strengthening its durability.
A majority of outdoor rugs are made of synthetic materials. Typically, this means acrylic, nylon, polyester or man-made polypropylene. These types of outdoor rugs are popular due to their durabilty and affordability.
Outdoor carpet is the latest evolution of carpet technology. It's weather-resistant, mildew and mold-resistant, and water-resistant.
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.
Wool and other natural fibers may be great for indoor spaces, but they won't stand up to rain. Even in covered patio areas where the seating area is protected, moisture and stray drops of rain can still sneak in, which can lead to mold or mildew, as well as weakening the rug's fibers.
Unlike indoor rugs, outdoor rugs are made from materials that can withstand the outdoor elements, which is why indoor rugs should not be brought outside. Because of these durable materials, they also hold up well in high-traffic areas.
For example, sometimes rugs can get wet. And, while a wet rug may not seem like a huge deal, wetness can actually cause some pretty serious damage to your rug. If the moisture isn't cleaned up in a timely manner, it can destroy your rug beyond repair. Dyes can float, causing the pattern to become smudged.
You can put an outdoor rug on a concrete patio without damaging either the rug or the concrete, provided you seal the concrete first and fix the rug down with flooring tape or adhesive. Patio rugs are usually made of polypropylene so are water, mold, mildew, and UV resistant.
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.
Do: Rugs. Most rugs, including rubber-backed doormats and small cotton rugs, are machine washable. If they're made of cotton or synthetic fibers, you can throw them in the wash with towels and wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle. Just be careful not to wash rugs with a rubber-back too often or they'll tear.
Machine-wash the Rug Cover in cold water on a delicate cycle using a mild, non-bleach detergent. If you're looking for detergent tips and recommendations, some customer favorites are OxiClean White Revive, powdered Tide, and Tide Pods.
Here is why you should use a rug pad for an outdoor rug: First, one of the most important reasons you need a rug pad is that they allow air to circulate. Without a pad, air can't circulate below the rug.
However, if we take into consideration that outdoor carpet flooring experiences increased stress, both from nature and everyday use, the lifespan of indoor and outdoor carpets is about the same—15-25 years if properly maintained.
Water-resistant and UV-stable, outdoor carpet is made with materials that can withstand anything Mother Nature throws at it. Its low-pile or densely woven synthetic or natural fibers help repel dirt and water and resist mold and mildew.
Unlike jute, seagrass and other indoor rug materials, synthetic fibers in outdoor rugs are manufactured – but like jute, seagrass and cotton, synthetic fibers are also completely free of dangerous toxins.
Cotton. ... In fact, cotton rugs are breathable and can stand up to regular foot traffic. They work great indoors, and they can be an excellent complement to an outdoor area. Cotton looks classic and elegant while at the same time adding an easy-going and laid-back feel.
Polypropylene is strong, durable, and resistant to weather. It doesn't absorb moisture, either from rain, or accidental drink spillage. The fiber doesn't grow mold and mildew, which makes it ideal for damp and humid climates. Polypropylene handles the sunlight just as well.
Polypropylene rugs are relatively low maintenance, but if the need arises it can be washed fairly easily. To wash a polypropylene rug, take it outside on a nice day and wet it down with the garden hose. Then take a few drops of mild dish soap and use a scrub brush to clean the accent rug.
Placing just any outdoor rug material may end up damaging your wood deck in several ways. It can stain, rot, cause mold or mildew growth and scratches to your wood deck which is costly to replace. Which means you must be careful when shopping for outdoor rugs especially when you are looking to decorate the space.
However, you cannot install indoor/outdoor carpeting directly on dirt because the adhesive won't harden on surfaces containing debris. The carpeting will also roll up and cause you to possibly trip on dirt floors.