A majority of indoor-outdoor rugs are made of synthetic materials like polyester and polypropylene. These materials are very durable and stain-resistant, and they also come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. And many polypropylene rugs are also UV resistant, so their colors don't fade in the sunlight.
While indoor/outdoor carpet (also known as marine-backed carpet) looks similar to commercial carpet, there are actually some pretty key differences.
Nylon: Able to withstand the rigors of the great outdoors almost as well as polypropylene, nylon is an excellent choice for heavily-trafficked patios and decks. This synthetic material tends to heat up under direct sunlight, however, so is best for shaded outdoor living spaces.
Most indoor/outdoor rugs are made from Eco-fi, a 100% synthetic recycled fiber. Recycled consumer-grade plastic bottles make this fiber! This polyester fiber has natural water-resistant and stain-resistant properties that make it great for the outdoors.
Waterproof outdoor rug options are generally made from synthetic fibers like polypropylene.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It will stay put with a quality rug pad. Rug pads provide comfort. Most outdoor rugs are fairly thin so adding a pad helps to make them more comfortable to walk on. Look for a thick rug pad to give yourself an extra soft surface to walk on.
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.
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.
Another nice benefit to Indoor-Outdoor carpet? Padding is not required during installation, which helps provide some cost savings. If you're planning to install it in an enclosed outdoor space, it's recommended that you skip the padding entirely.
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.
Outdoor needlebond carpet is made by repeatedly needling UV resistant synthetic fibers to make a felted piece of material. Since there are no individual yarns and the fibers are all intermeshed with each other, this type of carpet experiences no zippering like is common in traditional commercial or berber carpet.
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.
What is Olefin Carpet? Olefin is a synthetic (manufactured) material. It's also known as polypropylene, a type of thermoplastic used to make a wide range of household products, medical devices and more. Because it's derived from plastic, olefin carpet is best installed in places with the potential for water damage.
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. Rinse with the garden hose.
The outdoor materials are made from a material that is tough and can withstand the various elements that Mother Nature throws at them. Indoor rugs are made from a softer material, and this is because they are mostly kept away from the harsh elements outside the house.
Polyester is another simple-to-clean, lightweight outdoor rug material that makes any porch, patio or pool look vogue. Like other synthetic rug materials, polyester repels stains and typically boasts an affordable price tag.
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.
Outdoor rugs are designed to be outside all year round and can withstand sun, rain, sleet, and snow.
Dry the wet carpet outside in direct sunlight. It will dry faster if you hang it off the ground, on a washing line, over a porch railing, or some outside furniture. Turn the rug over at some point to make sure both sides dry completely.
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.