Can Outdoor Rugs Get Wet? Certainly Yes!

Can Outdoor Rugs Get Wet Certainly Yes!

Can outdoor rugs get wet?

Yes, outdoor rugs are capable of becoming wet. Man-made rugs made of synthetic fibers, particularly polypropylene, are the most durable and least likely to encourage mold and mildew. Jute and sisal rugs are examples of natural fiber rugs that can get wet, but you must take precautions to make sure they dry properly.

If you desire to use a natural fiber rug in an outdoor setting, it would work best in a sheltered area such as a covered porch or deck that does not get overly exposed to the elements

To learn more about can outdoor rugs get wet in detail, continue reading.

Whether Outdoor Rugs Can Get Wet

The short answer is yes, even though outdoor rugs are naturally resistant to getting wet.

In fact, a variety of factors, such as the amount of exposure to inclement weather or the composition of the rug, can have a significant impact on how long an item can withstand moisture.

Outdoor rugs are typically made of flexible material that can withstand the sun, humidity, dust, mist, and water droplets.

These items come in a variety of shapes and are made of various materials. Polyester, nylon, and polypropylene are the most popular materials used to make outdoor carpet. 

When wet, the materials are resistant to damage and can withstand rain. Following rain, you should dry it out to prevent mold growth.

Even though it is made of materials that are resistant to water and are strong, you should dry it to avoid mold and mildew and preserve its appearance.

To prevent damage from ice and snow, most experts advise rolling exterior carpets and putting them away when winter approaches.

Can Outdoor Rugs Get Wet Certainly Yes!
Can Outdoor Rugs Get Wet? Certainly Yes!

Can Outdoor Rugs Continue To Be Outside In Rain?

Your rug’s manufacturer and the materials used will again play a role in this. In order to help deflect and minimize wear and tear from the outdoor elements, a high-quality, well-made outdoor rug will typically be designed using one or more of the materials listed below. Even though these materials are very durable, we still advise bringing your outdoor rug indoors during the colder and rainier months to preserve its appearance and durability.

Can Outdoor Rugs Gain Mold?

Even though outdoor rugs are made to withstand the majority of outdoor elements, if they are left outside without any foot traffic, moisture and mildew have more time to penetrate the rug. Discoloration may develop as a result of mold growth over time as a result of this.

Materials To Prevent Outdoor Outdoor Rugs Get Wet

We’ve listed a few key components that contribute to outdoor rugs’ increased toughness below. Prior to purchasing, make sure the outdoor rug is made with these materials.

Natural Fibers

Sisal, bamboo, or jute are examples of plant-based fibers that are strong, sound-absorbing, and environmentally friendly. They also give your outdoor space a lot of character and texture.

Aside from being resistant to damage, they are also renewable and made of strong materials.

Bamboo mats are frequently flat wooden carpets that have a warm, organic appearance and go well with coastal and informal decor.

Jute area rugs are a popular option for making burlap as well because of how soft they are—almost like wool.

It is best to use a covered patio or breezeway because of the extra softness and because it is less durable.

Nylon

Due to the fact that it has many of the same characteristics as polypropylene, nylon is frequently used in conjunction with it when making outdoor rugs. Customers looking for a more environmentally friendly outdoor rug solution have a ton of options, and nylon is a material that won’t have a negative impact on the environment. Nylon, like polypropylene, is resistant to rain, getting wet, heavy foot traffic, and the elements. 

Polyester

Once more, polyester is one of the strongest and most adaptable materials used in rug design. It’s ideal for fending off outdoor dirt and withstanding general wear and tear because it’s very simple to clean and stain-resistant. Because it keeps outdoor rugs from getting wet, it is frequently used in their construction.

Polypropylene

For indoor and outdoor rugs, polypropylene is one of the most resilient and widely used materials. This material is appealing for use in both indoor and outdoor rugs because it is lightweight, strong, and extremely affordable for manufacturers. Additionally, polypropylene can be machine-washed without losing any of its strength.

Flexibility is another key advantage of polypropylene. It can be combined with other widely used rug materials to produce an attractive and long-lasting finish. It makes sense why it’s the most widely used material for outdoor rug designs.

Why Think About An Outdoor Rug?

A grassy area that you use for relaxing can be spruced up for little money with the right outdoor rug color and pattern. If your backyard has been enhanced by the addition of a new deck, you might be searching for the ideal accent pieces to give the space some personality.

Both of these things are possible with an outdoor rug! A comfortable surface for bare feet and as part of your backyard’s overall design. Undoubtedly, a rug provides a softness that pairs well with the hard surfaces in a backyard, such as wood, stone, or brick surfaces. When made specifically for outdoor use, these rugs are moisture-resistant and simple to clean.

Consider using an outdoor rug runner to lay a dirt-free path for traffic through a breezeway or using one for your outdoor dining area, lounge seating area, or dining area outside. By deciding to place an outdoor rug in your backyard, you can really personalize the space and add visual interest.

Choosing The Right Outdoor Rug

The main factor to consider, aside from the outdoor rug’s design, size, pattern, and color, is its material. You have a variety of options, including natural fibers, synthetic textiles, and engineered materials. 

Natural Fiber Outdoor Rugs

Given that the materials used to make these rugs were once found outside, natural fibers are a wise choice. They consist of bamboo, seagrass, jute, and sisal. Naturally occurring fibers like cotton and wool are not included in this list, as you may have noticed. That’s because these two materials ought to be kept to indoor rugs only.

When exposed to rainwater, cotton, which is incredibly absorbent, will literally warp and disintegrate. Wool rugs will shrink, grow mildew, rot, and become completely destroyed if they are exposed to water for an extended period of time.

Outdoor rugs are typically made of highly textured natural materials. In particular, the seagrass and bamboo rugs. In other words, these rugs are not the softest under bare feet. Jute or sisal are excellent natural rug options if you want something softer. They may have a wool-like texture depending on the weave.

Natural rugs are exquisite and will give your outdoor furnishing style a warm, organic appearance. Sisal and jute outdoor rugs are softer but less long-lasting. In fact, seagrass and bamboo are excellent choices because they can withstand the abuse of outdoor gatherings without losing their lovely, organic appearance.

The best covered outdoor spaces for natural fiber outdoor rugs are a breezeway, porch, an all-seasons room, or a covered deck, particularly those made of jute or sisal. They can certainly withstand some moisture and even a rain shower, but keep in mind that all natural fiber rugs are susceptible to mildew when exposed to moisture. The rug will eventually develop mildew, which will result in color fading, bad odors, and decomposition.

The best outdoor rugs are made of synthetic materials and designed specifically for outdoor use, such as poolside or exposed backyard areas.

Outdoor Rugs Made Of Synthetics

Outdoor rugs made of synthetic fibers and engineered materials like polypropylene, nylon, olefin, and polyester are the most resilient. Depending on the level of craftsmanship, these rugs are practically indestructible and can provide many years of useful service. 

The most expensive and long-lasting outdoor rugs are made of nylon, which is why high traffic areas prefer nylon outdoor rugs. When it comes to nylon, be cautious of spills; better yet, treat nylon rugs with a stain protectant before putting them outside.

When it comes to outdoor rugs, polyester and polypropylene are incredibly tough and can withstand just about anything your family and friends can throw at them. These rugs are not only available in a variety of lovely patterns, but they are also reasonably priced and stain-resistant.

Outdoor rugs made of olefin are softer than those made of polyester, but they still hold up well to spills and dropped food. Rugs made of olefin are reasonably priced, mildew- and fade-resistant, and durable. 

The majority of synthetic materials are densely woven from substances that do not absorb water. A springtime show or a little summer rain won’t bother them. Synthetic outdoor rugs need to have time to sun dry on both sides after a significant rain.

However, if the rug is on top of a wet surface for an extended period of time, mold may colonize underneath, so you may want to move the rug so that the floor area beneath completely dries.

As you can see from the photo below, the area of our rug that was partially covered by our patio roof didn’t get enough sun to dry out and eventually developed mold. Fortunately, because it was synthetic, cleaning it up would be fairly simple.

If your area experiences a lot of rain or humidity or if you anticipate a lot of foot traffic, pick an outdoor rug made of synthetic fibers. Since we live in Florida, where it can get quite humid and wet at times, we had no choice but to use an outdoor rug made of synthetic material.

How To Stop Outdoor Rugs Get Wet?

Keep your rug dry, or at least reduce the amount of time it sits wet, to avoid mildew growth. If it gets wet, flip the dry side on or hang it somewhere to dry

Additionally, routine rug cleaning will aid in preventing mold buildup. Simply use soapy water or a mild bleach solution to scrub the mat.

Particularly if your rug is made of natural fibers, you should research the best cleaning procedures for that particular rug material.

It is best to roll up your mat, store it in a dry location, and wait until the weather clears up if the forecast calls for heavy rain for an extended period of time.

Final Words

So, can outdoor rugs get wet?

In a nutshell, condensation or rain can both cause outdoor rugs to become wet. How well-made rugs handle moisture distinguishes them from poorly-made ones. Even if a rug is intended for outdoor use, it is still advised that you bring it indoors during the colder months to preserve the design. 

However, all outdoor rugs from Rugs Direct are water-resistant. The materials we employ guarantee that rugs won’t experience moisture damage the way other rugs might. In order to create tough and beautiful outdoor rugs for both conventional and contemporary outdoor spaces, we accomplish this by fusing water-resistant materials with gorgeous designs.