Many homeowners attempt to make their homes more inviting and comfortable.
An outdoor carpet is an affordable way to breathe a new, exciting feel for the outside look of your house.
Simply a stylish, durable carpet to your gazebo, breezeway, deck, porch, or patio, and you can spice the area up fashionably.
However, while you can leave outdoor rugs outside during warmer months and summer, can outdoor rugs get wet on rainy, cold days in the wintertime?
This article will explain the factors that can affect your carpet’s conditions and answer all your queries related to this topic.
Can Outdoor Rugs Get Wet?
The answer is Yes. Outdoor rugs can get wet, though they’re born with the ability to resist getting wet.
Indeed, varying factors, like the amount of exposure to harsh weather or rug materials, can significantly impact how long your item can withstand wetness.
The material used to produce outdoor carpets is usually flexible and resistant to water droplets, dust, mist, humidity, and sun.
These items come in various forms and use different materials. The common materials in outdoor carpet making are polyester, nylon, and polypropylene. https://www.austinclinic.com.au/
The materials can deal with the rain well and won’t get damaged if they’re wet. You should dry it out after rain since prolonged moisture can induce mold.
Though it uses water-resistant and durable material, you should dry it to prevent mildew and mold and protect its look.
Most experts suggest rolling exterior carpets and storing them away when winter approaches to avoid wear and tear caused by ice and snow.
Can Outdoor Rugs Grow Mildew and Get Moldy?
While many brands claim that their products can remain fresh outside year-round, some are still susceptible to mildew and moisture problems.
Any rugs, including those made of highly durable materials, that are in contact with wetness consistently will require frequent cleaning to prevent the water from damaging the fabric permanently.
If you place your item outside where the foot traffic is low, condensation and mildew may have time to go deep into the carpet, causing discoloration over an extended period.
You can deter condensation and mildew from accumulating by placing your carpet in areas with high foot traffic, like BBQ or seating areas.
Outdoor Rug Materials That Don’t Get Wet
So, what if you reside in a region with frequent snow and rain but still want to decorate your house exterior with a stylish rug? Below are some durable rug materials that won’t get damaged if moisture invades.
Natural Fibers
Plant-based fibers, like sisal, bamboo, or jute, are sustainable, sound-absorbent, sturdy, and offer your exterior space a lot of personality and texture.
They’re also hard to damage and naturally renewable, thanks to their durable construction.
Bamboo mats are often flat wooden carpets that generate a warm, organic look and blend well with coastal and casual living.
Likewise, jute area mats are a go-to choice for burlap-making since they’re incredibly soft, feeling like wool.
Nonetheless, the extra softness means it is less durable and ideal for placing on a covered breezeway or patio.
Polypropylene
We can name numerous reasons for choosing polypropylene.
If you compare polypropylene with Viscose (TPR), Lycra, and Polyurethane (POM), you’ll see that this material has the same properties and is more cost-effective.
Polypropylene is durable, stiff yet lightweight, making it an excellent option for workout mats or outdoor mats. Also, it is effortless to clean, simply with detergents or soap and water.
With its structural sturdiness, polypropylene does a great job of conjuring fashionable mats that are hygienic and safe for the living environment.
Another beauty is that this material’s strength will not degrade over time through repeated drying or washing.
Polyester
Polyester’s popularity in the carpet-making industry is undeniable. It is one of the most sustainable and versatile materials on Earth.
Your polyester rug will not deteriorate or get damaged after wetness from the snow and rain. It possesses waterproof properties that help it withstand long-hour exposure to moisture.
In short, here are the prominent advantages of polyester exterior area mats:
- They have many patterns, colors, and styles to choose from.
- They rarely absorb moisture and, therefore, are resistant to mold.
- Polyester is soft, offering extra comfort to your pets and feet.
- They resist fade, stains, and water.
- They’re more cost-effective than natural fiber and nylon mats.
Nylon
Brands often use nylon alongside polypropylene to make outdoor carpets since they share similar qualities.
The beauty is that nylon poses minimal to no negative impact on the environment. Thus, it is a wonderful choice for homeowners searching for more eco-friendly products.
This material can withstand harsh exterior elements, high foot traffic, getting wet, and rain like polypropylene.
How To Prevent Your Outdoor Rugs from Getting Mold?
The best method to prevent mildew from developing in your rug is to keep it dry or, at least, minimize the time it sits wet. If it gets wet, flip the dry side on or hang it somewhere to dry
Besides, periodical rug cleaning will help eliminate the accumulation of mold early. Simply scrub the mat with a gentle bleach solution or soapy wash.
You need to check the proper cleaning methods for each specific rug material, particularly if yours uses natural fibers.
If the weather forecast says that there will be heavy rain for a prolonged time, the best idea is to roll your mat up, place it in a dry place, and wait until the weather gets better.
| Explore more: How to fix an outdoor rug with Flex Seal
The Bottom Line
Like indoor mats, outdoor versions play a vital role in defining a house decoration style. Most outdoor rugs can get wet if exposed to moisture, dew, snow, and rain for a prolonged period.
With well-informed, careful considerations, you can buy a product that suits your vibe and is straightforward to maintain.