Outdoor rugs are a décor go-to for giving your space a pop of color, a cozy feeling, and a focal point. Available in a variety of colors, styles, textures, and materials, outdoor rugs are ideal for sprucing up your backyard, patio, or deck area. But what do you do to prevent your outdoor rugs from getting ruined by weather, high foot traffic, and general outdoor dirt? Seek out the best fibers that offer waterproof and durability traits. You want a rug that is designed to stay outdoors throughout the year regardless of sun, rain, sleet, or snow.
Most outdoor rugs are manufactured of synthetic fibers. These types of materials include polypropylene, polyester, nylon, and acrylic, and are very popular for spaces that are vulnerable to inclement weather including rain. In some cases, people opt for bamboo mats, which resist moisture and water. Whatever material you decide to use, each of these synthetics is durable, affordable, easy-to-maintain, and can be left out in climates that are rainy, damp, or humid.
Using Synthetic Fiber Outdoors Rug
Synthetic fibers are man-made materials born of a chemical combination of raw petroleum-based chemicals. You most likely own items in your home and closet that are synthetic. Polypropylene, polyester, nylon, and acrylic are most commonly used for synthetic outdoor rugs. Each brings long-lasting effects to your outdoor spaces.
Polypropylene
This modern fabric is manufactured from a fiber that is dyed. It protects against mold and mildew and doesn’t absorb liquids (i.e. rain!). This material repels moisture providing a clean and mold and mildew-free area. Because the polypropylene fiber is dyed during its manufacturing process, its result is a soft, comfortable, and easy to clean material. UV-treated, this type of rug is resistant to color fading. It will maintain its color vibrancy and won’t be affected by bleaching.
It is best compared to mimic sisal, which is a plant fiber. Sisal-style rugs offer a natural appearance and are designed to give you a similar and extravagant look to the expensive and natural sisal rugs at stores. Some polypropylene outdoor rugs are made from recycled plastics, allowing customers to shop eco-friendly.
Polyester
Another great option for surviving the rain, polyester dries quickly and is durable for all climates, especially moist and humid environments. Similar to polypropylene, polyester is one of the best materials to stand up against all types of moisture including rain and snow. Many households utilize polyester outdoor rugs at doorways to prevent tracking in excess water or snow from shoes into the home. For most of the time, polyester rugs ward off staining except on the occasion of any oil-based spill.
Polyester rugs can give your outdoor environment a true pop of color and pattern. In addition, polyester rugs are rich in color and fade-resistant, but due to its proneness to oil stains, it is best not to place them under your outdoor dining space.
Nylon
Like polypropylene and polyester, nylon is made of polyamides. This material has a more silk-like finish and is an ideal fiber for use in the outdoors. Generally woven with olefin, the finished nylon rug product is impervious to mildew. Nylon is strong, holds its gorgeous color, and protects against UV rays. Nylon rugs accommodate good coverage of your patio or deck during the rainy months, or when you are entertaining outdoors.
Unlike polypropylene, nylon is a staining agent. Rug professionals suggest spraying your nylon rug with a stain protector such as Scotchguard. Also, professionals tend to stay away from using nylon rugs where there is exposed direct sunlight as the material absorbs the heat making the nylon very hot. Better to use a nylon rug in a more shaded area. Another con is that this fiber is inclined to a buildup of static electricity.
Acrylic
Acrylic is another diverse material for outdoor rugs. Resembling natural-looking fibers, acrylic is created with plastic threading in a chemical process. It is hand-hooked giving the rug a natural look, cushy step, and soft finish. The essential piece of information to know is that acrylic will absorb moisture, but it releases the moisture quickly. This is especially important in keeping your rug mold and mildew resistant and allowing the material to breathe.
The wool-like appearance of acrylic is quite durable. It retains its shape, won’t fade, resists stains, and is resistant to pesky moths.
Using Bamboo Outdoors Rug
A popular textile for bathrooms and poolside, bamboo is a dependable natural material for outdoor use. While this material is naturally waterproof and will withstand a rainy forecast, bamboo floor mats should not be left to sit in a puddle for any length of time. After the downpour, it is best to wipe down the bamboo rug. This will keep your bamboo rug clean and mildew and mold-free. Another advantage to owning a bamboo rug is its resistance to odors.
Bamboo outdoor rugs or mats are purchasable in a bunch of different sizes, stylish patterns, and hues. The natural essence of bamboo can turn your outside patio into a warm and inviting space. Plus the material is very gentle on your bare feet.
Caring for your outdoor rugs.
Checklist for Synthetic Rug care.
Most synthetic outdoor rugs are low maintenance. As they can be left out in all types of climates, your synthetic rugs can truly take a beating. But there is spring cleaning and preparing for the colder months. To maintain the longevity and appearance of your outdoor rugs, you may want to give them preventative attention and care. Sometimes dirt or spills call for a clean-up, and these materials are pretty much mess-free and easy to care for.
- Vacuum the rug to pick up any loose debris.
- Hose down your rug.
- Put a few drops of liquid dish soap onto a scrubber brush.
- Brush away the dirty area.
- Spray and rinse away the soap with your hose.
- Let air dry in the sun.
Checklist to care for your bamboo rug.
Wipe down your bamboo rug – you can shake it out, beat it with a broom to remove any dust, dirt, or grime, or vacuum it.
Use water and gentle liquid soap formula and clean the surface with a clean damp towel.
Dry bamboo rug after the rain. When selecting a decorative rug for your deck, patio, and backyard, it is always advisable to opt for a rug that will withstand rain and humidity. Synthetic outdoor rugs are the easiest to maintain, and are available in a wide range of textures and colors, and sizes. Many of these synthetic outdoor rugs are inexpensive and even, under $100 each. For those folks who desire a natural material, bamboo is the best choice for the outdoors. While waterproof, it isn’t the best to prevent mold and mildew, which is why it needs a little more TLC.