Most outdoor rugs are structured to be durable enough to withstand all outdoor weather conditions, however, when they get wet and not well taken care of, they turn bad.
It also depends on the type of rug you have and how much exposure to rain you expect.
Outdoor rugs are not very expensive but can be used to decorate your backyard patio or your outdoor seating area.
To help you get the best out of them, we have done some research and gathered the information you will find useful.
Can outdoor rugs get wet?
Most definitely!
Outdoor rugs can get wet because they are exposed to external factors such as rain, snow, and dew.
They can also get wet from condensation, which means that outdoor rugs can get wet even in dry seasons.
What do you do with an outdoor rug in the rain?
When your rug gets soaked up in rain, the first thing you can do is to dry it up.
How to Dry Outdoor Rugs: Step by Step
- Remove excess moisture
We advise you use a wet vacuum for a faster process. If you can’t afford a wet vacuum, you can rent one.
- Vacuum rigorously in different directions.
Dirt sinks to the bottom of the rug when they stay wet, and this can lead to the generation of molds.
- Use towels for rugs that are not very thick and durable
Dry towels work well for fragile rugs so they don’t get damaged, use them to soak up all moisture.
- Get rid of any foul smell with a spray treatment
Options include vinegar or a deodorizer.
- Dry it up
We recommend drying up in sunlight since it is a natural energy source and it helps get rid of molds. Lay it out on the ground or a fence.
Can outdoor rugs be left in the rain?
Yes, outdoor rugs can be left in the rain because they are designed to withstand all weather conditions.
The materials they are made of help them dry quickly and absorb less water.
Best materials for outdoor rugs
- Polypropylene
Cheap, lightweight, and durable. They are also safe and hygienic for the environment.
- Polyester
These are very versatile and durable.
They have waterproof properties that can withstand long-time exposure to rain. Cleaning and maintaining them are not stressful.
- Nylon
They are very affordable and healthy for the environment.
- Olefin
They are lightweight, fade-resistant, and mildew resistant.
Unlike others, Olefin has a soft touch and feels very comfortable on your bare feet.
Olefin and Polypropylene are used interchangeably in the rug industry because of their similarities.
- Jute
These are all-natural, environmental-friendly outdoor rug materials.
If you want to go green, Jute is a good choice, however, they don’t do well in humid weather conditions.
- Sisal
These are the most durable but do not stand well against water and rain because they are also natural.
The best options for outdoor rugs are polypropylene, polyester, and nylon.
Even though they can stay out in the rain, we advise you to dry them up once they get wet.
Are polypropylene rugs waterproof?
Yes, polypropylene rugs are waterproof, the materials they are made from are synthetic.
The main ingredient is simply a polymer created from monomer propylene and is frequently used in packaging, labels, textiles, and reusable containers (reference link).
Can outdoor rugs get moldy?
Outdoor rugs can get moldy if they are always exposed to rain and other wet weather condition.
The accumulation of dirt and moisture in rug fibers will promote mold growth.
Yes, they can be waterproof and durable, but taking care of them by cleaning regularly will enhance their durability.
Read our full guide: Do outdoor rugs get moldy? (Full Guide)
Outdoor rugs that dry quickly
When choosing rugs, it is important to choose rugs that dry quickly, especially if the weather condition of where you live is mostly rainy.
Outdoor rugs made from polypropylene, recycled plastic, and olefin dry up fast, while jute and sisal don’t.
Is polyester good for an outdoor rug?
Polyester is a good choice for an outdoor rug.
Reasons why outdoor rugs polyester are great for outdoor carpets:
- They are more affordable when compared to nylon and natural fiber rugs.
- They resist stains, water, and fade.
- The material is soft and can have a soft feel to your feet, and your pets.
- They hardly absorb moisture, therefore they are mold resistant.
- They are made from recycled plastics and can be recycled into new rugs, purchasing them to keep plastics out of landfills.
- They come in different colors, styles, and patterns.
Can nylon rugs get wet?
Yes, nylon rugs can get wet because they are made from absorbent fibers.
Don’t worry, they are easy to clean like the other rug types.
Also, to prevent the spread of stains and deep penetration into the fibers, a stain treatment is often needed.
Today’s nylons are more durable than ever before, and they can resist staining.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Outdoor rugs can get wet, but this shouldn’t be a problem for your patio because they are made to withstand harsh conditions.
They can be purchased at low prices, are durable, and can be cleaned regularly to remove mold and spores.
