How to Choose and Care For Outdoor Rugs
Years ago, using a rug to decorate your outdoor space was highly unusual. Now, outdoor rugs have become a must-have for anyone looking to transform their patio, balcony, or other gathering space into a more welcoming environment.
They come in a variety of fun designs and textures that feel wonderful on bare feet when the sun is scorching. They also spruce up uneven or worn surfaces in a snap!
Unlike rugs designed for indoor use only, outdoor rugs can get wet without losing their shape or color. While you might love your jute rug so much that you want to place it on your uncovered deck, it will unfortunately fall apart at the first hint of steady rain. With an outdoor rug, all you need to do is give it enough time to air dry in the sun to keep mold and mildew at bay.
What are the best outdoor rugs?
Outdoor rugs are usually made from synthetic materials, which are designed to stand up to things like rain and regular sun exposure. When picking your outdoor rug, your personal design preferences should of course come first. However, some materials hold up better in certain environments than others.
The most common synthetic materials used for outdoor rugs are:
- Polyester: As with clothing, polyester fibers are loved for their ability to hold color. These rugs are best used in dry climates and away from areas prone to grease stains.
- Nylon: Outdoor rugs made from nylon wear well, are easy to clean, and often have a sheen similar to silk. Nylon rugs are ideal in covered porches and other areas not exposed to continuous direct sunlight as they tend to retain heat.
- Polypropylene: Of all synthetic materials, rugs made from polypropylene are most popular because of their versatility and stain-resistant properties. They’re often designed to replicate the feel of natural materials like wool and cotton and can even be made from recycled plastics. Like polyester, however, these rugs should not be placed in areas susceptible to oil-based spills.
How do I keep my outdoor rug clean?
Outdoor rugs are pretty low maintenance. Depending on the style, they can be swept, vacuumed, or shaken out to get rid of any dirt buildup. They’re also easy to clean with a hose or bucket of water.
You can even throw some outdoor rugs, like our Washable Solutions Collection, right into the washing machine! It’s no wonder that many, especially busy families, use outdoor rugs as a practical solution for decorating indoors.
If you live in an area with harsh winters or other extreme weather, you’ll want to bring your rug inside to keep it from being ruined. When you’re ready, just roll it back up and wrap with protective plastic. Then store it in your garage, basement, or storage shed.
Now that we’ve gone over the ins and outs of outdoor rugs, one question remains: are they worth it? If you want a hassle-free way to add more personality to your outdoor spaces, then absolutely!
