All You Need to Know About Outdoor Rugs

As temperatures rise and the weather becomes warmer, people tend to spend more time outdoors enjoying the warm rays. You need a functional outdoor space that is warm and inviting for relaxation. One of the best ways to enhance your outdoor space is to incorporate interior space features, like adding an outdoor rug. It is attractive and adds character with its vibrant colours and various patterns. Unlike welcome mats, which minimise the impact of foot traffic at the door area, outdoor rugs have multiple benefits. Apart from protecting floors and covering up cracks on the patio, they can refresh your outdoor living space without a hefty price tag. So, what makes rugs the best for your patio?

Let us go over what you need to know about outdoor area rugs and their benefits.

• Transforms a functional patio into a luxurious space: When you have a deck, you want to make the most of your extra space. You can organise family gatherings and cuddle up with your novel while enjoying the sun. However, a functional patio can be mood-dampening, and if you do not want an expensive makeover, an all-weather rug will do the trick. It will transform the space into a breath-taking outdoor space with minimal effort.

• They unify your space: A rug should complement a few décor pieces depending on your theme. It will also pull together the seating areas and create an elegant setting for gatherings.

• Floor protection: Spills and stains can have devastating effects on your floors, especially when they ruin the smooth finishes. Alcohol and vinegar are acidic and will damage the paint or eat away the water-repellent sealers. If you have a rug, the stains will not get to the floors. Besides, most all-weather rugs are stain-resistant, and most spills will not destroy their appearance.

• Reduces scratches and scuffs: Wood and stone floors are durable and can withstand various outdoor elements. However, your abrasive furniture can leave scratches and dents on the wooden floors. Instead of buying rubber pads for your chairs, you can buy a beautiful rug for the seating area, and the scratches will be a thing of the past.

Rugs are products of synthetic and natural fibres. Most outdoor area rugs made from synthetic fibres are woven using polypropylene, favoured for being resistant to stains, mildew and mould. It does not absorb water, and the UV-treatment reduces fading caused by exposure to the sun. You can clean it with a hose or bleach it without ruining the rug.

Nylon fibre is a perfect material for making rugs due to its resilience, stain-resistance and durability in high-traffic areas. While it is super easy to maintain or add colour, the fibre becomes hot under direct sunlight. Polyester allows vivid colouration and is stain-resistant, but it is not resilient in high-traffic areas. When you are looking for synthetic options that look like natural fibres, acrylic provides a soft finish. It is not prone to mildew since it absorbs and releases moisture. However, despite the stain-resistant and colourfast attributes, acrylics are prone to crushing.

The softest rugs on the market are made from natural fibres like bamboo, sisal, hemp, jute and sea grass. Natural fibres may be costly, but they provide a luxurious feel and are available in various textures to complement outdoor spaces. Besides, it is a sustainable and eco-friendly material. The downside includes susceptibility to fading under the sun and water absorption, making them susceptible to mildew and mould.

Irrespective of the construction style, rugs designed for outdoor spaces need a backing material from synthetic fibre like polypropylene. Rugs backed with another natural fibre may not be durable and can deteriorate with harsh weather conditions. Most outdoor area rugs have a flat weave, which involves interlocking warp and weft threads during weaving. Hence, it will retain its shape despite the foot traffic and unfavourable weather conditions. Besides, it reduces the shading of rugs, making them durable.

• Invest in a well-made product that will last a lifetime. A wrong area rug can ruin the overall design of your outdoor space. Besides, there is a visible difference between a cheap area rug and its high-quality counterparts.

• Get creative with patterns and mix them to suit your design theme. Keep your favourite colours in mind and find patterns that are in different proportions.

• Do keep in mind the overall look and feel of the outdoor space when choosing an area rug. Before spending cash on a rug, ensure it complements your outdoor furniture and the colour theme. For instance, if the room has a dominating feature, a neutral-coloured rug is perfect. However, if the colour of the walls is cold, you can choose a bold rug that will be the focal point.

• Do adequate research on the materials used to make the rugs and decide whether you want natural or synthetic fibre after learning the pros and cons of each.

• Find a rug pad to place underneath your area rug.

• Pick a suitable size and shape of your rug to suit the outdoor space.

• Don’t buy a rug that is too small for your space. It will look disproportional to your space and have a negative effect on the design of the outdoor space. An area rug should fit the furniture or at least the front legs.

• Don’t choose luxury over practicality. If your kids play in the outdoor spaces, you need a rug that can withstand wear and tear. Neutral colours may not be practical since the stains, marks or pet hair is easily noticeable. A patterned rug will provide better service.

• Don’t use an indoor rug in outdoor spaces with high-traffic and unfavourable weather conditions.

1. Remove Dirt Frequently

Area rugs collect a lot of dust and dirt from the foot traffic, children playing and dust from the wind. If you do not clean your rug often, the dirt will settle, making it look old and faded. Occasionally, you should shake out the rugs to remove visible dirt and debris that sinks into the rug. You can also clean it with soap and water, but you must avoid using excess water.

2. Wipe Stains and Spills as Soon as they occur

Stains quickly settle into the rug-forming gunk, which is tougher to remove. Wipe stains and spills immediately they hit your rug using household cleaners. Blot the stains after sprinkling salt and use detergents to remove greasy stains. Synthetic area rugs are bleach-safe if you are tackling tough stains.

3. Dry the Rug to Prevent Mildew and Mould Formation

Moisture causes mould formation; hence you should ensure area rugs are dry at all times. When dirt sinks to the bottom, it can also develop mould. You can keep your rugs mildew-free by drying them under the sun or use a wet-dry vacuum to suction out dirt and moisture. However, you should avoid drying your rugs with a dryer. The heat may be too much for the natural fibres used to make the rugs.

4. Store Your Rug in Extreme Weather

Rugs are sturdy and can withstand harsh weather, but extreme conditions reduce their lifespan significantly. If your patio has snow during winter, it is better to store your rug indoors. You can also prop the rug in the corner of your patio to minimise damage. When storing your area rug, ensure it is dry and secure with cords to ensure bugs and rodents do not make it their home.

5. Think About the Rug Material when washing

Synthetic fibres are tough and can handle cleaning water. They do not absorb the water and dry quickly. On the other hand, you should not expose natural fibres to excess water since they are not water-resistant.

If you have pets and children, you can use outdoor area rugs inside your house. The rugs can withstand the wear and tear from children playing and last longer in high traffic areas. Besides, you can clean them anytime and hung them to dry without damage. Apart from the kids’ playroom, outdoor area rugs are perfect for kitchens and dining areas since they are stain-resistant and blot any spills quickly. You can find bold patterns that match your colour palette or find neutral rug colours for a warm and inviting look for your living room.

Most outdoor area rugs are reversible, and they come in handy when you want to prevent mud tracks. You can flip it when one side is dirty and deal with the dirt later. You can also use area rugs in your bathroom, especially if you find a water-resistant material that does not absorb moisture.

While you can use an outdoor area rug inside your house, you cannot bring your indoor rugs outside. Most indoor rugs are woollen and cannot withstand weather elements. They also readily absorb moisture, which causes the formation of mildew or mould. Unlike outdoor rugs that require minimal maintenance, most indoor rugs have special cleaning instructions to keep them new.

• Use a Rug Pad: When you buy a rug, ensure you find a suitable rug pad to improve the rug's durability. A rug pad provides additional cushioning and grip in high-traffic areas reducing the impact of foot traffic on your rug. It also allows adequate air circulation reducing chances of moulds forming underneath the rug.

• Choose a suitable material for your needs: If your rug covers your patio's open area, synthetic fibres are your best bet. They have UV protection and are moisture-resistant. While natural fibres are equally sturdy outdoors, they cannot handle moisture and direct sunlight.

• Use leaf blowers to remove dirt: When removing outdoor debris and dirt, you can blast it with a leaf blower. It will remove all the dust and stains quickly. However, if the spill covers a large area, you can spray it with a garden hose and brush out the dirt. You should avoid air blasting the rug after wetting it. It will damage the delicate fibres.

• Dry your rugs after a storm or exposure to water: Sometimes, the wind blows rainwater to your patio, wetting your rug. After the storm, ensure you air dry the outdoor area rug to remove any moisture. Makes sure both sides are completely dry before storing it or putting it back.

Outdoor rugs are crucial in enhancing décor and maybe the only pop of colour in your outdoor space. It also allows you to add a touch of your personality without overpowering the space. With the above guide, you can find the perfect outdoor rug that incorporates both style and functionality. Besides, you can use the maintenance and care tips to boost your outdoor area rugs' durability and keep them looking new.