What Are the Best Outdoor Rugs for Rain?
In a matter of minutes, a rainstorm could reduce your beautiful rug from a cherished piece of home decor that will last years to a soggy, ruined piece of heavy fabric that looks and smells terrible. Even if you manage to get it clean, you’ll be so worried about mold and mildew that you’ll probably end up throwing it out just to be safe.
But when it comes to rain (and any other form of moisture, for that matter), not all rugs are created equal. In fact, there are some rugs that you can leave outside full-time — even in the middle of a downpour — without worrying about them in the slightest.
At Sisal Rugs Direct, we call the best outdoor rugs for rug our “indoor/outdoor” rugs. We make them out of two different kinds of synthetic fiber: polypropylene and polysilk.
What is polypropylene?
Polypropylene is one of the most commonly used types of synthetic fibers. It has very low density relative to its durability and heat resistance, making it a perfect choice for rugs that look great and last a long time.
The polypropylene fibers Sisal Rugs uses to weave our rugs are specially made to look like natural sisal fibers. This allows the rugs we weave with polypropylene fibers to retain the distinctive look and feel of natural sisal without any of the drawbacks associated with organic materials — such as soaking up water and fostering mold and mildew.
What is polysilk?
Polysilk is a polyester polymer spun into synthetic fibers meant to resemble the look and feel of silk. Clothing manufacturers frequently use polyester fibers like these when creating clothing because polyester allows them to replicate the qualities of soft materials like wool and silk while retaining the greater flexibility and durability that synthetic fibers make possible.
Similarly, using polysilk fibers to make rugs allows us to offer synthetic rugs with all the positive qualities of wool rugs — including its plush softness, high durability, and ability to retain its dye color — all while leveraging polyester's characteristic water and heat resistance. The result is an outdoor rug that looks and feels like just a wool rug – but, unlike wool, you won’t need to keep it far away from moisture. It’s the best of all worlds.
What makes these synthetic rugs so resistant to rain?
Unlike the natural fibers they emulate, the fibers used to weave these synthetic rugs are nonporous, which means they do not absorb moisture. Any rain or other liquids your outdoor rugs come into contact with will simply sit on the surface of the rug, where you can easily sweep it off.
Polypropylene rugs also resist mold and mildew growth, because moisture can’t penetrate the surface of the fiber weave. Even if you leave your outdoor rug outside in standing water for days at a time, simply remove the water and let the rug dry.
Where can I use indoor-outdoor rugs like these?
Anywhere you’d like! Though many homeowners choose to place these rugs in areas where they might not place a natural fiber rug (like a deck, porch, garage, basement, or bathroom), you can feel free to place your synthetic rug anywhere you think it looks good.
In fact, the same properties that make synthetic rugs rainproof can make them highly useful indoors. Most of our indoor outdoor rugs are purchased for indoors, especially kitchens. Laundry and family rooms. For example, synthetic rugs like these are so durable that they’re excellent for high-traffic areas like entryways, especially areas where members of the household may step on them in heavy (and often muddy boots).
In short, a synthetic rug might be the perfect choice for you if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, high-durability rug that will last a long time and keep looking great even under heavy use.
What kind of maintenance do outdoor rugs need?
Outdoor rugs are very easy to clean and maintain by design. When your rugs get wet, you should simply remove any moisture sitting on the surface by sweeping it up or blotting it off, then hang up or lay the rug over some patio chairs to dry in the sunlight.
If your rug looks dirty, dusty, or muddy you can safely hose it down on both sides. To neutralize any leftover odors, try mixing up a fourth cup of white vinegar with a fourth cup of water, and applying it with a spray bottle and then hosing it off.
For more detailed instructions on cleaning and maintaining your outdoor rugs, see our full guides on cleaning polypropylene. By following these guidelines, your outdoor rug should stay in great condition for years, no matter where you place it.
If you’re interested in a rainproof outdoor rug, you can see our full collections of polypropylene now to customize the look, size, and shape that’s right for you.
