When the clouds begin to settle dark and dense, the first thing that comes to mind is your outdoor décor. Every season, the items in your backyard are exposed to a variety of influences. Whether it’s hot, humid, sunny weather, or wet, rainy weather, your outdoor space requires proper care and attention to last for a long time. The outdoor rug, which we chose in our favorite design and style, is one of the first things that catch our eye in our backyard.
I can surely say that you might be worried about the rugs whenever they are soaked in water during the rainy season. Outdoor rugs are usually water-resistant, but you can waterproof them with waterproof fabrics and fabric seal sprays to keep them in good condition. You can make your outdoor rugs waterproof without spending a lot of money if you use these DIY techniques. To learn more about the ideal ways to waterproof your outdoor rugs, continue reading.
Why Waterproof Your Outdoor Rug?
You might be wondering why we need to waterproof our outdoor rugs when they are designed to withstand water. Let me answer this. You may not need to pay as much attention to every aspect of your outdoor, but rugs must not be neglected. Outdoor rugs are exposed to more moisture than other items.
During rainy weather, your outdoor rug may soak up water and become moldy or mildewy. Wetness can affect rugs in the bathroom, dining areas, and the entrance, causing them to degrade in quality. When paints, oils, and other hard liquids are soaked and strained into your outdoor rugs, the quality may deteriorate, and you may need to shop for a higher-quality rug.
However, if you waterproof it, you can avoid the run. Outdoor rugs are made from either natural or synthetic fibers of high quality. The rugs made with natural fibers, such as jute, bamboo, and sisal, are popular in the market because of their unique designs and durability, but they retain more water and are more susceptible to mold. Outdoor rugs made with synthetic fibers, on the other hand, can be trusted because they do not grow mold and do not retain or collect moisture.
When things reach their limit, however, you can’t expect rugs to maintain their quality. It’s possible that they’ll become strained, and the textures will fade away. Outdoor rugs may deteriorate if they are not waterproofed, and if you live in an area with extreme weather, you should seriously consider waterproofing. The type of rug you choose is entirely up to you, but they need to waterproof both remains the same.
How To Choose The Right Outdoor Rug For Your Space?
When arranging your outdoor decor items, a special attention is placed on the rugs. Rugs can add a sense of coziness to your outdoor space and are available in an array of designs and colors. As a result, selecting a rug that complements your outdoor space is not difficult. However, selecting the right one that is resistant to weather and indoor working conditions is crucial.
A well-chosen rug can last for years while maintaining its original quality. With harsh weather conditions, the right rug can help manage the watery effects and temperature changes caused by the weather. Unlike indoor mats, which are primarily used for decoration purposes, outdoor rugs are designed to maintain a high level of quality. As a result, taking the time to select the right one for your outdoor decor and weather is not a waste of time.
Outdoor rugs are available in a variety of materials. When it comes to natural fibers, if you choose rugs made of jute, bamboo, or sisal, you must pay special attention to them. These natural fibers are naturally resistant to water and moisture. If you prefer to use rugs made of natural fibers, you should be aware that natural fibers are extremely susceptible to mold and mildew and can easily become damaged if left unprotected. Consider your climate and the amount of water used in your home before investing in rugs made of natural fibers.
Choosing synthetic fibers may be a better option, as their resistance to mold and mildew is significantly greater than that of natural fibers. Synthetic rugs are typically made of polypropylene, but they are also available in polyester, nylon, and acrylic. You may choose the material that you believe is more appropriate.
When purchasing synthetic rugs, it is important to ensure that they are free of harmful chemicals. These rugs are pretty sturdy and retain their quality over time. Synthetic rugs are easy to clean and can survive the activities of children and pets while still maintaining a high level of quality. Several excellent synthetic rug options include the Nourison Positano Outdoor Rug, the FH Home Outdoor Rug, the Unique Loom Geometric Outdoor Rug, and the Nicole Miller Patio Country Danica Outdoor Rug, among others.
Outdoor rugs, whether synthetic or natural fiber, are capable of withstanding harsh weather and wet conditions. Additionally, if the rugs are waterproofed, they can be kept in good condition for many years. A waterproof coating adds a protective layer to each set of rugs and can help protect them from strains and molds.
How To Waterproof Your Outdoor Rug?
Waterproofing your rugs is a much easier task than you might think. You can waterproof your old or new rugs in three simple steps. A piece of waterproofing fabric, vinyl grip pads, a fabric seal spray, and some basic tools, such as scissors, carpet tape, and so on, may be required. Let’s break the task down into three parts.
- Waterproofing the bottom: It’s common for the bottom side of rugs to absorb more moisture than the top side. When your rug’s bottom is well waterproofed, it can last much longer than you expect. Because no one notices what’s under the rug, you can cover the bottom with a waterproofing fabric. Cut a piece of waterproofing fabric to fit the size of your rug. Stick the fabric to the rug with the waterproof side facing the rug at this point. You can stick the fabric to the rug and place it on the floor using double tapes and carpet tapes.
- Waterproofing the upper side: It’s no surprise that people naturally tend toward rugs with interesting textures. They give the house a nice appearance. You can use it to give your house a cozy vibe, whether it’s a plain one or one with designs. Beautiful rugs can improve the appearance of your outdoor space. The top portion, on the other hand, requires more attention for maintenance because even minor damage or mold can completely ruin the appearance. In addition to waterproofing the bottom, waterproof the upper side as well to make it last longer.
Use a fabric seal spray to waterproof the upper side. Explore which spray is most effective in your area and purchase it for your rugs. Take the spray and lightly mist it over the rugs. It’s not necessary to make extensive use of it. A thin layer of coat will suffice. Allow for up to 5 hours of drying time after adding a single layer. After it has dried, spray another layer and completely dry the rug. Check to see if the spray you buy will change the color of your rug.
- Testing: Once you’ve finished waterproofing, it’s time to put your work to the test. Place the rugs on the floor after they have dried and splash some liquid over them, such as water or other beverages. Check to see if your rugs can withstand water. If it absorbs, you may need to reapply the spray. If it repels, on the other hand, your job is done. After you’ve finished coating the rug, make sure to test it. You can begin using the rugs once you are certain that they are safe.
Choosing between waterproofing the rugs and purchasing a waterproof rug
You might be thinking, “Why can’t I just buy a waterproof rug instead of going through the hassles of waterproofing?” The answer is yes, you can purchase a waterproof rug. Whether you want a waterproof rubber rug or a rug with an attractive design, the choice is ultimately yours. If you don’t want to waterproof your rug, you can purchase a waterproof rug for a slightly higher price. If you prefer attractive bohemian styled rugs, however, you should use regular rugs and waterproof them beforehand.
How to take care of your waterproof outdoor rug?
Rugs add warmth and beauty to your outdoor space. We rarely look at rugs after purchasing them. No matter what kind of rug we buy, if we don’t take proper care of it, the quality will deteriorate. Outdoor rugs are easy to keep clean. They are, however, subjected to excessive moisture and adverse weather. As a result, proper care will reap significant benefits, and you will be able to keep your favorite rugs on the floor for a longer period.
Follow the steps below to properly care for your rugs.
- Rugs collect a lot of dust, so they need to be dusted frequently. This regular maintenance will help to maintain the color and quality of your rugs.
- Make sure to clean the rug whenever something spills on it. Cleaning with the scrub is not recommended because it may damage the finish.
- Rugs can withstand all types of weather. As a result, store them when not in use and use them according to the scenarios.
- Insects and pests can damage your rugs, so disinfect them and keep them away from them.
- Use a garden hose with a standard pressure when cleaning your rugs. High-pressure cleaning can damage and degrade the quality of rugs.
Conclusion
Outdoor rugs are available in a variety of materials and styles, so there’s something for everyone’s patio. You’ll be able to enjoy those breezy summer days and cool summer nights on your patio in style if you follow the above waterproofing tips for an outdoor rug.