When you’re dreaming of longer days and warmer temperatures, capture all of your optimism and excitement for the summer season in a vibrant outdoor rug. The best outdoor rugs create flow between your spaces and soften the hardy surfaces of your home’s exterior. Use these helpful tips to get the most from your outdoor area rugs, no matter what time of year it is.

Best Materials for Outdoor Rugs

Synthetic materials are inexpensive, light, and tend to dry quickly. They’re not super plush and you won’t sink into them, but most outdoor rugs are that way. So if you have a vision of yourself cuddled up on the porch swing with a blanket and a cup of coffee, nestling your toes in between the fluffy fibers of an outdoor rug, try one made with polypropylene. This material is strong, comfy, and has a great texture that mimics wool, so it stands up to storms and other weather. The wrong outdoor rug can get moldy when exposed to moisture, so choose polypropylene if you expect a decent amount of precipitation.

If you’re dreaming of a resort-like exterior filled with natural fibers, unfortunately jute and seagrass are big no-nos when it comes to outdoor rugs. Bamboo and sisal can thrive under a covered porch, but never poolside. They’ll mildew if they take in too much moisture, and fade in too much sunlight. The best fade-resistant outdoor rug material is polyester. It’s also stain resistant, unless oil-based spills are involved. While polyester outdoor rugs are more prone to shedding and pilling in high traffic, they’re fire retardant, should the grill flare up or those tiki torches tip.

For something pet friendly, elastic, anti-microbial, and weatherproof, get an outdoor rug made from at least one synthetic material. All the best indoor/outdoor rugs are.

Caring for Outdoor Rugs

Accidents happen. No way around it. But you can clean up spills as quickly as possible to prevent them from setting. Maintenance will vary with your outdoor rug material.

Vacuum regularly to keep dirt and debris from getting ground into the fibers.

Sweep underneath the rug occasionally to prevent damage from dirt and debris caught beneath it.

If your rug is water resistant, then you can place it over a railing or on an incline and hose it down.

For stubborn stains, scrub the rug with a brush and a solution of mild dish soap and water. Avoid soap that contains bleach.

Make sure both sides of your rug are dry before you put it back on the floor to prevent mildew.

Roll up your rug and put it in storage during extreme weather and when you know you won’t be using it for long periods of time.

Using Outdoor Rugs Indoors

With all the dirt and dust mites you bring into your home from family hikes or the kids’ soccer practice, it’s good to have a sturdy rug that can be thrown in the wash and then hung to dry. Because outdoor rugs are made to withstand wear and tear, they make excellent kitchen, dining, and bathroom rugs. So if you’ve found a texture, pattern, or color that you love in an outdoor rug, there’s no reason not to use it inside. Darker rugs will create more intimacy, and lighter shades can open up a small area.

If you’re going for a layered boho look in your living room, toss in a few outdoor flatweave rugs and top them with scattered floor lanterns and pillows. While leafy vines and florals are popular patterns for an outdoor tropical paradise, you can become one with nature in your own home by bringing an outdoor rug inside.

Source from:https://www.overstock.com/guides/things-to-know-about-outdoor-rugs