Can I use an indoor thick wool-like rug on a screened porch?

Question

I have a rug that used to be in our playroom and has a bit of a stain already. I would hate to just throw it out since it is rather cute. I am turning a screened in patio area into an outdoor art and play space for my children and was wondering if I could use the rug down there? What dangers are there to doing this, if any?

Answer 1

It's not dangerous, just not a good idea. Indoor rug materials cannot hold up to the elements and even though it's a screened porch, rain will still get to it. Most places sell polypropylene rugs that are so beautiful and soft, it's hard to tell they are for outdoor use. They are sun resistant and to clean merely hose them off. I purchased mine from the Frontgate catalog but Grandinroad catalog offers a selection as well and I'm seeing them pop up in other places as well.

Answer 2

There is no real danger. I assume that the question has to do with moisture. Ever sleep in a tent and wake up damp from dew? This will happen to your rug. If the rug stays wet for long, it will get moldy.

OK, we've been beat to death about the danger of mold. The real deal is this....we live with mold every day. Keep an eye on the rug and your nose alert. If you see or smell any signs of mold, take action. Hang the rug up on the line or spread it out on the lawn in the sun. Sunshine is great for getting rid of mildew. If it recurs over and again, then it is a bad place for that rug.

If you're worried about ruining the rug...we'll I guess you're not worried about that, nevermind.

Answer 3

Thick Wool Rugs

Answer 4

I wouldn't. Mold is a sure thing, unless you live in a desert. You also face the likelihood of wet rot and/or mushrooms or other fungi growing from it. (Trust me and my wet basement to tell you the truth. It was so gross!)

However, if you're nearly ready to throw the rug out, it's worth a shot. Ideally, keep it rolled up on the screened porch, near the house, except when it's in use. Or keep it spread but well away from the edges (and sources of blowing rain). Any time you've had a damp spell, toss it over a fence or clothesline to dry thoroughly. Bring it in over the winter. You might get a few more seasons of use from it.

Answer 5

No, *wool* will get moldy outside because it is a natural fiber and will decompose with humidity/heat/moisture/bacteria... also, you cannot wash a *wool* rug. Wool can only be vacuumed or dry cleaned.

You say *wool-like*... if by that you mean acrylic (which is a synthetic fiber) then you can safely use it on the patio -- and depending on the size of the rug, you can even wash it.

You can tell if it is real wool, or if it is a synthetic.... if you paid $500 to $20,000+ for the rug, it is wool. If you paid less than $500, it is synthetic.

Answer 6

It depends on how exposed to the elements the porch is. If the rug will be getting rained or snowed on, eventually it will begin to get mold on it and create a health problem. If you can use it in the warm months, then clean it, roll it up and store it during months the porch isn't in use, then you might get more use out of it. If you can throw it in the washer to keep it clean and fresh, you could use it too.

Answer 7

If the area can get wet I would not use the rug out there in fear of it getting moldy. If it stays dry all year long and there is no way of water hitting the rug then i say go for it. If it does get wet and icky worst comes to worst it was already stained and you have to throw it out now.

Answer 8

I would say yes as long and nothing gets wet in there... otherwise you will have the problem of mold growing... Outdoor rugs have space in the material to breathe.

Answer 9

Would be OK for awhile, but eventually will not hold up with the changing weather elements(rain/snow etc) but since your only other option is to throw it away, I would use it on porch until it has to be pitched,@ least you will some more time/use out of it.

Answer 10

I think you can as long as it will stay dry. The only thing I would worry about is probably spiders. Just make sure you keep the area clean and dry.