Some rugs are recommended for outdoor use due to their durability and ability to withstand outdoor elements like rain and moisture. Some rugs are better off indoors as they cannot withstand these outdoor elements.
Indoor rugs are great for making interior spaces cozy and warm, but even if they stay indoors, it always helps if these rugs are waterproof in cases of liquid spills:
Here’s How to Waterproof Your Indoor Rug:
You can waterproof your rugs with sprays and moisture padding. Waterproofing sprays are available almost anywhere and are not harsh on your rug materials. Waterproofing rugs make them easier to clean and maintain and more resistant to indoor and outdoor conditions.
What Are the Best Ways to Waterproof a Rug?
You may not be aware of it, but some of the rugs in your household regularly come in contact with water or moisture.
From the small water spills from the kitchen to dripping footwear – while these may not seem like a lot of liquid, they can eventually wear out and damage your rug over time.
You can avoid all these by waterproofing your rug, and it is not a tedious task either. It is a DIY solution that you can do at home.
Here is how you can waterproof your rug:
Place Waterproof Pad Beneath Rug:
Waterproof pads are great for keeping your rug dry.
The bottom of the rug absorbs the moisture from the floor, so it needs some waterproofing. It is also recommended to put a grip pad under the waterproof fabric because it does not traction.
Spraying Waterproof Chemicals on the Top of the Rug:
Spraying your rug can help it last longer.
The upper side of the rug is more prone to spills, so you need to spray it with a fabric seal spray. Spray it lightly a few inches away from the rug, and let it dry before you spray a second coat.
Here is some brand of rug and fabric sprays that you can use to waterproof your indoor rug:
- Thompson’s Waterseal
- Scotchgard Rug and Carpet Protector
- Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield
- Nanotekas Waterproof Water Repellent for Carpet and Rugs
- TriNova Protector Spray
- ProtectME Premium
- Vectra Furniture
Wait & Test Your Rug:
After doing the two steps mentioned above, wait for 24 hours and test your rug.
This step is important to know if you want to waterproof your indoor rug.
Use water to test it out. Just drop a small amount and check closely if the water is being repelled or absorbed by the rug.
If it is the latter, you need to add another coat of waterproofing spray, but keep in mind that it should not need more than four coats to work.
Can you Waterproof a Jute Rug?
The fibers of a jute rug are known to be durable, but they do not do well in areas that are prone to spills and moisture. They are also prone to the growth of mold and mildew.
If you want to waterproof your jute rug, it is completely okay to do so by using a waterproofing spray. The spray will not harm a jute rug.
While jute rugs are not the best for outdoor use, waterproofing spray will help them repel liquid better and improve their longevity.
Can you Waterproof an Area Rug?
Since area rugs can also be prone to liquid spills, especially when used in dining rooms or living areas, you can also waterproof them.
You can follow the same steps as above to waterproof area rugs.
Do Rugs Need to be Waterproof for Outdoor Use?
Depending on the rug’s material, they may or may not need waterproof for outdoor use.
Some rugs are made to be used outdoors and may not need waterproofing to withstand water and moisture. Rugs made of synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester repel water easily compared to other rugs, and they do not need any waterproofing.
However, you can still choose to waterproof them to add a layer of protection since these rugs are only water repellent and not completely waterproof.
Other rugs, especially those made of natural fibers like wool, cotton, jute, or sisal, need to be waterproof for outdoor use. These rugs absorb liquid easily, making them ideal for outdoor areas. So should you want to use them outdoors, you should waterproof them.
What Types of Rugs are Waterproof?
While most synthetic rugs, like nylon and polyester, are known to repel water, they are not completely waterproof. They still need to be treated to be waterproof.
The only type of rug that is naturally made waterproof is a polypropylene rug.
What Are the Best Rugs for Wet Environments?
When it comes to wet environments, synthetic material rugs are the best rugs that you can use. These are rugs that are made from nylon, polyester, or polypropylene.
Nylon Rugs:
Nylon rugs are a good choice for wet environments. While nylon rugs are not waterproof, they are water repellent.
They are also weatherproof to withstand rain and moisture, and even snow.
Another good quality of nylon rugs is that they dry tend pretty fast. So it is okay to completely leave them out during the rain and let them dry out under the sun without damaging them.
Polyester Rugs:
Polyester rugs are made from fibers that are lightweight and flexible.
They may shed, but they are still suitable for outdoors. Like nylon rugs, they are water repellent and do well in wet environments.
They also require little maintenance, and they are one of the most affordable rugs you can get for outdoor use.
Polypropylene Rugs:
Polypropylene rugs are plastic fibers made to mimic cloth and wool’s appearance.
If you want durable rugs, polypropylene rugs are the best choice as they are fully waterproof. Polypropylene rugs do not absorb water or moisture.
You can keep them in place and leave them out for a long time without having to worry about the appearance of mold or mildew.
Do People Treat Rugs to Make them Waterproof?
It is normal for people to treat rugs to make them waterproof.
By making rugs waterproof, you add a layer of protection to repel water and minimize stains from liquid spills. Treating them to make them waterproof also makes them easier to clean and maintain.
Making rugs waterproof also helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which generally lessens bacteria growth in the household, making them safe for everyone, especially if you have kids.
Speaking of kids – this is another reason that people treat rugs to make them waterproof. Having kids in the house increases the probability of liquids being spilled over the rugs. The same goes for pets, as pets walking out and about can bring moisture in, with their wet paws walking all over the floors.
Treating rugs to make them waterproof also helps them last longer, ensuring that you get the most out of your rug, especially the pricier ones.
So if you want to protect your rugs from liquid and moisture and prevent them from being easily worn out, it is always a good idea to waterproof them.
Source:
How to Waterproof a Rug in 3 Steps