Some rugs do well when used in indoor and outdoor spaces.
These rugs can add warmth in indoor spaces but are durable enough and can withstand outdoor elements.
However, indoor-outdoor rugs can get moldy over time.
Here Is Why Indoor-Outdoor Rugs Can Get Moldy Over Time:
Indoor-outdoor rugs can get moldy after being exposed to moisture and humidity. Mold and mildew spores are everywhere – they need moisture to grow. If your indoor outdoor rugs get a lot of moisture, mold and mildew tend to grow on them.
What Can Cause Rugs To Develop Mold And Mildew?
Rugs develop mold and mildew when there is moisture trapped in their fibers.
Mold spores can be found everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.Â
The same goes for mildew spores – they exist in the environment naturally. They can get in your house even if you do so much as open a window.
When a rug accumulates dirt and moisture, it can be the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Moisture in confined spaces would make them very good breeding grounds, so things stored in basements and closets will often have mold and mildew.
You would know that your rugs have been infested by mold or mildew when you see circular patterns of brown, green, or black stains.
Mold and mildew are not good because they pose certain health risks for everyone in the household. Some people get a stuffy nose, coughs, and itchy eyes and skin when exposed to molds and mildew.
How Do You Avoid Mold On Indoor Outdoor Rugs?
There are ways you can avoid the growth of molds on your rugs.
Here are some things you can do:
Reduce The Humidity Indoors:
Dehumidifiers help control moisture in the air.
Getting a dehumidifier for your indoor spaces will decrease the moisture so that the mold spores will be less likely to grow into mold.
Setting a 30% to 60% humidity range would be ideal for your indoor spaces.
Keep Your House Clean:
When you constantly clean your house, you minimize bacteria everywhere and the growth of molds.
Simple things like purifying the air in your house and keeping your floors clean and dry can help keep your rugs and the rest of your house free from molds.
Be Smart About Where You Place Your Rug:
To prevent mold growth on your rug, install them in areas with very little moisture.
For example, bathrooms and kitchens are not the best places to put rugs since these areas get a lot of moisture and are more likely to have liquid spills.
Placing rugs in these areas will make them a breeding ground for molds.
Use A High-Quality Rug Pad:
Placing a rug pad underneath your rug can protect your rug.
It can help prevent mold growth by preventing your rug from absorbing and trapping moisture in its fibers.
High-quality rug pads are mold-resistant and have lots of room to breathe so that moisture does not stay in their fibers.
Clean Up Liquid Spills As Soon As They Happen:
When a liquid spills on your rug, clean it as soon as possible.
Clean the spill as prescribed depending on the rug material and dry it properly.
Some rugs are safe to be put under the sun to dry after cleaning, but some rugs are recommended for air dry only if there is a risk of them fading or getting discolored when exposed to the sun.
How Do You Remove Mold In A Rug?
If your rug has some mold growth on it, do not worry.
You can still remove them as long as they have not infested your rug completely.
Here is how to remove mold in your rug:
1. Ventilate and Isolate the Area Where you Will Clean the Rug:
Keeping the area well-ventilated will prevent mold spores from spreading to other house areas.
This is also an important step, especially if you use chemicals to remove the mold.
2. Remove the Mold Using a Brush:
Take a stiff brush and use it to brush the mold from the rug. Sweep the mold into a bag and seal it shut before discarding it.
If you have a vacuum with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, you can also use that to remove the mold.
Please do not use a vacuum without a HEPA filter, as it can cause mold spores to spread inside your house the next time you vacuum.
3. Scrub Off the Mold With a Cleaning Solution:
Use a cleaning solution to remove mold from your rug completely.
You can buy a safe cleaning solution for your rug that can kill mold and other bacteria.
Alternatively, you can also use a baking soda and vinegar mixture. The latter is also effective and can remove any unpleasant smell caused by mold growth.
4. Let Your Rug Dry Completely:
Depending on your rug’s material, you can air dry it or leave it under the sun to dry. Make sure that the rug is completely dry before you put it back.
Do Older Rugs Get Moldy More Easily?
Older rugs are more prone to getting moldy. This is because rugs get dirty over time, which lets them trap moisture easily, fostering mold growth.
To prevent your old rugs from getting moldy, one thing you can do is have them professionally cleaned.
Having your rugs washed and cleaned by a professional gives them deep cleaning and refreshes them. This will keep them looking clean and fresh, less prone to getting moldy.
4 Rug Types That Rarely Get Moldy:
If you want a rug that rarely gets moldy, the best rugs to get are ones made from synthetic fibers.
Synthetic fibers generally tend to dry quickly to be less prone to getting moldy.
Acrylic Rugs
Acrylic rugs are naturally resistant to mold. They also dry quickly and can resist fading when placed under the sun.
These rugs are great alternatives to wool because they look and feel. The only cons to acrylic rugs are that they shed a lot, which can cause a whole new problem for rug owners.
Nylon Rugs
Nylon rugs are normally treated with chemicals, making them resistant to mold.
The fibers of nylon rugs are made of polyamide polymer. These rugs are quite resilient in high-traffic areas, and they last long.
Polyester Rugs
These rugs are made from recycled plastic and are considered one of the most durable synthetic fiber rugs.
They are considered environmentally friendly and are resistant to mold. Polyester rugs are good for indoor and outdoor use as they look and feel plush and are also resistant to different outdoor elements.
Polypropylene Rugs
These rugs are one of the most durable rugs, specially made for outdoor use as they can withstand extreme weather conditions.
They are highly resistant to mold and would do well in high-traffic areas.
Mold poses a health hazard to your household, so you must prevent them from growing on your rugs and rooms.
Some mold growth can be too severe that you would have no choice but to throw away your rug and buy a new one. The key is to keep your house clean and the air free from any moisture.
This way, you can protect your rugs from mold and protect your household from health risks.
Sources:
Carpet Mold: Identification, Prevention, And Removal