Outdoor rugs can get wet from rain, sprinklers, spilled drinks, and more. When shopping for an outdoor rug, one of the key considerations is how quickly it will dry. No one wants a sopping wet rug sitting on their patio or deck for days after a rain storm. So do outdoor rugs dry quickly?
The short answer is that it depends on the material. Outdoor rugs come in a variety of materials, like polypropylene, nylon, polyester, acrylic, cotton, jute, wool, and more. Some inherently shed water faster than others. But there are other factors at play too, like weave style, backing material, pile height, and whether the rug has a non-slip backing.
In this article, we’ll explore the drying time of different outdoor rug materials. We’ll also provide tips on how to speed up drying time and maintain your outdoor rugs so they continue drying quickly. Keep reading to learn all about outdoor rug drying times.
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Drying Times by Material
Outdoor rugs come in a wide variety of materials. Here’s an overview of how fast each material dries:
Polypropylene
Polypropylene rugs dry very quickly, often within just a few hours. Polypropylene is a synthetic plastic-like material. It naturally repels water and dries fast. Polypropylene makes a good choice if quick drying is a priority.
Nylon
Nylon dries faster than natural fibers but slower than polypropylene. Expect a nylon rug to dry in 1-2 days. Nylon repels water well but is not quite as quick to dry as plastic-based polypropylene.
Polyester
Like nylon, polyester dries faster than natural fibers but is not as speedy as polypropylene. Give a polyester rug 1-2 days to fully dry. The drying time depends on factors like density and pile height.
Acrylic
Acrylic dries a bit slower than polyester or nylon. It takes acrylic rugs about 2-3 days to fully dry. Acrylic absorbs more moisture than synthetic materials.
Cotton
Cotton takes a long time to dry compared to synthetic outdoor rug materials. Expect a 100% cotton rug to need 3 or more days to dry completely. Cotton absorbs and holds onto water.
Jute
Jute is a natural fiber like cotton that takes a long time to dry. Allow 3 or more days for a jute rug to dry. Jute absorbs moisture readily.
Wool
Wool is also slow to dry. Give a wool outdoor rug 3-5 days to dry fully after getting wet. Wool absorbs a lot of water.
Here is a table summarizing the typical drying times by material:
| Material | Dry Time |
| Polypropylene | 1-5 hours |
| Nylon | 1-2 days |
| Polyester | 1-2 days |
| Acrylic | 2-3 days |
| Cotton | 3+ days |
| Jute | 3+ days |
| Wool | 3-5 days |
As you can see, synthetic materials like polypropylene and nylon dry the fastest. Natural fibers like cotton, jute, and wool take much longer to dry fully.
Weave Style
The weave style also impacts drying time. Tighter, denser weaves hold onto moisture longer. More loose open weaves allow air circulation and dry faster.
For example, a polypropylene rug with a very tight flatweave will take longer to dry than one woven in a loop style. The loops have space for air to flow through.
Traditional wool rugs like dhurries have a flatweave construction. Flatweave rugs take longer to dry because the fibers are so tightly packed. A wool shag rug has space between the fibers, allowing moisture to evaporate faster.
So consider the weave style when choosing an outdoor rug if drying time is important. More open, looped constructions dry faster than tightly woven flatweaves.
Backing Material
The material used on the rug’s backing also affects drying time. Natural backings like jute or cotton absorb moisture and take longer to dry. Synthetic latex or rubber backings prevent moisture absorption.
Rugs with synthetic non-slip backings dry faster than those with natural fiber backings. The non-slip backing prevents water from seeping through to the floor underneath.
If you want your outdoor rug to dry quickly, choose one with a synthetic rubber or latex backing. Avoid rugs with natural jute or cotton backings if possible.
Pile Height
An outdoor rug’s pile height impacts how quickly it dries too. Pile refers to the height and density of the woven fibers.
A rug with a low, tight pile dries slower than one with a higher, shaggier pile. The thicker pile allows more space for air to circulate. Higher pile rugs shed water instead of absorbing it.
For quick drying, choose an outdoor rug with a high pile construction. The shaggier and thicker the better.
Size
An outdoor rug’s size affects how quickly it dries too. Imagine two polypropylene rugs get soaked by the sprinkler. One is 5’x7′ and the other is 9’x12′. The larger rug will take longer to dry than the smaller one.
More material means it will naturally take longer for the moisture to evaporate. All else being equal, a smaller outdoor rug will dry faster than a large one.
Tips for Fast Drying
Choose a quick-drying outdoor rug material, weave, and size. But there are also some care tips to speed up drying time:
– Shake it out – After the rug gets wet, pick it up and shake it vigorously. This helps dislodge some of the moisture trapped in the fibers. Shake it out every few hours while drying.
– Flip it over – Place the wet rug upside down so the backing can dry out too. Flip back and forth every few hours.
– Hang it up – Consider hanging the rug over a railing or clothesline. This allows air to circulate all around it.
– Use fans – Direct fans towards the wet rug. The air movement will cut down drying time. You can use indoor or outdoor stand fans.
– Dry in sunlight – The sun’s heat helps evaporate moisture faster. Place wet outdoor rugs in direct sunlight. Move it periodically to dry evenly.
– Avoid pile crushing – Resist walking on the rug until fully dry. Foot traffic flattens the pile, which slows drying.
– Remove excess debris – Gently brush off dirt or leaves. Debris holds moisture against the fibers.
With some TLC, you can get your outdoor rug to dry as quickly as possible. The material has the biggest impact, but these tips help too.
Maintaining Fast Drying Performance
Over time, outdoor rugs get dingy. Dirt, grime, leaves, pollen, and debris get trapped in the fibers. As the rug gets dirtier, it takes longer to dry.
Here are some tips to keep outdoor rugs drying quickly:
– Vacuum frequently – Use a vacuum with an appropriate attachment for rugs. Vacuum at least once a week in high traffic areas.
– Rinse regularly – Outdoor rugs need more frequent washing than indoor ones. Rinse with a garden hose monthly or as needed. Avoid using harsh detergents.
– Spot clean spills – Don’t let food, drinks, grease or oil sit on the rug’s surface. Spot clean stains as quickly as possible.
– Brush periodically – Use an outdoor broom with stiff bristles to whisk away dried debris stuck deep in the fibers.
– Shake it out – Give the rug a good shake every now and then to dislodge dirt and loosen the pile.
– Rotate occasionally – Switch the location of your outdoor rugs to help them wear evenly. Rotate every few months.
Proper maintenance plays a big role in keeping outdoor rugs drying quickly. Avoid a buildup of dirt, leaves, and debris over time.
Conclusion
Outdoor rugs vary widely in how fast they dry. Factors like material, weave style, size, and backing all impact drying time. In general, polypropylene dries fastest, while natural fibers like cotton and wool are slowest.
To speed up drying, choose a quick-drying material and construction. You can also use shaking, flipping, sunlight, fans, and avoiding pile crushing. Maintain the rug by vacuuming, rinsing, spot cleaning, and brushing away debris.
Shop for an outdoor rug suited to your climate. If you live in a wet environment, choose a style that will dry quickly so it can be ready to use again soon after rain or getting wet. With a little research and proper care, you can enjoy an outdoor rug that dries fast and stays clean.
Here are some additional tips to help keep your outdoor rugs looking their best:
– During rainy seasons, consider moving rugs under a covered patio or indoors to prevent constant wetting. The more exposure to water, the faster the rug will degrade.
– For long-term storage, allow the rug to fully dry before folding or rolling up. Storing a wet rug can lead to mold, mildew, stiff fibers, and an unpleasant musty smell.
– Outdoor rugs may occasionally need a deeper cleaning to remove ingrained dirt and stains. You can safely hand wash natural fiber rugs with mild detergent and cool water. Rinse thoroughly.
– Fluff and groom the rug pile after cleaning. Use a soft brush or rake tool. This restores the look of the pile and prevents matting as it dries.
– Consider hiring a professional rug cleaning company every year or two. Professionals have specialized tools to deep clean large rugs without damage.
– Rotate your outdoor rugs seasonally to spread wear and tear over time. Periodically changing rug locations extends the life of the pile.
– To prevent color fading, keep rugs out of constant direct sunlight. Use a covered patio or porch for protection.
With proper selection, care and maintenance, an outdoor rug can deliver lasting beauty and reliable performance for many years. Invest wisely and keep your rugs clean for a welcoming outdoor living space.