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

December 31, 2009 by admin · 13 Comments
Filed under: Decorating & Remodeling 
rug
Any B asked:

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?

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13 Responses to “Can I use an indoor thick wool-like rug on a screened porch?”
  1. bgee2001ca says:
    January 2, 2010 at 4:24 am

    You can, however if it becomes wet, it may start to smell, and develop mold. bgee2001ca

  2. Fall says:
    January 2, 2010 at 9:12 pm

    NO Fall

  3. Heather L says:
    January 5, 2010 at 12:40 am

    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. Heather L

  4. C M says:
    January 7, 2010 at 8:53 am

    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. C M

  5. allicatmeowhisspurr says:
    January 9, 2010 at 9:41 pm

    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. allicatmeowhisspurr

  6. wrensnest says:
    January 11, 2010 at 10:07 pm

    it is okay with me whereever you want to use it. wrensnest

  7. Joanne A. W says:
    January 14, 2010 at 8:50 am

    If it were me, I’d use it. The only problem I see is if it get wet from rain or snow. But you could always roll it up. Joanne A. W

  8. CJH says:
    January 15, 2010 at 5:10 am

    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. CJH

  9. Maryn Bittner says:
    January 17, 2010 at 6:39 am

    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. Maryn Bittner

  10. busybody123 says:
    January 19, 2010 at 5:14 pm

    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. busybody123

  11. reagans_n_kanes_mommy says:
    January 20, 2010 at 10:44 am

    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. reagans_n_kanes_mommy

  12. dawnb says:
    January 22, 2010 at 3:35 am

    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. dawnb

  13. jmada05 says:
    January 25, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    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. jmada05

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