How do you maintain and clean a patio umbrella?
To ensure that your outdoor umbrella is looking great and working properly year after year, it’s important to keep it clean, maintained and protected at all times.
Shade umbrella maintenance tips
Throughout the warm and temperate seasons, a little common sense and care will go a long way toward keeping your outdoor umbrella in tip-top shape and delay the need to replace your umbrella’s canopy, ribs or frame.
Open it gently
Most umbrellas are designed to rest comfortably in a fully closed position. To properly and safely open yours, push and extend the main canopy ribs away from the pole a bit before engaging the lift mechanism. If you notice the umbrella struggling to open, don’t force it – you may need to clear stray twigs or leaves hindering the proper functioning of the lift.
Close it when not in use
Even if you have a substantial base or mounting fixture, it’s wise to keep your sun umbrella collapsed, in its locked position, when you are not using it. Inclement weather and high winds can play havoc with an open umbrella. Rather than risk damaging your umbrella’s ribs or launching it across the yard, take a few moments to close the canopy. Many manufacturers exclude wind damage from their warranties, so be smart.
Keep it dry
Ideally, you should employ an umbrella cover whenever it’s not in use. In addition to protecting it from unnecessary exposure to the sun, a cover helps keep out mildew-causing moisture. If you can’t always put it on, be sure that you completely dry the canopy before closing the umbrella. Most outdoor canopy fabrics are treated to resist mold and mildew, but moisture can collect and remain protected within the folds of a closed umbrella.
Review manufacturer recommendations
Each manufacturer has instructions and tips for using their umbrellas. Some woods require periodic oiling, while others can go without it completely. Different materials and structural designs have their own specific guidelines for upkeep, so brush up on what you need to do before you set up your umbrella.
Cleaning your deck umbrella
You should frequently clean your patio umbrella to ensure that it retains its appearance and remains free from debris that could hinder performance. Open the canopy completely and, using a hose, spray everything down with water. For in-depth and detailed cleaning recommendations, see our article “How to clean a patio umbrella” but here are some general tips.
Fabric cleaning
In general, mild soap and water are fine for most umbrella canopy fabrics, but be sure to read the instructions from the manufacturer for their recommendations. Use a sponge, dishrag or soft bristle brush to clean any problem areas. Let the cleaning solution soak in for a bit and then rinse since soapy buildup can lead to mildew. Keep the canopy open to allow the fabric to air dry completely. This is especially important if you’re storing your umbrella.
A helpful reference for removing fabric stains
Sunbrella, the “Gold Standard” in outdoor textiles, has videos showing how to remove several types of spills and stains on their solution-dyed acrylic textiles.
Frame cleaning
The directions for washing your umbrella frame are the same, whether it is wood, metal or fiberglass. Using a clean damp cloth, wipe down the ribs, hubs, pole and finial. Be especially careful around the joints, lift and tilt mechanisms, since you don’t want any threads or debris getting caught up in the moving parts. In most instances, mild soapy water is okay to use for cleaning very dirty areas, but consult the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure. You must avoid using an abrasive cloth or harsh cleaners, as they could damage the finish of your wood or metal frame. It’s also the perfect time to inspect the moving part of your frame and canopy assembly for damage. If you discover that something is cracked, loose or not working properly, contact the manufacturer. Most high-end outdoor shade brands sell umbrella replacement component parts. Keep the canopy open to allow the frame to completely air dry before closing.
Patio umbrella storage ideas
When the weather is warm and sunny, nobody is thinking about protecting a patio umbrella in winter months. But, during the off-season, or when there are extended periods of time during which your shade is unused, you should carefully remove the pole and canopy from the umbrella base or mount and store it. Properly storing patio umbrellas is relatively easy and effective if you follow a few simple rules.
- Make sure it’s clean and dry – Follow the guidelines listed earlier, before storing your patio umbrella.
- Use a protective cover – It will prevent moisture build-up, block dust and debris, and minimize inadvertent damage from other items brushing up against it.
- Wrap the folds in one direction – To minimize wrinkling and preserve the aesthetic qualities of your canopy, wrap the folds in the same direction, before securing it within the umbrella cover.
- Cover the pole ends – To minimize damage to the ends of the pole, you should enclose them in cardboard or heavy rags.
- Store it in an upright position – Laying umbrellas on their sides puts unneeded weight on the rib assembly, especially if other items are apt to be stacked on them or they are at risk of being stepped on.
- Keep it in an enclosed dry area – Be sure to store your umbrella in a dry covered space like a garage, basement or pool house in the off-season. Even if it has a protective cover, the cold and moisture have a way of creeping in and damaging items left outdoors and unattended for too long.
Extend the life of your deck umbrella
You invested in a premium outdoor shade, so treat it properly to ensure it works and looks great for as long as possible. If you follow the manufacturer’s operational manual and periodically inspect and clean your umbrella, there’s no reason it can’t last for years.
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