Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Outdoor Umbrellas

Our outdoor patio umbrellas not only make great accents for any outdoor space, but also provide nice shade during those hot summer days. They’re made with durable, fade-resistant, and mold and mildew resistant fabrics. So they can withstand most weather and won’t immediately fade when left in direct sunlight. Cleaning your patio umbrellas is a key aspect to keeping them looking good. These fabrics are super to easy to care for and we’ve made it even easier by outlining some general steps for maintenance, cleaning, and stain removal.

General and Light Cleaning:

First, while the umbrella is still on the frame, brush off any loose dirt.
Then, hose down the umbrella with clean water.
Next, prepare a solution of water and mild soap. Use a soft bristle brush to clean and allow the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
Fourth, rinse the fabric thoroughly until all soap residue has been removed.
Lastly, allow to air dry.

Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Spills and Mildew:

Our fabrics do not promote mildew growth, but mildew can grow on dirt, debris, or other foreign substances that are left on the umbrella.

To clean mildew and other stubborn messes:

First, prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per 1 gallon water and apply to affected area of fabric. Allow the mixture to soak into the fabric for up to 15 minutes.
Second, clean with a soft bristly brush then rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
Allow to air dry.
Repeat the above steps as necessary.

To clean oil based spills:

First, apply an absorbent, such as cornstarch, directly on the spill immediately after it has occurred. Allow the absorbent to sit for at least 10 minutes.
Next, remove excess absorbent with a straight edge, like a ruler.
Then proceed with the standard process for General Cleaning.

*For tough stains, you can treat with a strong degreaser. Just make sure to rinse the fabric thoroughly.

Tips:

To keep dirt from becoming embedded in the fabric, use a hose to rinse off your umbrella once a month with clean water.
Address spills and messes promptly for the best results in preventing stains. While our fabric offers excellent protection against stains, full removal of stains cannot be guaranteed if the spill or mess is left to sit.
When using a bleach cleaning solution, make sure to protect the area around the fabric and always rinse your umbrella fabric thoroughly to completely remove the bleach. Also, keep in mind that use of bleach along with the age of the fabric may impact the deterioration of the sewing threat and other non-fabric components.
You may need to retreat your umbrella fabric after repeated thorough cleanings, or after extended use and exposure. In order to do so, clean your fabric first using one of the methods outlined and allow to air dry. Then apply the treatment outdoors in a well ventilated area and follow the instructions on the container.

Cleaning and caring for your patio umbrella should be easy, the fabrics we use on our umbrellas keep it simple. With a little maintenance you can have style and shade for years!

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