Your patio umbrella protects you from the sun and can endure other challenges that come with outdoor living, from spider webs and bird droppings to dirt and tree sap. It is now easier than ever to keep your patio umbrella maintenance and clean with the help of water-repelling and mildew-resistant fabrics.
Patio umbrellas used to be made from various materials like cotton and polyester, now more are being made with Sunbrella. Sunbrella is a tough acrylic performance fabric that won’t fade in color over time. Though it requires less patio umbrella maintenance than polyester and has a longer lifespan. The material still needs some occasional tending. Please clean your patio umbrella most effectively, and it is best to follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions. However, some general cleaning guidelines apply to several types of umbrellas.
How to Clean a Patio Umbrella Canopy
Please use a soft bristle brush to remove any loose leaves, dirt, and other debris from the fabric, and brush it with the canopy on the frame. It’s important to try and do this at least once a month to keep dirt from seeping into the fabric. Once the dirt settles or settles after a rain shower, it will need a more thorough cleaning.
First, wash your canopy. If it’s possible to remove the canopy from the frame, do so and check the care tags to see if you can machine wash it. If your washing machine has a waterproof-fabric setting, utilize it. Be aware that they can cause an imbalance during the spin cycle because water can become trapped if you regularly wash waterproof fabrics.
If not, use the standard setting with cold water and a regular amount of laundry detergent. Be sure to monitor the machine in case it starts moving across the room on its own.
A spot remover can help eliminate stains. This water-based stain remover is for targeted cleaning. Turpentine can be your best friend if you’re dealing with tree sap. Degreaser is key for removing tough oil-based stains. If you’re unsure what type of fabric your canopy is, test a small area for colorfastness. Otherwise, either method should work on solution-dyed fabric.
If the canopy can not be removed from the frame, add ¼ cup of Woolite or another mild laundry detergent to 1 gallon of warm water in the bucket. Clean the fabric by gently rubbing it with a soft-bristle brush in circular motions. After allowing the detergent to sit for 15 minutes, use a hose or bucket of clean water to rinse it off.
After washing, allow the canopy to air dry in a sunny area. Do not put removable canopies in the clothes dryer. High temperatures in a dryer could potentially damage synthetic fabrics.
How to Remove Mildew from the Patio Umbrella
Acrylic fabrics, such as Sunbrella and other synthetic materials, do not promote mildew growth. However, mildew can grow on embedded dirt and other foreign substances, like tree sap, that are not removed from the fabric. The following steps must be taken to clean mildew or other difficult-to-remove stains from Sunbrella fabric, as recommended by the company.
- In 1 gallon of water, mix 1 cup of bleach and ¼ cup of mild detergent.
- Fill a spray bottle with the solution. Spritz the soiled area until it’s saturated, and then watch the dirt disappear.
- Soak the fabric in the mixture for 15 minutes, then gently scrub the stain with a sponge, clean towel, or soft-bristle brush.
- Make sure to rinse the dirt and debris thoroughly with clean water. You can also machine-wash the canopy, but don’t forget to let it air out and dry in direct sunlight afterward.
Always check the manual or tag that came with your umbrella to see if the material is bleach-safe, regardless of who made it.
How to Clean a Patio Umbrella Pole
Aluminum pole: The most modern patio umbrella poles are crafted from aluminum to prevent rusting and better for patio umbrella maintenance. However, the hardware made of screws and rivets can become prone to rusting. You should keep your pole as clean and dry as possible, just like the canopy. All you need is a damp cloth to wipe it down. Any sticky spots might require soapy water, followed by a rinse and complete drying. Cleaning products such as bleach or ammonia can irreparably damage the surface, so avoid using them.
To remove calcium buildup from harsh water on your patio umbrella frame, use the solution of one part white distilled vinegar and 9 parts water. Always test your solution in a small, unnoticeable frame area before using it on the entire surface to avoid any unwanted discoloration.
Wood pole: A mixture of water and mild dish detergent, along with a soft-bristle brush or cloth, will suffice to clean most wood umbrella poles. To remove mildew, use a bleach-based household cleaner or a plastic pot scourer. Remember to rinse well afterward.
Wood, over time, show more wear. Oil unsealed wood annually with the wood protector and synthetic penetrating decking oil to help increase its shine and durability.
General Patio Umbrella Maintenance Tips
Taking a few additional precautions can keep your patio umbrella looking clean and new for much longer. Here are a few patio umbrella maintenance tips below:
- If you’re passionate about your patio umbrella like passionate about your patio furniture, make sure to store it away whenever you’re not using it. Keep it stored in a shed or other protected indoor area.
- If you choose to leave your umbrella up all season, close it when you’re not using it. Wind damage is the most common reason for a broken frame) and get a slipcover to protect it while in storage.
- Do not allow mildew or oily tree leaves to stay on the umbrella for long periods of time to avoid staining.
- If it has been raining, check to see if any water is collecting inside your umbrella stand, particularly if you have a wood pole umbrella. The moisture will rot the wood over time.
- If the canopy is looking worse for wear, don’t toss the frame with it. A replacement canopy might cost less than a new set, so that’s worth considering.
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