Author Archives: Sam Hickey

If you love spending most of the time outdoors, especially in summer, it’s essential to learn how to clean a patio umbrella. It can accumulate a lot of grime and dirt if exposed to the elements for a very long time. Not to mention, the bird droppings can worsen the situation. How do you clean your patio umbrella after using it outdoors for a full season?

Here’s the proper way to clean your patio umbrella and have it looking like new. #CreekstoneOutdoors Share on X

Cleaning and maintaining your patio umbrella regularly will make it look fantastic all the time. You have to ensure that the umbrella is super-clean before storing it away during off-seasons. The good news is, it’s easy to clean and maintain. In this guide, we’ll look at the tips of cleaning and maintaining a patio umbrella.

Cleaning the Canopy

Cleaning an umbrella’s canopy can be pretty simple if it’s detachable. Here are the tips on how to clean an umbrella’s canopy.

• Remove loose dirt on the canopy using a sponge or a soft, bristle brush to prevent the soil from getting deeper into the fabric
• Using a cleaner or a mixture of warm water and mild detergent, scrub the canopy in circular motions
• After scrubbing the canopy, let the cleaning solution stay on it for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly to remove stains and mildew
• Leave the canopy open until it’s completely dry

Some fabrics like Sunbrella require a quality fabric protector to restore its UV inhibitors and improve water repellency. 

Cleaning the Frame

The method you’ll use to clean an umbrella frame will depend on the nature of its material. Here is how to clean both wooden and aluminum frames.

a) Wooden Frames

You can clean most wooden umbrella frames with a mixture of water and mild detergent and a soft brush. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions if available. However, you shouldn’t oversaturate the frame’s surface. Allow it to dry after cleaning.

b)   Aluminum Frames

Wipe the frame using a soft towel and a mixture of mild detergent and lukewarm water. If there are build-ups or water spots, mix one part of white distilled vinegar with nine water parts. Soak a soft cloth in the solution and wipe down the frame. You can then rinse the frame with clean water and dry it using a towel. 

Patio Umbrella Maintenance

Maintaining a patio umbrella can help to keep it in great shape and extend its lifespan. Here are some of the maintenance tips to practice.

• Always ensure that the umbrella is clean before storing it
• Don’t force the umbrella to close or open as that could destroy its functionality
• Add a cover on the patio umbrella to protect it from adverse weather conditions
• Store the umbrella indoors when there’s an impending storm or strong winds
• Avoid using abrasive cleaners on the umbrella’s frames or canopies

Pro Tip: You can clean fabrics such as Sunbrella using bleach solutions, and it won’t fade. However, it’s imperative to check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm that. 

Keeping Your Patio Umbrella Looking Like New

Now that you know how to clean a patio umbrella, you can make yours look super-clean without struggles. Ensure that you follow the patio umbrella cleaning and maintenance tips we’ve shared in this guide. That way, you’ll keep your umbrella in excellent condition.

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