Patio umbrellas add the perfect pop of color to patios, pool sides, and outdoor areas. While providing protection from the sun rays, these shady covers are susceptible to loose leaves, dust, dirt and other debris such as bugs, bird droppings, tree sap or fallen fruit. To prolong the umbrella’s pristine presentation, it’s important to keep your patio umbrella clean. Follow these few simple steps to maintain every piece of your patio umbrella from the canopy to the base and to ensure its longevity.
Don’t have an umbrella to clean yet? Go read our patio umbrella buyer’s guide and find the perfect canopy for your outdoor living space!
How to Clean a Patio Umbrella Cover
Many modern market umbrellas are made of cotton canvas or synthetics such as acrylic and polyester performance fabric. Sunbrella is one of the most popular brands on the market for outdoor patio furniture fabric because it requires little maintenance and is long-lasting. Always follow the manufacturer’s care tag on the umbrella cover or search specific internet instructions for your fabric’s brand. Some patio umbrella covers are machine washable which can cut down on your cleaning time. A normal wash cycle, cold water setting, and laundry detergent should do the trick. If there is no care tag confirming machine washability, follow these universal simple solutions to clean a patio umbrella cover.
Fully expand the cover to brush or wipe off loose leaves, dust, dirt, or dead bugs that might have accumulated over time. Carefully remove the canopy and lay it down on a clean tarp instead of putting your umbrella cover in the washing machine. Sweep or vacuum debris. Treat stubborn stains such as tree sap, fallen fruit or bird droppings. Spot clean with a store-bought spot remover, turpentine, or a mild mix of gentle laundry detergent and warm water. You could also spot clean with an organic option such as 1-part warm water, 1-part white vinegar and 1 tablespoon castile soap. Sunbrella fabric and most synthetic materials are resistant to mildew growth, but mildew can grow on organic matter such as tree sap or fallen fruit. Always check to see if the canopy material is bleach-safe. If so, use a combination of bleach, water and mild detergent in a spray bottle to saturate the soiled area.
Once you have selected the cleaning solution to suit your needs, spritz the bleach solution or gently brush the fabric spot cleaner on in circular patterns. Fully hand wash the canopy with a sponge, soft-bristle brush or clean towel. Let the soapy solution sit for 15 minutes, then use fresh, clean water from a hose or bucket to rinse the canopy clean. Keep the umbrella cover stretched and allow it to completely dry in an airy, sunny area. Never machine-dry removable umbrella covers as dryers could damage the fabric and cause unwanted wrinkles. Smooth the canopy over a flat surface to fight wrinkles. Iron or steam only if the manufacturer tag says it’s safe to do so to keep the canopy looking crisp.
How to Clean a Patio Umbrella Frame
Cleaning techniques for the umbrella frame depend on the material. For metal frames made of aluminum, steel or iron, wipe down the pole with a damp cloth. A little soapy water and elbow grease might be needed for sticky spots. Make sure to rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid finish damaging abrasive, corrosive cleaners like bleach and ammonia. Combine white distilled vinegar and water for a gentler, eco-friendly solution to treat hard water calcium buildup.
Wood umbrella frames can be easily cleaned with a mild mixture of dish detergent and warm water. Use a soft cloth or bristle brush to remove all dirt and debris. If your umbrella pole has been exposed to excessive water, there might be some mildew damage. A bleach-based household cleaner and a plastic scourer sponge can be used to treat mildew spots. Rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent future bacteria growth. Wood wears over time, so apply a deck oil, wood sealant, or re-stain to keep the wood protected from prolonged sun exposure. Don’t forget to wash the bottom so that the patio umbrella is clean from the canopy to the base.
Patio Umbrella Maintenance Tips
Every summer staple patio furniture piece needs to be cleaned regularly. Decide if monthly or seasonal cleanings are best suited for your environment. Keep your patio umbrella in storage during the off-season and get a slipcover to protect it . To improve longevity and maintain quality, keep umbrellas from under fruit-bearing trees, which can easily stain the fabric. Also, keep umbrellas away from bird feeders, bird baths, and flight paths to avoid droppings. Lastly, get ahead of pooling water on the canopy and at the base to avoid mold and mildew.
This post copyright 2023 Jewell Singletary, written on behalf of Patio Productions
Jewell is a regular contributing author to Patio Productions. Based on the East Coast, Jewell has worn many hats: she worked over a decade as a designer and consultant in the fashion industry, was a freelance writer, and now owns and operates a holistic wellness studio with a focus on yoga practice, meditation, movement therapy, and self-care. She is passionate about Nature, outdoor living, health and wellness, and all-things product design. She extends these passions to the outdoor furniture industry here at Patio Productions.
