The Best Commercial Umbrellas Cleaning Tips
Nothing beats relaxing under a shaded umbrella on a warm summer’s day. Maybe a refreshing iced beverage and a few snacks are involved, too. You can relax in the cool shade and enjoy the peace, quiet, and tranquility of your spot, leaving your worries behind.
Like all great pieces of furniture, an outdoor umbrella is an investment, so you want it to last as well as possible. Proper patio umbrella care and maintenance will ensure that your investment (and your shady paradise) lasts for many years.
Cleaning your outdoor umbrella is a crucial step in its maintenance. Over time, dirt, twigs, tree sap, and bird droppings can build up, so your umbrella can end up looking a bit worse for wear. Plus, not cleaning your umbrella regularly will shorten its lifespan.
Various materials can be used when making outdoor umbrellas, including canvas and acrylic fabrics. These fabrics repel moisture, stains, and mildew to different degrees, but no matter how sturdy your canopy fabric is, it will still need to be cleaned eventually (and preferably regularly) if you want your umbrella to last as long as possible.
Here are a few tips for cleaning your commercial umbrella.
Harsh cleaning products can be damaging to all the elements of your umbrella. Not only is bleach likely to discolor the fabric of the canopy, but in some cases, it can even ruin the integrity material and make it prone to rips and tears.
It is also important not to use abrasive or corrosive cleaning products on the poles of your umbrella, whether they are aluminum, steel, or wood. In some cases, you may be able to get away with using a bleach-based cleaner on wood, but for the most part, these abrasive products can damage the finish of the pole when cleaning them is as simple as using a damp cloth. If there are a few sticky spots or areas with tough dirt, some soapy water will be more than sufficient to clean it.
If your umbrella has an aluminum pole and you are noticing a chalky buildup from hard water, simply use a solution of 1 part white distilled vinegar and 9 parts water to remove it. Make sure you test the solution on an inconspicuous area to see if it discolors the finish before you apply the solution to the entire pole.
Over time, wood can show signs of wear. The best way to maintain the luster and durability of unsealed wood is to oil it annually with a wood protector or synthetic penetrating decking oil.
It is extremely important to make sure that your outdoor umbrella dries properly. Closing it before it is completely dry can lead to the build-up of mold, mildew, and other bacteria, which is not only harmful to the integrity of the umbrella but can also be harmful to human health.
When you close the umbrella right away, moisture can accumulate, causing the fabric to deteriorate, and it may even have an unpleasant odor the next time you open it.
It is a good practice to inspect your outdoor umbrella every two weeks or so. Make sure to inspect the whole umbrella (canopy, center pole, and base) for any dirt, grime, or mold.
Always Vacuum the Umbrella Before Washing It
If you are machine-washing the fabric of your umbrella, it is a good idea to shake them off thoroughly or even vacuum them to get rid of any loose dirt and debris beforehand. If you’re unable to remove the fabric of your canopy, then vacuuming is one of the easiest ways to remove dirt, bugs, or bird droppings. You can then take a washcloth and some warm, soapy water to remove the remaining dirt and stains.Never Use Bleach on Your Umbrella
Harsh cleaning products can be damaging to all the elements of your umbrella. Not only is bleach likely to discolor the fabric of the canopy, but in some cases, it can even ruin the integrity material and make it prone to rips and tears.
It is also important not to use abrasive or corrosive cleaning products on the poles of your umbrella, whether they are aluminum, steel, or wood. In some cases, you may be able to get away with using a bleach-based cleaner on wood, but for the most part, these abrasive products can damage the finish of the pole when cleaning them is as simple as using a damp cloth. If there are a few sticky spots or areas with tough dirt, some soapy water will be more than sufficient to clean it.
If your umbrella has an aluminum pole and you are noticing a chalky buildup from hard water, simply use a solution of 1 part white distilled vinegar and 9 parts water to remove it. Make sure you test the solution on an inconspicuous area to see if it discolors the finish before you apply the solution to the entire pole.
Over time, wood can show signs of wear. The best way to maintain the luster and durability of unsealed wood is to oil it annually with a wood protector or synthetic penetrating decking oil.
Open the Umbrella When It Needs to Dry
It is extremely important to make sure that your outdoor umbrella dries properly. Closing it before it is completely dry can lead to the build-up of mold, mildew, and other bacteria, which is not only harmful to the integrity of the umbrella but can also be harmful to human health.
When you close the umbrella right away, moisture can accumulate, causing the fabric to deteriorate, and it may even have an unpleasant odor the next time you open it.
It is a good practice to inspect your outdoor umbrella every two weeks or so. Make sure to inspect the whole umbrella (canopy, center pole, and base) for any dirt, grime, or mold.