Your patio furniture makes a statement about your home just about as strongly as your landscaping does. The Patio umbrella is typically the most prominently displayed part of your furniture, so you will want to take special care to keep it looking its very best.

KEEPING THE MILDEW AWAY

Most quality patio umbrellas are mildew resistant. However, the dirt and oils that can collect on the umbrellas are not mildew resistant, so it will be important to keep the dirt and oils to a minimum by regular rinsing, wiping and washing.

Additionally, you want to be sure to minimize the conditions where mildew growth is likely by keeping your patio umbrella as dry as possible. Especially in humid regions, early morning dew can cause a significant amount of moisture in your umbrella. Rain also will make a patio umbrella wet. If you keep your patio umbrella in the closed position, it is a good idea to open it every couple days to allow it to dry completely.

DON’T ASK YOUR UMBRELLA TO WEATHER THE WEATHER

Just because it’s an umbrella, do not expect your umbrella to act like a traditional umbrella. It is designed to keep you protected from the summer sun – not from wind and rain. If you are expecting severe weather conditions such as heavy wind and rain, then remove your umbrella from the stand and protect it by placing it indoors or away from the weather. There is some built in waterproofing in most umbrellas, but they are not meant to protect from heavy rains.

CLEANING YOUR UMBRELLA COVER

Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning. Some umbrella covers can be removed and placed in large capacity washing machines. No matter how dirty your umbrella is, never wash it on a heavy wash setting. Instead choose a cold water, delicate wash setting with a milder detergent. NEVER place your umbrella cover in the dryer. Doing otherwise can compromise your umbrella’s protective finish, thus greatly reducing its lifespan.

If your umbrella cover cannot be removed, it can be cleaned by using water and a mild detergent and a light brush and cloth. Be careful not to let the fabric rest on a dirty surface while you are cleaning it. It should ALWAYS be dried in the fully open position.


MAINTAINING YOUR UMBRELLA’S FRAME

You should occasionally clean the pole, ribs, and frame of your umbrella to ensure that no grime, oils, bugs, or whatever else may come in contact with it build up on the sliding mechanisms. For the most part, these can be cleaned with a clean wet cloth. However, in cases of stubborn build up, you will want to use as mild a detergent as will get the job done. Using anything more harsh can damage the finish, detracting from the beauty of your umbrella.

If you are having trouble raising or lowering your umbrella, do not force it. Instead slowly raise it or lower it until there is resistance and investigate the obstruction closely, so it can be dealt with. Note that there is a “deadlock” mechanism on most umbrellas that keeps them from blowing “inside out” during strong wind gust. This mechanism can sometimes be activated and stuck, keeping the umbrella from being raised and lowered easily. You simply need to release the deadlock in order to resume smooth operation of the mechanics.

It is easy to just take your patio umbrella for granted, but using the few precautionary methods will prolong the life and beauty of your umbrella and your entire patio as a whole.