You need to clean your outdoor umbrella

Spending time outdoors during the summer can be difficult. On the one hand, it’s warm enough to finally get out. But on the other hand, we know that prolonged exposure to sunlight is not good for our skin. And you may remember to take all the proper precautions, such as sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, but when you leave the house, when you’re in your backyard, the sun. You may not care too much.

That’s why patio umbrellas are especially useful. Even if you don’t have a tree big enough to provide a decent shade, you will always have some kind of shield from the sun.

However, because these umbrellas are outdoors, they tend to be quite dirty, from leaf and lawn debris to bird droppings and sap. If you keep it indoors throughout the winter and take it outdoors for the first time this season, it may still be dusty. Here’s how to clean your outdoor umbrella: Keep it in good condition throughout the summer.

How to clean an outdoor umbrella

The effort required to clean an outdoor umbrella varies greatly. The material from which it is made, Cotton requires the most maintenance, then polyester, and finally Sunbrella, a durable acrylic performance fabric used to make many of the new models.However, regardless of the material, it is advisable to read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before starting.In case the umbrella needs special attention.

Generally speaking, here’s how to clean an outdoor umbrella: Consumer Reports Expert:

Brush with a dry brush

Start by using a soft brush to remove small pieces of the canopy (cloth) of the umbrella, such as mud, leaves, and lumps of twigs. After it rains, it is advisable to do this on a regular basis to prevent dirt and other debris from getting stuck or solidifying in the cloth.

Wash the canopy

Check the umbrella tag to see if the canopy is machine washable, and if so, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you can put it in the machine but do not know the specific direction, wash it with cold water using normal detergent and the machine’s tarpaulin settings (if any). If not, select the normal settings.

Machine washable (and / or cannot be removed from them) canopy The frame) can be washed with a solution of ¼ cup of mild laundry detergent (such as Woolite) mixed with 1 gallon of warm water. Gently rub it on the cloth of the umbrella with a soft brush, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water from a hose or bucket.

No matter how you wash the fabric of your umbrella, it will dry outdoors. Ideally, it’s a place with a nice breeze in the sun.

Wash the pole

The pole of the outdoor umbrella also gets dirty. Wipe the aluminum poles with a damp cloth and combine warm water with dishwashing liquid to wash away stickiness and dirt. You need to use a brush instead of a rag, but you can use the same solution to clean the wooden umbrella stick.