How to Maintain an Umbrella
A quality umbrella that is maintained properly can last for several years. Outdoor umbrellas are exposed to the elements, so it's important to minimize any damage that may occur. The better you take care of your umbrella, the better it will be able to protect you and your family when you need it.
Things You'll Need:
Cover or tarp for storage
Mild detergent
Hose
Step
1
Keep the umbrella closed in its stand when you aren't using it. This will protect it from mild
weather
and expose less of its surface area to falling matter such as pollen and bird droppings.
Step
2
Take your umbrella down if you expect a severe storm or high winds. While good umbrellas can stand up to harsh weather, you shouldn't test it if you don't have to. If you know that a big storm is on the horizon, stow your umbrella and the rest of your lawn furniture in a garage or carport.
Step
3
Let the umbrella dry fully open if it becomes damp. Wait until it's throughly dry before you collapse it again.
Step
4
Spot treat any severe stains immediately. Even stain-resistant fabric can be damaged by berries and other falling objects. Gently scrub the affected area with mild detergent and warm water to get the stain out.
Step
5
Wash the umbrella down as needed or at least before you stow it for the winter. The umbrella should be hosed down, gently scrubbed in its entirety and then rinsed. Let the umbrella completely dry in the sun before you put it away for the season.
Step
6
Maintain the frame and shaft of the umbrella by wiping it down with a damp cloth periodically.
Tips & Warnings
Store the umbrella in a cover or wrap it in a tarp to keep dirt and insects off it over the winter.
Store the umbrella lying down on a flat surface rather than standing it up where it can be easily knocked over. Don't put anything on top of the umbrella.
Straighten all of the fabric in the umbrella before you store it to maintain a wrinkle-free appearance.
If you have an old umbrella with a wooden frame that has been weathered, you can make it look as good as new by re-staining it and applying a protective varnish coat.
Maintain removable canopies by tossing them in the laundry on occasion. Use a commercial washing machine on the gentle cycle for best results.
If you put away a damp umbrella at the end of the season, you will surely be greeted with mold and mildew when you bring it out again.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2119815_maintain-umbrella.html
A quality umbrella that is maintained properly can last for several years. Outdoor umbrellas are exposed to the elements, so it's important to minimize any damage that may occur. The better you take care of your umbrella, the better it will be able to protect you and your family when you need it.
Things You'll Need:
Cover or tarp for storage
Mild detergent
Hose
Step
1
Keep the umbrella closed in its stand when you aren't using it. This will protect it from mild
weather
and expose less of its surface area to falling matter such as pollen and bird droppings.
Step
2
Take your umbrella down if you expect a severe storm or high winds. While good umbrellas can stand up to harsh weather, you shouldn't test it if you don't have to. If you know that a big storm is on the horizon, stow your umbrella and the rest of your lawn furniture in a garage or carport.
Step
3
Let the umbrella dry fully open if it becomes damp. Wait until it's throughly dry before you collapse it again.
Step
4
Spot treat any severe stains immediately. Even stain-resistant fabric can be damaged by berries and other falling objects. Gently scrub the affected area with mild detergent and warm water to get the stain out.
Step
5
Wash the umbrella down as needed or at least before you stow it for the winter. The umbrella should be hosed down, gently scrubbed in its entirety and then rinsed. Let the umbrella completely dry in the sun before you put it away for the season.
Step
6
Maintain the frame and shaft of the umbrella by wiping it down with a damp cloth periodically.
Tips & Warnings
Store the umbrella in a cover or wrap it in a tarp to keep dirt and insects off it over the winter.
Store the umbrella lying down on a flat surface rather than standing it up where it can be easily knocked over. Don't put anything on top of the umbrella.
Straighten all of the fabric in the umbrella before you store it to maintain a wrinkle-free appearance.
If you have an old umbrella with a wooden frame that has been weathered, you can make it look as good as new by re-staining it and applying a protective varnish coat.
Maintain removable canopies by tossing them in the laundry on occasion. Use a commercial washing machine on the gentle cycle for best results.
If you put away a damp umbrella at the end of the season, you will surely be greeted with mold and mildew when you bring it out again.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2119815_maintain-umbrella.html
