Keeping your outdoor umbrella clean is important for making it last and function properly. Outdoor umbrellas are exposed to the elements like sun, wind, rain, pollen, dirt, and more. Over time, these can cause stains, mildew, and wear and tear. With regular care and cleaning, you can keep your outdoor umbrella looking fresh and new. Follow this guide to learn how to clean an outdoor umbrella properly.
Supplies Needed
Cleaning your outdoor umbrella doesn’t require many supplies. Here are the basic items you’ll need:
- Mild detergent or soap. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Soft bristle scrub brush.
- Garden hose.
- Clean cloths or sponges. Microfiber cloths work well.
- Eyeglass cleaner (optional). For cleaning fabric.
- Umbrella repair kit. For fixing any tears or holes.
Make sure you read the care instructions for your specific umbrella fabric before cleaning. Some may require specialty cleaners. It’s also a good idea to spot test cleaners on a small hidden area first before applying to the entire umbrella.
Cleaning the Umbrella Fabric
The umbrella fabric is the largest surface area to clean. How you clean it depends on the material:
Polyester and Olefin Fabrics
These synthetic fabrics are durable and resist stains. Here’s how to clean them:
- Rinse the fabric well with a garden hose. This removes loose dirt and debris.
- Mix mild detergent with warm water in a bucket. Use a soft bristle scrub brush and gently scrub stains on the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue.
- Allow to fully air dry before closing the umbrella.
For tougher stains, spot treat with a fabric-safe stain remover before laundering. Bleach can also be used on white umbrellas to remove mold or mildew stains.
Acrylic Fabrics
Acrylic fabrics are prone to mildew and sun damage. Follow these steps to clean them:
- Rinse well with a garden hose.
- Fill a bucket with cool water and add a capful of mild laundry detergent. Place the umbrella canopy in the water and allow it to soak for 15 minutes.
- Gently scrub the fabric in the soapy water using a soft brush. Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Allow to fully air dry.
Do not use bleach or other harsh chemicals on acrylic fabrics. For sun-damaged areas, spot treat with an eyeglass cleaner which helps remove hazy films.
Cotton and Canvas Fabrics
Cotton and canvas are natural fabrics that can mold if not dried properly. Clean them as follows:
- Rinse well with a garden hose then allow to fully dry in the sun.
- If stains remain, make a cleaning solution of 2 tablespoons mild detergent per 1 quart of warm water. Use a sponge or soft brush to spot clean stains.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to fully dry before closing.
Bleach can be used sparingly on white cotton umbrellas to remove stubborn stains and mildew. Be sure to rinse well after use.
Cleaning the Umbrella Frame and Ribs
The umbrella frame and ribs support the canopy. Follow these tips to clean them:
- Rinse away dirt, dust and debris with a garden hose. Pay special attention to crevices.
- Use a soft bristle scrub brush and mild soap solution to scrub stains on the ribs and frame.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
- Lubricate the pulley mechanism with silicone spray so the umbrella opens and closes smoothly.
- Use lemon oil or mineral oil on wood frames to condition the wood and prevent drying out.
- Touch up chips or scratches on aluminum frames with matching paint.
- Tighten any loose screws or fasteners on the frame using the appropriate sized Allen wrench or screwdriver.
Avoid harsh cleaners like solvents, scouring powders and abrasive brushes as these can damage the frame finish.
Cleaning the Umbrella Base
The umbrella base anchors the umbrella in place. Follow these tips to clean it:
For concrete bases:
- Use a garden hose to rinse away dirt and debris.
- Scrub stains with a stiff bristle brush and concrete paver cleaner.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
For plastic/resin bases:
- Wipe down with a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water.
- For tougher stains, use a soft bristle brush and baking soda paste.
- Rinse with clean water and dry.
For metal bases:
- Remove rust spots with naval jelly rust remover and a soft brush or sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
- Apply touch up paint if needed.
Regularly check the base for cracks or damage to ensure stability. Shims can help level out bases on uneven surfaces.
Umbrella Maintenance and Repairs
Proper maintenance and minor repairs can extend the life your umbrella:
- Use a sealant like Thompson’s Water Seal on wood frames to protect from moisture and UV rays. Reapply annually.
- Repair small tears in fabric by applying a special umbrella repair glue or patch kit on the inside of holes.
- Replace broken or cracked ribs as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
- Lubricate pulleys, cords and slider mechanisms regularly with silicone spray.
- Remove patio umbrellas during windy conditions and winter months. Store them upright and out of the sun.
- Consider investing in an umbrella cover for added protection when not in use.
Know when it’s time to replace a damaged umbrella. If the frame is bent, fabric is completely torn or mechanisms are broken beyond repair, a new umbrella is the practical option.
Storing the Umbrella in Winter
Storing your outdoor umbrella properly in the winter months will help protect it:
- Allow the umbrella to fully dry upside down before storing for winter.
- Close the umbrella and secure all flaps, ties and cords.
- Cover the umbrella with a snug fitting sleeve or plastic bag.
- Store upside down on the ground in a dry, sheltered area like a shed or garage. Keep air circulating around the umbrella.
- Alternatively, leave the umbrella on its base and cover securely with a waterproof umbrella cover. Weigh down the cover.
- Avoid storing the umbrella upright or letting snow and moisture collect on the cover.
With proper winter storage, your umbrella will be ready for another season of use when spring arrives!
FAQs About Cleaning Outdoor Umbrellas
How often should you deep clean an outdoor umbrella?
Outdoor umbrellas should be deep cleaned at least twice a year – in the spring before using for the season and in the fall before winter storage. Clean more frequently if the umbrella is used often or gets dirty easily.
What is the best way to get bird droppings off an umbrella?
Use a soft bristle brush and mild soap solution to gently scrub off fresh droppings. For dried on stains, soak in warm water to loosen, then scrub with an enzyme cleaner made for bird waste. Rinse thoroughly.
How can you remove mold and mildew from an outdoor umbrella?
Mix one part bleach to four parts water. Use a sponge or soft brush to gently scrub mildew stains. Allow the solution to sit briefly before rinsing – this gives the bleach time to kill the mold and mildew.
What is the easiest way to dust off a patio umbrella?
Use a leaf blower on low speed to blow off loose dirt and debris from the umbrella canopy and ribs. Just be cautious not to damage delicate fabrics. Wipe down with a microfiber cloth after blowing.
How do you get grease stains off a sunbrella umbrella?
Dish soap is very effective at cutting through grease on Sunbrella fabrics. Gently scrub stains with warm, soapy water using a soft bristle brush. For more stubborn stains, apply some Dawn dish soap directly to the stain before scrubbing.
Keeping Your Umbrella Looking New
Cleaning your outdoor umbrella doesn’t need to be a daunting chore. With some basic cleaning tips and the proper care, you can keep your umbrella looking fresh and vibrant for many years of use. Be sure to clean the umbrella canopy, frame and base thoroughly at least twice a year. Proper winter storage will also go a long way towards extending its life. Our guide will help you easily clean your outdoor umbrella and make it look like new again.