Care & Maintenance
Caring for and cleaning your umbrella is a simple process and will keep the
umbrella looking like new throughout the years.
The canopy and wooden frame both need routine attention.
Canopy:
Cleaning Frequency: No set
timetable exists for when fabric should be cleaned, and the local environment
has a great deal to do with determining cleaning frequency. Cleaning is
required less frequently in a dry environment than in a humid one with heavy
foliage. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every one to
two years.
Simple Maintenance: One of the
best ways to keep the canvas looking fresh and to delay the need for deep
cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This
practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabric and
eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings.
Deep Cleaning: When it's time for
a thorough cleaning, it is important to observe the following:
- Always use a mild soap i.e.
Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite. Never detergent.
- Water should be cold to
lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees.
- Air dry only. Never apply
heat to the fabrics.
If you are cleaning the fabric while still on the umbrella,
follow these simple steps:
- Brush off loose dirt.
- Hose down.
- Prepare a cleaning mixture of
water and mild soap (no detergents).
- Use a soft bristle brush to
clean.
- Allow soap to soak in.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry.
Stubborn Stains: If stubborn stains persist, you can use a
diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off
or other similar stains. Prepare a special cleaning mixture:
- Four ounces (half cup) of
chlorine bleach.
- Two ounces (one-fourth cup)
of mild soap.
- One gallon of water.
- Clean with soft bristle
brush.
- Allow mixture to soak for up
to 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry.
- Repeat if necessary.
Re-treating the Fabric: As part of
the finishing process, the fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish,
which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several
years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test
results, we recommend 303 High Tech Fabric Guard as the preferred re-treatment
product for these fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning
or after five years of use.
Frame:
The frame has five main components:
Vertical pole with metal protective sleeve at bottom.
Runner hub - moves up and down the vertical pole and holds together the
lower support ribs.
Top fixed hub - holds together the long ribs that support the canopy
Ribs of various lengths connected to these hubs
Finial - the acorn-shaped crown that screw into the top of the umbrella
Each part should be wiped as needed
with a clean damp cloth or, if more dirt has accumulated, cleaned with mild
soapy water, and then dried off with a clean cloth. We don't recommend the use
of any harsh or abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the finish of your
umbrella frame. If you clean routinely, nothing more than mild soapy water will
be necessary.
Any accidental scrapes or scratches on the wooden pole may be touched up with
a matching wood stain and covered with marine spar varnish.
Storage:
Taking extra care to store your umbrella properly will ensure longer life and
keep your umbrella looking its best. If you are storing away for the off-season
it is always recommended to clean the umbrella canopy according to the
guidelines. Always make sure the fabric
is completely dry before storing and fold carefully to avoid wrinkling the
fabric. Protect it with a cover and lay on a hard, flat surface in a
well-ventilated location. Be sure not to load heavy objects on top of it
A protective cover for the umbrella
will prolong the life of your umbrella and keep it clean a longer period of
time. See Protective
covers.
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