How to Care for Your Umbrella

Ever wondered what the best ways to care for your umbrellas are? We did, so we've researched the topic extensively on your behalf and here’s what we've come up with.

Our exhaustive research has highlighted five main areas to be concerned with, in no particular order these are:

Drying

Perhaps the most obvious one, always allow your umbrella to fully dry before storing it. If you fold it while it is still wet, mildew can form causing staining and odour, yuk. Whilst umbrella frames are plated to make them rust resistant, they are susceptible to rust if left closed while wet for more than 24 hours. Rusting frames will also mark the fabric of the canopy. Store the umbrella in a garage or basement over night for proper drying. Otherwise, leave it open and propped on one side. Inadequate drying is the main cause of defective umbrellas.

Cleaning

Clean your umbrella according to the care instructions provided on the label or packaging. Otherwise, simply spot clean with a wash cloth and warm water. Do not use detergents to clean the fabric they can damage the waterproofing coating within the fabric. Cleaners can also cause discolouring.

Fit For Purpose

Remember that a rain umbrella is not a beach umbrella. Umbrellas designed for use in the rain are likely to sustain damage after prolonged use in the sun. Also a Sun Parasol is not waterproof and getting it wet is likely to stain the cotton fabric. Also take care when opening automatic umbrellas as they can pop open with a sudden movement catching you (and perhaps other around you) off-guard.

Wind Damage

Use care during particularly windy weather conditions. A strong gust of wind can be damaging to an umbrella if it catches the umbrella and forces it to bend in the opposite direction. To reduce this risk, carry your umbrella facing into the wind. If it does blow inside out, turn into the wind and release the catch in the normal way. If it is a “windproof” umbrella follow the instructions provided with the umbrella to reset it.

Folding

Follow the natural creases of the umbrella when folding it. While your temptation may be to crumple the umbrella into a storable manner as quickly as possible, it is best to return the umbrella to its original position. Proper storing will prevent any bending of the spokes or awkward creasing in the fabric.

There you go, easy peasy.