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Patio Umbrella - Vinyl and canvas umbrellas are best cleaned with a sponge and mild detergent. The detergent can be anything such as liquid dishwashing soap or a liquid car washing solution. Let the soapy solution work for several minutes before hosing off the umbrella. It’s best to do this in the shade so sunshine doesn’t dry out the soapy solution. Rinse completely, then leave the umbrella open to dry. If a deep cleaning becomes necessary, use a long-handled brush made of soft nylon to work the soapy solution into the umbrella.
Close the umbrella during stormy or windy weather. Once the skies clear, re-open and rinse the umbrella to clear out any debris in the folds. Apply automotive exterior vinyl protectant to help repel dirt from vinyl umbrellas.
Patio umbrellas should be cleaned and dried completely before they’re taken down and stored for the winter.
Personal Umbrella
Mud spatters are most easily removed with a garden hose with the umbrella fully opened. Leave wet umbrellas open until completely dry to prevent rust formation on the metal frame. Shake excess water off the exterior surface by opening and closing the umbrella quickly several times.
Sponge on a solution of hand dishwashing liquid and water, then let it work for a few minutes to clean more stubborn dirt. Avoid the use of solvent-based spot cleaners, which can weaken glue and moisture repellant chemicals used in most umbrellas.
References:
Consumer Reports editors, How to Clean and Care for Practically Anything
Jeff Bredenberg, editor, Clean It Fast, Clean It Right: The Ultimate Guide to Making Everything You Own Sparkle & Shine
Don Aslett in The Cleaning Encyclopedia: Your A to Z Illustrated Guide to Cleaning Like the Pros
