In this article you will understand the regular practices and habits you can form, how to deal with particular stains and what not to do with your umbrella.
Regular Practices
We recommend leaving the canopy closed when not in use. Each panel needs to be pulled out and wrapped tightly with a belt around the runner, and another belt needs to hold the closed canopy tightly to the main mast. The umbrella should be locked in place so it cannot swivel, and an acrylic cover is best used to protect the investment.
Removing leaves, webbing, loose dirt and light stains is certainly something you will need to deal with during the lifetime of your umbrella. Dealing with these regularly keeps them from becoming an issue in the medium to long-term and is significantly easier to deal with immediately rather than delaying cleaning.
The fabric manufacturers recommend following this process for removing loose dirt:
Prepare a mixture of cold to lukewarm water and mild soap. Rub into mixture with a soft brush and allow the mixture to thoroughly soak into the fabric. Rinse well with water and air dry.
Removing Stubborn Stains
The following table is our supplier's recommendation for removing a whole host of different stains whilst best looking after the fabric.
|
Stains |
Solutions |
|
Bird droppings, tomato sauce, cola, egg, grape juice, milk mustard, orange drink, tea |
60ml liquid detergent, 4L water |
|
Beer, urine, vomit, watercolour |
60ml liquid detergent, 90 white vinegar, 4L water |
|
Berry, blood (dried), chocolate |
60ml liquid detergent, 120-235ml ammonia, 4L water |
|
Wine |
60ml liquid detergent, 120-235ml ammonia, 90ml white vinegar, 4L water |
|
Butter, car grease, chewing gum, nail polish, oil |
Volatile solvent (acetone) 100% |
|
Crayon, lipstick, paint |
Paint remover 100%, oil or grease remover (follow mixing instructions) |
|
Coffee |
Detergent, white vinegar, volatile solvent (acetone), water |
|
Ink |
Paint remover 100%, volatile solvent (acetone), soap, water |
|
Mascara |
1 cup bleach, 60ml liquid detergent, 4L water |
|
Iron rust |
Oxalic or citrus acids, water |
|
Mildew |
1 cup bleach, 60ml liquid detergent, 4L water |
|
Shoe polish |
Volatile solvent (acetone), apply heated iron over towel |
|
Sunscreen |
Pine oil detergent, water (follow mixing instructions) |
|
Tree sap |
Turpentine 100%, 60ml liquid detergent, 4L water |
|
Charcoal, pencil marks |
Vacuum, then 60ml liquid detergent, 4L water |
What You Should Not Do
The first (and likely the most counterintuitive) thing to note you should definitely avoid doing is taking a pressure cleaner to your canopy to remove dirt and stains. This will break down the dirt etc. for sure, but it can also damage your canopy.
Removing your canopy from the frame to clean it is a good idea if you are confident in your ability to put it back on (more information below). We do not recommend dry cleaning, steaming or using a dryer on the canopy.
Is Your Canopy Damaged?
If you believe your canopy is damaged beyond a maintenance issue, you might need to consider a new canopy or umbrella. We have written another blog where we help in making that determination. Feel free to check that out here.
Fortunately, we do offer canopy replacements and servicing to Revolvashade customers. You can enquire about this service here or give us a call. We would love to help you if we can!
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