How to Guide: How to Clean Your Garden Parasol

A guide to cleaning your garden parasol

Spending the day cleaning the home isn't exactly the most exciting way to spend a weekend. Of course, you've then got to head into the garden! It can be a real trial to figure out the best methods. However, we've put together this quick and easy guide so that cleaning your garden parasol or umbrella can be as simple as possible. Looking after your garden furniture is very important as they are constantly exposed to the elements. No doubt, you've seen that dreaded mould or mildew from time to time... don't let your garden be a victim! Bear in mind, this particular 'how to guide' is focused on the fabric parasol part of your garden umbrella. We'll soon be posting a guide to cleaning the structure of an umbrella and other garden furniture.

How often you need to clean

Once spring is in full swing and your umbrella is in use, you should be aiming to clean it at least once a month. Although, if it's placed near tall trees or bushes, the umbrella is likely to need cleaning a bit more often!

What you'll need:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• Bucket of lukewarm water
• Soft bristle brush
• Garden hose or refillable bucket

1. Move parasol to shaded area

If you're tackling this on a sunny day, it's important to keep your parasol shaded. The heat from the sun can cause the soap to dry up quickly before it's had a chance to work its magic! Remove the parasol from its stem or from the entire frame if possible. If not, just take the umbrella in its whole form to a more suitable area that isn't in direct sunlight.

2. Remove dirt and dust

Now, you should use the vacuum cleaner or clean soft brush to get rid of any surface dirt and dust. Don't rub too hard with the brush as this can force the dirt to stick into the fabric even more.

3. Lather up

It's time to get the soap out! We've recommended that you use laundry detergent. However, dish soap can work too. Laundry detergent is best as it doesn't produce as many bubbles and it's tougher on stains. Mix the detergent into the bucket of lukewarm water - about 1/4 cup to a gallon is the right measurement. Use the soft brush to work the soapy water into the parasol. Areas with stains may require more elbow grease!

4. Let it soak

Now, it's time to be patient. Leave the umbrella for 20 minutes to soak. It'll be more effective than washing it off straight away.

5. Time to rinse

Okay, once the twenty minutes is up, you can get to work again. Get the hose ready and rinse all the soap away as thoroughly as possible. Alternatively, you could use a bucket of water to rinse but it may take a little longer to keep filling up.

6. Allow parasol to dry

You can now move the parasol back to where it was originally stood, or the sunniest spot in the garden. Being in contact with direct sunlight will allow the umbrella to dry a lot quicker! Make sure you don't close the parasol down until its completley dry. Of course, this guide is for general maintenance and cleaning of a garden parasol. For more detailed information on removing mildew from the fabric, keep your eyes peeled for our future blog posts.