GardenForever.com - Umbrella Covers

If you own a patio umbrella, you probably know that your beautiful property is constantly exposed to the elements. High winds, bad weather, excessive sun, mildew, and pests can all cause slow, persistent damage to a beautiful piece, often resulting in needing to buy a replacement canvas or sometimes even needing to replace the entire apparatus altogether. Use these tips to both prevent damage and to extend the life of your umbrella:

• Remove the Umbrella During Bad Weather: This may sound obvious, but it’s important to close and store away your umbrella during foul weather such as heavy rains or high winds. There is one real use for a patio umbrella: Cover guests and shield them from the sun. The apparatus is not designed to protect outdoor furniture from rain or to withstand incredibly excessive winds. At the first signs of bad weather, close your umbrella and fasten it down completely into a deadlock position. If you have patio umbrella covers, now would be the time to use them. Also, during instances of foul weather, always ensure that your umbrella is properly fastened to a heavy base — if it’s not, storage may be the best option. In times of high winds, storage is probably a good idea regardless.

• Clean Your Umbrella Before Long-term Storage: Always keep in mind the fabric when attempting to wash canvas. Sunbrella canvas, which is a high-quality product, should be gently brushed and then washed with warm water and mild soap. It’s important to test-clean an area first if you don’t have the manufacturer’s instructions for your market umbrella. Cover a small area with your solution, and wait to see if any spotting or color change has occurred. Also, be sure that your umbrella completely air dries before storing it or placing it within a market umbrella cover. Also, you can gently wash the frame of the umbrella. Wooden frames may require polish or wax.

• Routinely Inspect Your Umbrella: It’s alright if you find yourself frequently opening and closing your umbrella. Closing it when you’re not using it means that your umbrella will fade less from the sun, and it’s important to occasionally check to ensure that hives and nests have not been gathering inside as a result of our natural neighbors. If you do see a nest, be sure that someone who’s not allergic to stings removes it quickly and safely.

• Store Your Umbrella Safely: Using patio umbrella covers extends the life of umbrellas. It’s important to not let mold or mildew get to it, so be sure that your umbrella has been completely washed and completely dried before storage. The long-term storage area should not have any persistent moisture. Also, it’s a good idea to store the umbrella upright and with a market umbrella cover so that pest or rodents cannot get into it in the winter months.

MJJ Sales provides high-quality, affordable market umbrellas and accessories. If you want to extend the life of your patio or market umbrella, purchase a patio umbrella cover today!