Congratulations! You made the smart decision to furnish your outdoor venue with commercial patio umbrellas rather than consumer-grade alternatives that are prone to breaks and tears. Commercial-grade umbrellas throw shade at residential umbrellas because they are made with higher quality components and marine-grade materials that stand up to continual exposure to harsh outdoor elements. With more durable construction, weather-resistant materials and better design features, your commercial patio umbrellas will last far longer than any consumer umbrellas.
If you want to further extend the life of your commercial patio umbrellas, we have some best practices you can employ throughout the season. These maintenance tips don’t take a lot of time or effort, but they will ensure you get the most out of your umbrella investment.
TIP #1: PERFORM ROUTINE CLEANING
Outdoor umbrellas are continually exposed to dirt, saltwater, chlorine and other debris, whether they are located poolside, on a patio or on the beach. To keep your commercial umbrellas looking clean and appealing to guests, follow these regular cleaning practices:
Umbrella Canopy
Clean the fabric or fiberglass canopy once a month with water using a low-pressure hose to remove dirt and debris. For more stubborn dirt like unsightly bird droppings, use mild soap, warm water and a soft brush or cloth to remove the residue. Allow the fabric to dry completely before closing or storing it to help prevent mildew and fabric breakdown. It is recommended to do a more thorough washing with soap every other year – in addition to monthly hose-downs – to keep the canopy looking stellar.
Umbrella Base and Mount
As with the canopy, your umbrella base and mounting equipment also get dirt buildup. Hose down or wipe down these parts with warm water and mild detergent to remove dirt from the joints, ribs and crevices. Manufacturers suggest cleaning the umbrella base and mount more regularly than the canopy material by making it a weekly routine. Again, air dry or wipe dry the base and mount before storing them away.
TIP #2: CONDUCT REGULAR MAINTENANCE CHECKS
While commercial outdoor umbrellas feature durable materials and quality craftsmanship, high winds and constant raising and lowering of the canopy may cause unexpected issues like loose hardware or worn parts. Additionally, check the umbrella base to make sure it is stable and properly weighted to avoid wobbling or tipping.
It’s good practice to check all the components of your umbrellas when you bring them out at the start of the summer season or, if you use them year-round, check them annually. Lastly, when your umbrellas are not in use, close and secure them to reduce any chance of damage or strain.
TIP #3: PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT UMBRELLAS
When you’re closing up your outdoor area for the winter, clean your umbrella canopies, bases and mounts before storing them away. Follow the steps outlined above, making sure both the fabric and the frame are completely dried. Find a dry, ventilated location like a garage or shed to store your umbrellas during extended downtime or severe weather.
Umbrella covers can offer further protection from UV exposure, dust and moisture, especially if you store them outside. While some commercial umbrellas include a fitted cover, you can also buy canopy covers separately that fit your umbrella’s specifications. Breathable covers are a good choice as they allow some air to get through and help reduce any trapped moisture.
A LITTLE TLC CAN GO A LONG WAY WITH COMMERCIAL UMBRELLAS
Commercial outdoor patio umbrellas provide essential protection and shade for guests. Now it’s time to protect your umbrellas by properly cleaning, maintaining and storing them to keep them working well and looking great. To recap, here are ways to regularly maintain your umbrellas:
If you found these tips to be helpful in maintaining your patio umbrellas, please check out our blog onhow to winterize and extend the life of your other outdoor pool furniture. Pool Furniture Supply is your go-to source for commercial outdoor pool furnishings. If you have further umbrella maintenance questions or want help choosing the best outdoor pool furniture for your space, just give us a call at 877-646-6320.
Leave your comment