How to Store Patio Umbrellas

Patio umbrellas create a small oasis of shade during sunny months. But when the sun hides and nasty weather invades, what will you do with an 8-foot-long umbrella?


Leaving it outside in the weather is not a good idea. Even a weatherproofed umbrella will wear out more quickly when exposed year-round to sun, wind, rain, or snow. If you wish to preserve the appearance and usefulness of your purchase, follow these steps for storing yours at the end of the season.


1. Cleaning Patio Umbrellas


End-of-season cleaning will be easier if you perform maintenance cleaning throughout the months you use your umbrella. Instead of allowing stains to set it, clean spills immediately. Wipe away dirt as soon as you notice it accumulating. Keeping up with cleaning will make your job easier when you prepare the umbrella for storage.


To clean your umbrella for storage, first hose it down. Next, use a rag and soapy water to remove all soils. Hose it down again to remove the soap. Allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Wipe all metal parts dry. Ensure that any wood parts have also dried completely. Otherwise, the dampness could foster mildew.


2. Folding and Covering Patio Umbrellas


When the umbrella has dried fully, fold it up. Check that parts are locked into place. Your umbrella may have come with fabric ties to hold the canopy in place during storage. If not, you could use lengths of rope or string to secure the canopy. Overlap one fold of the canopy over the next, all the way around; fasten the ties to hold the folds in place.


To protect it from dust and insects while in storage, you may cover your umbrella with a number of different materials. Some stores sell polyester or vinyl covers designed specifically for patio umbrellas. However, you could easily use a garbage bag, old bed sheet, blanket, or other item you already own. Cover or wrap the umbrella.


3. Storing Patio Umbrellas


After cleaning, folding, and covering it, place the umbrella in a sheltered area, such as a garage or shed. If you don't have a garage or shed, store it in the best place to keep it out of the elements. Perhaps you could store it in your attic, the corner of your laundry room, or in the back of a coat closet. A location away from moisture and sunlight should preserve the umbrella longer.


You will want to avoid storing it on a shelf. Laying patio umbrellas down can lead to warping of the frame. Be sure to store yours upright to avoid this possibility. You could prop it against a wall, hang it from the ceiling, stick it in a can, or move your weighted base inside during the winter.


If you have invested in an umbrella, make it last. Keep it clean and store it dry whenever you're not using it. Then it will be ready to use when the sun comes out again.

About the Author


Rachel Dawson is a freelance writer who enjoys a good book in her own patio chair. She writes about
outdoor furniture
and
accessories
.

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Patio Umbrella Off Q&A

Is there ANY way to legally get a clinically crazy neighbor to move? I am really afraid for our safety.?

My entire street is at their wit's end. We have a woman who moved in after we all did who is making this neighborhood hell to live in. She is literally delusional, accusing all of us of absolutely insane things - mostly over her paranoia about "her property". Last night, I let the riding mower stray over on her property, and she came charging out, screaming at me to stay on my own side of the property line, accusing me of breaking her son's things, and saying she has surveillance video of me stealing her plants in the middle of the night.
Need I say, ah, that's not true? She's called police because "someone is coming over and breakign up the flagstones on her patio" "somebody came over, took out her patio umbrella and swung it up against the house" (after a wind storm) "your dogs attacked my cat, and you stood there and watched it." She's tried to run people off the road, and has gone to the school to complain about the neighbor's kids being neglected. please help

If you are scared for your safety then you should move. Trying to force her to move you get you sued for harassment or arrested under the hate crime act (clinically insane are a protected group)

Need someone with experience on repainting a 15yo wrought iron patio set that is rusty?

Essentially I bought a patio set from soneone that is around 15 yo. It was taken car of quite well and no metal is bent but it is rusting underneath the table ledge and the umbrella hole. The black paint looks dull and sunbleached as well. I don't believe it's ever been refinished. I want to remove all the rust and repaint the entire thing. I want to know details in the steps required. I was told by many people to use Naval Jelly or a rust converter to remove the rust. That is easier then sanding because you can get into all the corners. I want to use a rustoleum black glass paint. Do I have to sand all the paint off to bare metal? I want to use a roller on the table should I use a foam roler? Is Spray the paint better? Also I want to do the chairs but how will I get the paint off all those little corners and rods? Should I use a stripper? I heard strippers are messy? Should I prime as well? What applicator should I use for the chairs considering how detailed they are?

I have had this same situation. I found someone that could 'sand blast' the set... it sands off all the rust and old paint... you pay a little to have it done, but in the long run, you will be much happier with how it turns out!

I got the rustoleum paint (white tho) and sprayed on the paint... it takes a few light coats if you go with the spray.

if you use paint on paint instead, I would use a foam brush or roller. you can use a regular brush to get in all the corners. the spray paint will get in all the bits and corners and such better tho... you COULD use some of each... using the spray for the tough areas and finishing up the bigger areas with your brush/roller.

I would stay away from the stripping agents, as it is a horrible mess (been there done that too!)