Maintaining, Protecting and Storing your umbrella: The best advice for protecting your outdoor umbrella is to store it in an umbrella cover away from your patio area when not in use. If you suspect any bad weather, it is recommend closing and storing your umbrella away and if possible, indoors.

General Cleaning of Umbrellas: Cleaning your umbrella is an easy process and can help keep it beautiful for years to come. The basic components and care is comprised of the following:

Umbrella Frames: Cleaning methods are basically the same for all types of patio umbrella frames. Rinse the umbrella with a hose and use a damp cloth to wipe down the frame, hub, rib arms, (top crown) and fittings. You can use a mild cleaning agent for tough soiled areas. If it is in an umbrella stand or base, remove the umbrella and drain the water out of the base tube to prevent rust and or rotting of the frame.

Maintaining and cleaning your umbrella fabrics:

Vinyl: Simply hose the material down with fresh water and wipe with a damp cloth. Warm soapy water with a very mild detergent can be used; however, it is recommended you perform a test cleaning in a small inconspicuous area of the umbrella fabric before continuing with the job. Vinyl material is prone to fading and could be easily damaged by using a strong detergent.

Sunbrella: For this fabric you can perform the same process as above or use a large washing machine with cold water, no detergent, on gentle cycle, as long as the fabric is in good condition. Once the cycle is completed, place the cover back on frame in a damp condition (do not use the dryer) and let open, extend the umbrella rib arms into the full open position until completely dry. There are also umbrella fabric cleaners made with Sunbrella endorsements that are available to help with extremely soiled areas.

Outdura: Outdura™ fabric should be cleaned regularly to prevent excessive dirt from accumulating. Simply brush off any loose dirt and rinse with lukewarm water. To clean, use a solution of lukewarm water (not exceeding 100° F) and a mild natural soap such as Lux™ or Ivory™. Rinse thoroughly to remove excess soap. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS.

Recacril:

The most effective method for maintaining RECacril® is to clean the canvas once a month with water using a low pressure hose, thereby reducing dirt accumulation. It is very important that after cleaning with water, the canvas be allowed to completely dry before rolling back a retractable awning. When it rains, you can leave the awning open if the frame and pitch allows, since the rain helps wash away dirt. If for any reason you have to roll the wet awning, it must be unrolled as soon as possible to let it dry. In times of continuous rains it is advisable to keep the awnings rolled up. If periodic washing with water is done, in most environments, you should only need to do a more thorough cleaning every 2 or 3 years.


Outdura


Is Outdura fabric waterproof?
Outdura™ is not waterproof; it is water-repellant. During the finishing process, a water-repellant finish is applied to the fabric. Normal wear and usage, as well as cleaning of the fabric, will reduce the effectiveness of this finish. If water-repellency becomes a factor after repeated normal use and cleaning, a specialty product may be used to retreat your Outdura™ fabric. Water-repellency treatments are available for purchase at local awning and marine shops.

Do Outdura fabrics provide UV protection?
Yes. Depending on color, Outdura™ fabrics have been tested and proven to provide up to 98% UV protection from the harmful effects of the sun. Due to depth of color, darker fabrics may afford more protection than lighter fabrics. This protection is built into the fabric, and will not lessen with usage and/or exposure of the fabric to sun.

Will Outdura fabric Mildew?
If kept clean, Outdura™ fabrics will not mildew. Based on the characteristics of acrylic fiber, the weave will not support the growth of mildew, whereas a natural fiber will. However, mildew can and will grow on any surface that is dirty, so we recommend keeping your Outdura™ fabric clean.


Sunbrella


Is Sunbrella fabric waterproof?
Because Sunbrella Furniture fabrics are designed to be breathable, they are water repellent, but not completely waterproof. Over time, the water repellency can be refreshed by using 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™

Will Sunbrella fabric Mildew?
Mildew will not grow on Sunbrella unless there is food, dirt or other organic matter on the fabric. Keeping Sunbrella clean is the best defense against mildew. Bleach and other mildew removers do not affect Sunbrella, so cleaning mildew is easy if it becomes necessary.

Do Sunbrella fabrics provide UV protection?
Sunbrella furniture fabrics have been tested and proven to provide up to 98% UV protection from harmful effects of the sun when used in shade applications. Sunbrella furniture fabrics have been awarded the "Seal of Recommendation" by The Skin Cancer Foundation, an international organization dedicated to the prevention of skin cancer.


Vinyl


Although Vinyl is not as durable as Sunbrella and Outdura, there are many advantages to it. Vinyl characteristics are as follows:

Easy to clean

Cost Effective

Light Weight

Available in bright and vibrant colors

You get complete sun protection depending on color

100% water proof

Withstands corrosion and is non-conductive to electricity

Has excellent fire performance properties.


Recacril


The Infinity Process, a high technology finish, provides RECacril® with a long lasting protection against mold and mildew, excellent water and oil repellency, and protects you from both sun and water for many years. However, the accumulation of dust, pollution particles, foreign organic materials, and general dirt can damage this protection, shortening the life of the RECacril® so they should be removed.