One of the easiest ways to ruin a perfectly pleasant Sunday afternoon is to find stains on your patio umbrella. Now, you have to spend your day taking apart the sunshade and cleaning it.
Thankfully, the process doesn’t have to be challenging. That’s because you can simply throw the canopy into the washer, add a little soap, and then go by your routine.
So, if you’re trying to figure out how to clean a patio umbrella in a washing machine, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into the steps you’ll need to take!
Cleaning Your Patio Umbrella in the Washer in 6 Easy Steps
To save yourself the hassle of hand cleaning, use your washing machine to clean your umbrella. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Disassemble the Patio Umbrella
The first step of cleaning your patio umbrella is taking apart the structure. To do that, start by collapsing the sunshade.
That’s because leaving the canopy extended can cause the fabric to tear as you detach it from the frame.
Once that’s out of the way, lay the umbrella on the ground and turn your attention to the cap on top. This is a stopper that holds the canopy in place, which means you have to remove it.
Depending on your patio umbrella model, you may need to unscrew the cap or use a screwdriver to get it off.
After that, figure out how the canopy attaches to the frame. Typically, the fabric will hook onto the bottom of the ribs and there may be velcro straps holding the fabric in place.
Spend a little time detaching all the ties to ensure that the canopy lifts off the frame easily.
Pro tip: It’s never a good idea to tug on the fabric while you’re doing this. Since the canopy spends most of its time in the sun, it may be fragile.
Step 2: Brush Off Excess Dirt
Now that the canopy is free, the cleaning can begin. Chances are, there’s a layer of dirt and pebbles covering the top of your canopy.
This debris can wreak havoc on your washing machine – you have to get rid of it before the laundry cycle.
For this step, you’ll need a soft-bristled brush. Lay the canopy flat on the ground, dust off the fabric, and brush away as much debris as possible.
Step 3: Spot-Treat Tough Stains on the Canopy
After the brushing step, it’s a good idea to take a step back and give your canopy a good once over. You’re looking for any tough stains or clear discoloration that may not come out in the washer.
To avoid going through several cycles, you can spot-treat these areas first. Fill a spray bottle with warm water and add a few drops of mild soap.
My advice? Laundry detergent works best, but hand soap will do in a pinch.
Then, spray a generous amount of the cleaning solution on any visible stains. Next, grab a sponge or a microfiber towel and lightly scrub the area.
Lastly, use a dry paper towel to blot away excess moisture.
Step 4: Throw the Canopy in the Washer
The cycle setting you choose will depend on the type of canopy you’re working with.
Plus, we all know how crucial laundry instructions are when loading the washer. So, it’s best practice to read the tag attached to the canopy for the perfect cleaning settings.
However, if the instructions are missing or faded, you should opt for a long, cold cycle. This should be gentle enough to avoid damaging the canopy—no matter what fabric it is.
Then, add your favorite detergent and fabric softener and start the cycle. Some people also like to add bleach to ensure the canopy comes out spotless, but that’s not ideal.
Unless the fabric is completely white, you risk fading the color. If you have to add bleach though, I recommend using a diluted solution.
Step 5: Allow the Canopy to Air Dry
As soon as the canopy comes out of the washer, inspect it for any discoloration. Allowing the fabric to dry before you address these issues will set the stains in place.
For that reason, if you notice blemishes, you may have to throw the canopy back in the washer.
Once you’re sure the fabric is spotless, hang it in your backyard and let it air dry. You can use a dryer to speed up the process, but there’s a chance you may tear the fragile canopy.
Step 6: Reassemble Your Patio Umbrella
When the canopy is dry to the touch, you can reassemble your patio umbrella. Drape the fabric on the sunshade frame and align the ribs with the velcro straps.
Secure the ties in place, then hook the edges of the canopy on the bottom of the ribs. Lastly, screw the cap back on and your patio umbrella is as good as new.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how to clean a patio umbrella in a washing machine, there are a few steps you can follow. The first step of the process requires you to disassemble your sunshade and brush the excess dirt and debris off the top of your canopy.
After that, spot-treat any tough stains or visible blemishes with a mild soap solution. Next, throw the canopy in the washer and set it for a long, cold cycle.
Finally, allow the fabric to air dry and reassemble your patio umbrella.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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