How do you maintain your parasol so that it lasts a long time?
At Belveo , our greatest motivation is to offer you innovative products that last. This is achieved through our patented Easywind system, which prevents your parasol's structure from breaking, but it also depends on you and the care you give your parasol to make it last even longer! In this article, you'll find a guide to best practices for maintaining your parasol.
The cleaning
Your parasol remains outdoors for a good part of the year, so it is normal for it to get dirty due to dust, bird droppings, pollen, etc. Here are some tips for cleaning your parasol from top to bottom.
Canvas cleaning
The canopy is obviously the most exposed part of your parasol. Therefore, it's the part that requires special attention when it comes to maintenance. First and foremost, it's important to read the label on your canopy to understand the care instructions (for example, knowing that your canopy is not machine washable).
First, when you want to clean your parasol canopy , we recommend detaching it from its frame and laying it flat on a sheet in a smooth area to avoid tearing it. You can start by brushing the canopy with a duster to remove most of the debris that might be on it. Then, if there are no particular stains on the canopy, dry cleaning with a brush may be sufficient.
If the canvas requires a more thorough cleaning, we suggest two effective techniques:
The first method involves diluting the equivalent of a glass of washing soda crystals in a liter of hot water, applying it to the canvas, scrubbing with a brush, then rinsing immediately with clean water and allowing the canvas to air dry completely.
For the second technique, you will need to mix half a liter of white vinegar with 3 tablespoons of baking soda . Then, spread this solution over the canvas and let it sit for 15 minutes. After that, as with the first technique, rinse the canvas with clean water and let it dry completely.
In both cases, we recommend wearing gloves to protect your skin. We also strongly advise against using solvents, detergents, or any other abrasive products, as these can damage your canvas and are harmful to your health.
Cleaning the plastic foot
Regarding cleaning the base of your parasol, if it is made of plastic like most bases offered by Belveo, we advise you to clean it by rubbing it with baking soda or white vinegar, always wearing protective gloves.
Mast cleaning
Finally, to clean your parasol pole, you can wipe it with a sponge or cloth. You can also use soapy water.
Precautions to take
Of course, it's a good idea to clean your parasol, but as they say, prevention is better than cure! Here is a list of precautions to take to keep your parasol in good condition:
Firstly , we advise you not to wash your parasol too often, as this could weaken the fabric and risk discoloration. Cleaning it 3 or 4 times a year is more than enough!
Next , for those of you who own a parasol with a steel pole, we encourage you to apply a rust-preventative product to combat moisture.
To protect your parasol after cleaning, you can sprinkle potassium silicate on the fabric. Alternatives include spraying the fabric with a waterproofing product, alum stone, or even hairspray.
Finally , to prevent mold from growing on your parasol canopy , we strongly recommend that you never close a parasol if it is damp. Wait until it is completely dry before folding it. Then, place it in a protective cover to protect it from dust and store it indoors as soon as temperatures drop, if possible, to preserve it as much as possible.
