Caring for your traditional parasol.
A traditional centre-pole parasol does most of its work in summer sun and showers — and with a little routine care, plus one golden rule about wind, it'll open smoothly and look its best for years. Here's how.
What your parasol is made of
Your parasol pairs a powder-coated aluminium frame with an all-weather canopy fabric that’s woven and treated to be water-repellent, UV-stable and fade-resistant. Aluminium is rust-free and light, and the powder coating gives it a tough, weatherproof finish.
It’s a traditional centre-pole design — the pole runs through the middle, usually sat in a table hole and a weighted base, and opened with a crank handle or pulley, often with a tilt function. The mechanism and ribs are the parts that benefit most from being kept clean and operated gently.
Wind is a parasol’s only real enemy
More parasols are damaged by wind than by anything else — and almost always when left open and unattended. A parasol is a large sail; even a moderate gust can bend ribs, snap the pole or tip the whole thing over.
Close and secure your parasol whenever it’s windy, and any time you leave it unattended or go indoors — even on a calm day, weather can turn quickly. Never leave a parasol open overnight. If strong winds are forecast, take the canopy down altogether. Wind damage is the single most common cause of parasol failure, and it’s almost entirely preventable.
The right base & weight
A parasol is only as stable as what holds it down. Using the correct base — and enough weight — is essential for safety as well as longevity.
The right base
Use a weighted base suited to the canopy size, and where possible feed the pole through a table for extra support. The bigger the canopy, the more base weight it needs.
On firm, level ground
A parasol on soft or uneven ground is far more likely to lean or tip. Site the base on a firm, level surface, and don't rely on the table alone to hold a large canopy.
Always check the base is on firm, level ground, and that weights are fully fitted before opening the canopy.
Cleaning the canopy & frame
A light, occasional clean keeps the canopy fresh and stops the mechanism gumming up. Always clean the canopy open, and let it dry fully open too.
Brush off loose debris
With the canopy open, brush away dust, pollen, leaves and any bird mess before it works into the fabric. Doing this regularly prevents most marks from ever forming.
Sponge with warm soapy water
Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild washing-up liquid and warm water. Clean the whole panel, not just the mark, to avoid leaving a water ring, then wipe down the frame and ribs too.
Rinse and dry fully open
Rinse off the soap with clean water, then leave the parasol open until the canopy is completely dry. Closing a damp canopy is the main cause of mildew and musty smells.
Looking after the mechanism
Crank, pulley & tilt
Operate the mechanism slowly and smoothly — never force it. If the crank stiffens or catches, stop and check for grit or debris rather than cranking harder. A tiny amount of dry silicone lubricant can free up a stiff mechanism if needed.
Ribs & pole
Check the ribs are straight and the fixings sound at the start of each season. Don't hang anything from the ribs or canopy, and always fully close the canopy before lowering or tilting, so nothing strains against the fabric.
Keep it simple — and safe
Do
- Close it in wind and when unattended
- Use the correct base and full weight
- Clean and dry the canopy fully open
- Operate the mechanism slowly and gently
- Use the cover, and store it dry over winter
Don’t
- Leave it open in wind or overnight
- Force a stiff crank or mechanism
- Close or store the canopy while damp
- Use bleach, solvents or a jet wash
- Hang anything from the ribs or canopy
Season by season
A parasol is best brought in over winter. Once it’s clean and bone-dry, store it closed in its cover, somewhere dry — a shed or garage is ideal. If it has to stay outside, keep it closed, covered and well secured. Storing it dry is the single best thing you can do for its lifespan.
A few common questions
- The crank has gone stiff or won't turn. Usually grit or debris in the mechanism, or a cord that's twisted. Stop — don't force it — clean around the moving parts, and try a little dry silicone lubricant. Forcing a stiff crank is what breaks them.
- Will the canopy fade? The fabric is UV-stable and fade-resistant, so any change over several seasons is gradual and even. Cleaning it and storing it out of the weather over winter keeps it looking new for longer.
- There's a musty smell or green patches on the canopy. That's mildew from being closed or stored damp. Open it fully, clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush, rinse, and dry completely in the open air before closing.
- Water no longer beads on the canopy. The water-repellent finish can wear over time. A clean often revives it; if not, a fabric-safe outdoor re-proofing spray can restore the beading.
Whenever your parasol isn’t in use, close it and fit its protective cover. A cover shields both the frame and the canopy from rain, UV, dust and bird mess between uses — it’s the simplest way to keep it looking new and is well worth doing all season, not just over winter. If you can’t bring it indoors over winter, it must stay closed and covered while it’s outside.
Your parasol is covered by a 1-year warranty. Looking after it as set out here — particularly closing it in wind, using the correct base weight, and storing it dry — helps keep it within the terms of that guarantee. Wind damage, forcing the mechanism, using an inadequate base, or storing the canopy while damp isn’t covered, so a little routine care protects your cover as well as your parasol.
Need a hand?
If something doesn’t look right, or the mechanism isn’t operating as it should, please contact your retailer before you reach for tools or anything stronger. They’ll always rather help you get it right first time.