The lifespan of your parasol fabric is largely dependent on maintenance. Additionally, it is important to use and store the fabric correctly.
Impregnated with a dirt and water repellent coating and dyed in the fibre, Solero® O’Bravia fabrics have the longest possible lifespan (colour fastness of 7/8 on a scale of 8).
Because Solero® parasol fabrics do not just discolour, it is extra important to clean them regularly, so that they remain in top condition. Don’t wait until it’s really necessary. After all, they get quite a bit on their roof. Think of bird droppings, autumnal leaves or particulates from the air.
What is the best step-by-step plan for cleaning my fabric?
Our advice is to start gently. Most dirt is easy to remove, because the Solero® parasol fabric has a special layer, which we naturally want to keep on as long as possible. This way, your parasol remains protected against external influences. Below you will find the step-by-step plan recommended by us in the correct order:
Step 1.
Try to remove the dirt with lukewarm water and a soft brush. If the dirt does not come off immediately, you can also use non-alkaline soap, such as green soap.
Step 2.
If the dirt is not removed with the method from step 1, we advise you to use a special cleaning agent. The sunshade cleaner from HG has been specially developed for cleaning sunshades and tents. Of course, this product is also perfectly suitable for the maintenance of your parasol fabric. It is important to let this product sit for about 5 minutes. You will find a manual on the packaging of this product.
Step 3.
Is the fabric still not clean after going through step 2? Then, unfortunately, more rigorous measures are required, which will also affect your special coating. Fortunately, you can impregnate the fabric again after cleaning with HG waterproof sunshade or a comparable product.
Does the fabric fit in your washing machine? Then wash at 30 degrees and let it dry on the frame.
When your fabric is too large for your washing machine, industrial washing machines often offer a solution. You can find them at the better petrol stations.
If you prefer to outsource the washing and impregnation of the fabric, your local dry cleaner often offers a solution that will completely unburden you. Most dry cleaners have experience with washing and impregnating parasol fabrics.
How do I prevent my fabric from getting dirty again?
Prevention is of course better than cure. The right precautions prevent the fabric from getting dirty again. That is why we would like to give a number of tips to postpone the next maintenance visit as long as possible.
- Use the protective cover of your parasol as much as possible and replace a worn protective cover on time. You will find the right cover for your parasol in the “Parts & accessories” category in our online store.
- Periodically rinse the fabric with a garden hose (never use a high-pressure sprayer!). Always keep the fabric dry in the protective cover. This prevents mould from forming on the fabric.
- Ensure that the water-repellent coating is not affected. If the fabric continues to leak, this may indicate that the coating has been damaged. To protect the fabric it is important that it is impregnated.
Should your fabric have reached the end of its life? Then you can of course always order a replacement cloth for your Solero® parasol. Your parasol will be new again. Even for models older than 10 years, we almost always have replacement fabrics in stock. Feel free to send an email to info@soleroparasols.co.uk for a personal offer for a replacement fabric. When you send a photo of your parasol, we will know which fabric you need!
