Patio Umbrella Storage Ideas

If you’re like most homeowners, you have at least one patio umbrella. And if you’re like most homeowners, you don’t have a clue where to store it when it’s not in use. Well, never fear! This blog post is here to help.

In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to store your patio umbrella safely and efficiently.

Clean patio umbrella

First and foremost, before you store your patio umbrella, you need to clean it. This is especially important if you’re storing it for an extended period of time. Dust and dirt can damage the fabric and shorten the life of your umbrella.

To clean your patio umbrella, simply use a damp cloth and some mild soap. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly afterwards.

Let it completely dry

After cleaning your patio umbrella, you must let it completely dry. Leaving patio umbrellas wet can result in mildew and rust damage, as well as wrinkled fabric.

To speed up the drying process, try this trick: first line or hang dry your patio umbrella horizontally for a few hours. Next, prop it vertically and leave it overnight so that any water remaining on the fabric will drip to the bottom of the patio umbrella and away from other elements where mildew could grow over time.

This is an especially important step if you live in a humid climate like Florida! Otherwise, mildew may start to form after just a couple days. If that happens, you’ll need to clean your patio umbrella again; otherwise it won’t be long before mildew starts damaging the patio umbrella’s fabric.

Protective spray

Storing a patio umbrella outdoors can be challenging, especially if you want it to look good for a long time. If you store it outside without taking necessary steps, like using protective spray for fabrics, it can be damaged by insects and fade in the sun.

Treat the fabric with a protective spray if you plan to store the umbrella outside for a long period of time. This will prevent insects from damaging the umbrella or destroying its color. Also, check your umbrella’s hardware periodically to make sure it’s still functional and rust-free. Replace any damaged or rusted pieces before storing the umbrella outside to prevent it from warping or breaking during storage.

Wrap it up

Use plastic wrap or a heavy duty bag to store your patio umbrella inside of an airtight container filled with mothballs or silica gel packets (the kind used in shoe boxes). This will help keep away insects that can damage your furniture during storage.

Don’t use these methods if you have coated your umbrella with an oil-based stain or sealant, as this could react adversely with the chemicals used in them.

Storage Ideas

Storage is a challenge for many people. If you are lucky enough to have a basement, attic or garage, you can use those spaces for storage. But if not, there are still great storage options available.

Tidying up is a big job and it can take days to do it well. It also takes thought and imagination to find places for your belongings so that they don’t get in the way of everyday life and don’t need much dusting or cleaning.

Here are some good places to store your patio umbrella:

Shed

If you have a garden shed, this is a great place to store your patio umbrella. Just be sure to keep it away from any harsh weather conditions, like heavy rain or snow.

Attic

An attic is a perfect place to store patio umbrellas and other large items. Just be careful not to stack anything on top of them and make sure you don’t forget where you put them.

Garage

You can also use the garage to store patio umbrellas, but be careful that they don’t get in the way of any cars or lawn equipment. Also, if your garage is very hot and humid, this may not be a good place for patio umbrellas.

Storage container

If you don’t have a shed, attic or garage, you can purchase a storage container to store your patio umbrella in. This is a great solution if you live in a small apartment or if you just don’t have enough space for all of your belongings.

Just be sure to find a storage container that is weatherproof and large enough for your patio umbrella.

Closet under stairs

If you have an extra closet in your house, under the stairs is a great place to store patio umbrellas. Just be sure that they won’t get crushed when you close the door.

Under bed

Under-the-bed storage containers are perfect for patio umbrella storage. They are large enough to fit patio umbrellas and out of the way so that you don’t have to see them every day.

Undearneath furnitures

If you already have patio furniture stored under your patio, consider moving your patio umbrella under there, too. This is a great space saver and ensures that patio umbrellas don’t get in the way of everyday living.

Just be careful when removing patio furniture, to make sure you aren’t damaging the patio umbrella screen or other equipment that might be under it.

If you can’t store patio umbrellas inside, consider covering patio umbrella screens with a tarp to protect them from the elements before storing them.

DIY patio umbrellas stand

If you aren’t up for finding new storage space, there are patio umbrellas stands that are perfect for holding patio umbrellas outside.

These patio umbrella stands are freestanding so they don’t take up any floor space and many of them come in stylish designs that will go well with your patio furniture.

As you can see, there are plenty of excellent ways to store patio umbrellas. And if stored correctly, patio umbrellas can last for years with very little care. Just be sure to find a storage solution that is right for you and your patio umbrella, depending on where you live and what patio umbrella you have.

Storage ideas and considerations

Make sure you never store patio umbrellas inside in high-humidity areas like the bathroom or laundry room, as this can damage patio umbrella screens.

If you live in an area that gets very hot, like Florida or Arizona, patio umbrellas should not be stored outside. This is because patio umbrellas are made of nylon and will fade easily when exposed to prolonged periods of ultra-violet light (UV).

Be sure to also avoid storing patio umbrellas near any windows, as the sun can also fade patio umbrellas over time.

Dry and away from sun

The ideal storage space would be dry and away from direct sunlight. A garage is a good option, or a shed or cupboard if you have one. Alternatively, a wooden crate or similar can work well. If you want to keep it undercover but don’t want to store it outside, consider an old shower cubicle. These can be found cheap at most second hand stores and will keep your umbrella protected from sun and rain while allowing air circulation.

Put something heavy to keep it in place

If you are using a space inside your house, put something heavy on top of the patio umbrella (like a cinder block) to keep it from being blown around by the wind.

Make sure to remove any patio furniture that could be damaged if the patio umbrella is stored underneath it.

Keep an eye for signs of wear and tear

When patio umbrellas are not in use, it’s important to keep an eye on them for any wear and tear. If you see any holes, rips or tears, take the patio umbrella to a professional to get it fixed before using it again.

Can you leave outdoor umbrellas outside?

Most patio umbrellas can be left outside all year round, but you have to take some precautions.

If your patio umbrella has a wooden pole, keep it covered so it doesn’t stay wet on the patio umbrella base.

These patio umbrella covers are inexpensive and easy-to-attach, making them perfect for protecting patio umbrellas from outdoor damage.

How long does patio furniture last?

Patio furniture is designed to weather all kinds of weathers day in and day out, so patio furniture itself can last a long time if you take proper care of it.

Can you leave patio umbrella in the rain?

Leaving patio umbrellas in the rain is not good for them, as this can damage the fabric and shorten the life of your patio umbrella. If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, it’s best to take your patio umbrella inside when not in use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are plenty of ways to store patio umbrellas depending on your needs and what patio umbrella you have.

Be sure to take proper care of your patio umbrella by keeping it dry and out of direct sunlight, and by looking for any signs of wear and tear. Doing this will help your patio umbrella last for years to come.