Caring for Your Investment
A Santa Barbara Designs umbrella is crafted to grace your space for decades, growing more beautiful with each passing season. Like any treasured piece, thoughtful care ensures your umbrella will continue to provide shade and beauty for generations to come.
Daily Care
The simple ritual of closing and securing your umbrella when not in use protects it from unexpected weather and extends its life immeasurably. Think of it as tucking away something precious—because that’s exactly what it is.
For ultimate protection, especially during extended periods away or harsh weather seasons, a storage cover becomes your umbrella’s guardian, shielding it from the elements while maintaining its beauty.
Should rain catch your umbrella open, allow it to breathe. Open it fully for complete airing, ensuring every fold is dry before closing. This simple step prevents mildew and preserves the fabric’s integrity.
Honoring the Wood
The natural beauty of your umbrella’s frame deserves gentle attention. For natural teak, a soft cloth with mild soap and water removes surface dirt while honoring the wood’s character. Teak loves simplicity—plain water never harms it, but harsh cleaners destroy its natural beauty.
Varnished frames of maple, mahogany, or Douglas fir require the same gentle touch. Clean with mild soap and soft cloth, then dry any water spots immediately with a clean, soft cloth. These finishes reward gentle care with lasting luster.
Your brass hardware will develop a beautiful antique patina over time—this isn’t aging, it’s maturing into something even more beautiful. No care needed, just appreciation for the natural process.
Fabric Excellence
Your canopy’s longevity flourishes with regular attention. A monthly ritual of gentle cleaning with a garden hose transforms maintenance into meditation. Open your umbrella to its lowest position, loosen the base thumb screws, and let the umbrella spin freely as you spray clean water directly onto the fabric. The water pressure becomes your tool, the spinning motion your technique, the clean result your reward.
For deeper renewal, gentle scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap solution restores your canopy’s original vibrancy. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and allow complete drying—patience here ensures perfection.
Stubborn spots yield to household cleaners like Simple Green or Oxy Clean. Apply generously, scrub gently, rinse thoroughly. Your solution-dyed acrylic fabric forgives much but should never meet a dry cleaner.
Seasonal Rest
When seasons change or travel calls, proper storage honors your investment. Cover your umbrella with its protective cover or clean tarp, then lay it flat in a well-ventilated, protected space. Think of this as your umbrella’s winter retreat—a time of rest before returning to service.
This isn’t just maintenance—it’s stewardship of California craftsmanship that was built to last generations.
All orders are custom and priced according to your fabric, style and base selections.
