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How to Clean a Patio Umbrella in a Washing Machine

Published on
3 min read
How to Clean a Patio Umbrella in a Washing Machine image

Best Patio Umbrella Cleaners to Buy in October 2025

1 STAR BRITE Outdoor Collection All Surface Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover Spray - Cleans & Removes Stains on Contact - 32 OZ Spray (054432)

STAR BRITE Outdoor Collection All Surface Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover Spray - Cleans & Removes Stains on Contact - 32 OZ Spray (054432)

  • EFFORTLESS STAIN REMOVAL-JUST SPRAY, WAIT, AND RINSE!
  • TRIPLE-ACTION FORMULA TACKLES MILDEW, DIRT, AND GREASE EFFECTIVELY.
  • SAFE FOR ALL OUTDOOR FABRICS; PROFESSIONAL-STRENGTH FOR ANY USE.
BUY & SAVE
$15.70 $17.68
Save 11%
STAR BRITE Outdoor Collection All Surface Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover Spray - Cleans & Removes Stains on Contact - 32 OZ Spray (054432)
2 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner - Safely Cleans All Water Safe Surfaces - Ultimate Cleaning Power - Rinses Residue Free - Recommended By Sunbrella, 32 fl. oz. (30204)

303 Multi-Surface Cleaner - Safely Cleans All Water Safe Surfaces - Ultimate Cleaning Power - Rinses Residue Free - Recommended By Sunbrella, 32 fl. oz. (30204)

  • TRUSTED BY SUNBRELLA FOR ULTIMATE MARINE CLEANING POWER!

  • EASILY REMOVES DIRT FOR A SPOTLESS SHINE-RINSE RESIDUE-FREE!

  • VERSATILE CLEANER SAFE FOR ALL SURFACES-PERFECT FOR ANY WATERSPORT!

BUY & SAVE
$11.04 $19.99
Save 45%
303 Multi-Surface Cleaner - Safely Cleans All Water Safe Surfaces - Ultimate Cleaning Power - Rinses Residue Free - Recommended By Sunbrella, 32 fl. oz. (30204)
3 Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner | All-in-One Solution for Water-Safe Fabrics and Vinyl | Upholstery Cleaner, Removes Stains & Spills | Non-PFAS | 16 fl oz

Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner | All-in-One Solution for Water-Safe Fabrics and Vinyl | Upholstery Cleaner, Removes Stains & Spills | Non-PFAS | 16 fl oz

  • VERSATILE FOR ALL OUTDOOR FABRICS - WORKS ON CUSHIONS, UMBRELLAS, AND MORE!

  • EFFORTLESS STAIN REMOVAL - BANISH RED WINE, COFFEE, AND DIRT WITH EASE!

  • SAFE & LONG-LASTING CLEAN - PROTECT FABRICS WHILE ACHIEVING A RENEWED LOOK!

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$16.98
Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner | All-in-One Solution for Water-Safe Fabrics and Vinyl | Upholstery Cleaner, Removes Stains & Spills | Non-PFAS | 16 fl oz
4 AL-NEW Patio Cushion Cleaner | Safe For Use On Outdoor Fabrics Such As Patio Cushions, Awnings, Furniture Covers, and more (32 Ounce)

AL-NEW Patio Cushion Cleaner | Safe For Use On Outdoor Fabrics Such As Patio Cushions, Awnings, Furniture Covers, and more (32 Ounce)

  • EFFORTLESS CLEANING FOR ALL OUTDOOR FABRICS AND CUSHIONS!
  • FAST APPLICATION FOR QUICK RESULTS ON PATIO PROJECTS!
  • PAIR WITH OUR CLEAN & PROTECT KIT FOR A BRAND-NEW LOOK!
BUY & SAVE
$14.95
AL-NEW Patio Cushion Cleaner | Safe For Use On Outdoor Fabrics Such As Patio Cushions, Awnings, Furniture Covers, and more (32 Ounce)
5 CLR Brands Outdoor Furniture Cleaner, 26 oz. Spray Bottle, Cleans Outdoor Surfaces, Remove Dirt and Grime from Fabric, Wood, Wicker, PVC, Plastic and More

CLR Brands Outdoor Furniture Cleaner, 26 oz. Spray Bottle, Cleans Outdoor Surfaces, Remove Dirt and Grime from Fabric, Wood, Wicker, PVC, Plastic and More

  • VERSATILE CLEANER FOR ALL OUTDOOR FURNITURE MATERIALS AND SURFACES.
  • NON-TOXIC FORMULA SAFE FOR PETS, PLANTS, AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
  • SIMPLE APPLICATION: SPRAY, SOAK, WIPE, AND RINSE FOR QUICK RESULTS.
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$14.32
CLR Brands Outdoor Furniture Cleaner, 26 oz. Spray Bottle, Cleans Outdoor Surfaces, Remove Dirt and Grime from Fabric, Wood, Wicker, PVC, Plastic and More
6 Stain Remover Cleaner, 22 Fl Oz, for Boat Seats, Fabric, Canvas, Carpet, and Vinyl, Removes Stains from Boats, RVs, Cars, Bathrooms, Shower Walls, Patio Furniture, and Pillows, Spray Formula

Stain Remover Cleaner, 22 Fl Oz, for Boat Seats, Fabric, Canvas, Carpet, and Vinyl, Removes Stains from Boats, RVs, Cars, Bathrooms, Shower Walls, Patio Furniture, and Pillows, Spray Formula

  • EFFORTLESSLY ERASE MOLD STAINS WITHOUT DAMAGING FABRICS.
  • SAFE FOR USE ON DIVERSE MATERIALS-INDOORS AND OUTDOORS.
  • PREVENTS FUTURE MILDEW WITH LONG-LASTING STAIN CONTROL.
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$23.99 $25.99
Save 8%
Stain Remover Cleaner, 22 Fl Oz, for Boat Seats, Fabric, Canvas, Carpet, and Vinyl, Removes Stains from Boats, RVs, Cars, Bathrooms, Shower Walls, Patio Furniture, and Pillows, Spray Formula
7 Wet & Forget Outdoor Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover Multi-Surface Cleaner, Ready to Use, 64 Ounce

Wet & Forget Outdoor Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover Multi-Surface Cleaner, Ready to Use, 64 Ounce

  • EFFORTLESS CLEANING: NO SCRUBBING OR RINSING REQUIRED-SIMPLY SPRAY!
  • LONG-LASTING RESULTS: KEEPS SURFACES CLEAN FOR UP TO 1 YEAR OR MORE.
  • VERSATILE APPLICATION: PERFECT FOR CONCRETE, UPHOLSTERY, AND MORE!
BUY & SAVE
$18.03 $20.64
Save 13%
Wet & Forget Outdoor Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover Multi-Surface Cleaner, Ready to Use, 64 Ounce
8 Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner | All-in-One Solution for Water-Safe Fabrics and Vinyl | Upholstery Cleaner, Removes Stains & Spills | Non-PFAS | 32 fl oz

Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner | All-in-One Solution for Water-Safe Fabrics and Vinyl | Upholstery Cleaner, Removes Stains & Spills | Non-PFAS | 32 fl oz

  • VERSATILE CLEANER FOR SUNBRELLA & VINYL: UPHOLSTERY, CUSHIONS, MORE!

  • EFFORTLESSLY TACKLE STAINS: WINE, COFFEE, DIRT, AND MORE-RESTORE FABRICS!

  • SAFE, EFFECTIVE FORMULA: RENEW SURFACES WITHOUT DAMAGING FABRIC INTEGRITY!

BUY & SAVE
$26.99
Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner | All-in-One Solution for Water-Safe Fabrics and Vinyl | Upholstery Cleaner, Removes Stains & Spills | Non-PFAS | 32 fl oz
9 Carbona Pro Care Oxy Powered Outdoor Cleaner with Brush | 22 Fl Oz, 1 Pack

Carbona Pro Care Oxy Powered Outdoor Cleaner with Brush | 22 Fl Oz, 1 Pack

  • POWERFUL OXY FORMULA: EFFECTIVELY REMOVES TOUGH OUTDOOR STAINS.

  • 2-IN-1 BRUSH APPLICATOR: EFFORTLESS STAIN REMOVAL AND DEEPER CLEANING.

  • SAFE FOR PLANTS & PETS: CLEAN YOUR SPACES WITHOUT WORRY!

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$10.99
Carbona Pro Care Oxy Powered Outdoor Cleaner with Brush | 22 Fl Oz, 1 Pack
10 STAR BRITE Outdoor Collection Furniture Cleaner Spray - All-Surface Cleaner for Poly, Resin, Vinyl, Plastic, Rubber, Glass, Metal, and Fiberglass - 32 OZ (51932)

STAR BRITE Outdoor Collection Furniture Cleaner Spray - All-Surface Cleaner for Poly, Resin, Vinyl, Plastic, Rubber, Glass, Metal, and Fiberglass - 32 OZ (51932)

  • EFFORTLESSLY TACKLES TOUGH GRIME WITH POWERFUL, VERSATILE CLEANING.
  • SUITABLE FOR ALL SURFACES-KEEP YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE SPOTLESS EASILY!
  • ENHANCE FURNITURE LONGEVITY; USE WITH PROTECTANT FOR BEST RESULTS.
BUY & SAVE
$16.54
STAR BRITE Outdoor Collection Furniture Cleaner Spray - All-Surface Cleaner for Poly, Resin, Vinyl, Plastic, Rubber, Glass, Metal, and Fiberglass - 32 OZ (51932)
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ONE MORE?

A patio umbrella provides much-needed shade and comfort, but over time, it can accumulate dust, pollen, mold, and mildew. Instead of scrubbing it manually, did you know you can clean it in a washing machine? This method saves time and ensures a thorough wash. In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of safely washing a patio umbrella in a washing machine.

RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray

Can You Put a Patio Umbrella in a Washing Machine?

Yes, but only if the fabric is removable! Most patio umbrellas have a canopy that can be detached from the frame. Always check the care label before proceeding. Fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and olefin are typically machine-washable.

What You'll Need:

  • Mild laundry detergent
  • Baking soda (for tough stains)
  • White vinegar (for mold and mildew)
  • A large washing machine (preferably without an agitator)

Step-by-Step Guide to Washing a Patio Umbrella in a Washing Machine

1. Remove the Canopy

Carefully detach the fabric from the umbrella frame. Most patio umbrellas have Velcro straps, ties, or screws holding the fabric in place.

2. Shake Off Loose Debris

Before placing the fabric in the washer, shake off dirt, leaves, and dust. This prevents clogging and ensures a cleaner wash.

3. Pre-Treat Stains and Mold

If you notice stains, mildew, or bird droppings, pre-treat them:

  • For mildew: Soak the stained area with a mix of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) for 15 minutes.
  • For grease or food stains: Apply a bit of baking soda and rub gently before washing.

4. Load the Washing Machine

  • Use a front-loading washer or a top-loading washer without an agitator to prevent damage.
  • Fold the umbrella fabric loosely and place it inside.

5. Choose the Right Settings

  • Water Temperature: Cold or warm water (never hot, as it may shrink the fabric).
  • Cycle: Gentle or delicate cycle to avoid tearing.
  • Detergent: Use a mild, bleach-free detergent. Avoid fabric softeners as they can affect UV protection.

6. Air Dry the Canopy

Once the wash cycle is complete, do not use a dryer. Instead:

  • Hang the fabric over a clothesline or railing.
  • Ensure it's fully dry before reattaching to prevent mildew.

Extra Tips for Maintaining a Clean Patio Umbrella

  • Regular Cleaning: Wash the fabric every few months to prevent buildup.
  • Use a Fabric Protector: A UV-protectant spray can help extend its lifespan.
  • Store Properly: During off-seasons, keep the umbrella in a dry storage area.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a patio umbrella in a washing machine is a simple and effective way to refresh its look without spending hours scrubbing. Just follow these easy steps, and your outdoor space will look clean and inviting in no time!

Looking for more home maintenance tips? Stay tuned for more practical guides!