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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 - 54432 Star brite Outdoor - All Surface Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover – Cleans & Removes Stains on Contact - 32 OZ Spray

STAR BRITE - 54432 Star brite Outdoor - All Surface Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover – Cleans & Removes Stains on Contact - 32 OZ Spray

  • EFFORTLESS STAIN REMOVAL-SPRAY, WAIT, RINSE; NO SCRUBBING NEEDED!

  • TRIPLE-ACTION FORMULA TACKLES MILDEW, DIRT, GREASE, AND GRIME EFFECTIVELY.

  • SAFE FOR OUTDOOR FABRICS; WON'T HARM STITCHING OR THREADS-TRUSTED SINCE 1973!

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$17.97
STAR BRITE - 54432 Star brite Outdoor - All Surface Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover – Cleans & Removes Stains on Contact - 32 OZ Spray
2 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 USE ON SUNBRELLA & VINYL - IDEAL FOR UPHOLSTERY AND BOAT COVERS.

  • EFFORTLESSLY TACKLES EVERYDAY STAINS - RESTORES FABRICS FROM RED WINE TO ICE CREAM.

  • SAFE, NON-PFAS FORMULA - CLEANS WITHOUT HARM, PRESERVING FABRIC INTEGRITY.

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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
3 303 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)

  • RECOMMENDED BY SUNBRELLA FOR ULTIMATE CLEANING POWER.

  • RESIDUE-FREE SHINE ON ALL WATER-SAFE SURFACES WITH EASE.

  • VERSATILE USE ON CHROME, FABRIC, PLASTIC, AND MORE!

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$11.04 $19.99
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303 Multi-Surface Cleaner - Safely Cleans All Water Safe Surfaces - Ultimate Cleaning Power - Rinses Residue Free - Recommended By Sunbrella, 32 fl. oz. (30204)
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 PATIO CUSHIONS AND FURNITURE COVERS!
  • QUICK APPLICATION DELIVERS STUNNING RESULTS FOR OUTDOOR PROJECTS.
  • PAIR WITH AL-NEW KIT FOR A COMPLETE PATIO MAKEOVER!
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$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 USES.
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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 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner 2 Pack with Hose End Sprayer - Cleans Stains from Algae, Mold and Mildew on Vinyl Siding, Deck, Patio, Brick and More

30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner 2 Pack with Hose End Sprayer - Cleans Stains from Algae, Mold and Mildew on Vinyl Siding, Deck, Patio, Brick and More

  • RAPID STAIN REMOVAL FROM ALGAE, MOLD, AND MILDEW IN JUST 30 SECONDS!
  • SAFE FOR LAWNS AND PLANTS-CLEAN WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT DAMAGE.
  • EASY SPRAY-AND-HOSE APPLICATION-NO PRESSURE WASHING NEEDED!
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$39.48
30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner 2 Pack with Hose End Sprayer - Cleans Stains from Algae, Mold and Mildew on Vinyl Siding, Deck, Patio, Brick and More
7 Carbona Pro Care Oxy Powered Outdoor Cleaner with Active Foam Technology | 22 Fl Oz, 2 Pack

Carbona Pro Care Oxy Powered Outdoor Cleaner with Active Foam Technology | 22 Fl Oz, 2 Pack

  • POWERFUL OXY FORMULA TACKLES TOUGH OUTDOOR STAINS EFFORTLESSLY.
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$18.99
Carbona Pro Care Oxy Powered Outdoor Cleaner with Active Foam Technology | 22 Fl Oz, 2 Pack
8 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, RINSING, OR PRESSURE WASHING NEEDED!

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  • SAFE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: BLEACH-FREE AND NON-ACIDIC FORMULA!

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$18.98 $20.64
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Wet & Forget Outdoor Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover Multi-Surface Cleaner, Ready to Use, 64 Ounce
9 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

  • INSTANT STAIN REMOVAL: BREAKS DOWN MOLD & MILDEW ON CONTACT-NO SCRUBBING!

  • VERSATILE & SAFE: WORKS ON VARIOUS MATERIALS-INDOORS OR OUTDOORS!

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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
10 Camco 41024 Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner - 32 fl. oz.

Camco 41024 Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner - 32 fl. oz.

  • RESTORES RV AWNINGS TO LIKE-NEW APPEARANCE EFFORTLESSLY!
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Camco 41024 Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner - 32 fl. oz.
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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!