how to look after your French umbrella

Would you like to know how to look after your umbrellas effectively? In order to preserve the quality and aesthetic appeal of your French umbrella, it is essential to regularly carry out appropriate and effective maintenance. H2O Parapluies, a French manufacturer of top-of-the-range umbrellas, takes you through the various steps required to maintain the longevity of your umbrella.

A well-maintained umbrella will give you optimum protection in bad weather and retain its elegant appearance over time. What's more, this investment will save you from having to replace your essential accessory frequently every wet season.

To clean your umbrella canopy, here are a few simple steps to follow:

1. Gently open your umbrella in a spacious place.
2. Mix a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water.
3. Use a clean cloth and soak it lightly in the solution.
4. Wring out the cloth so that it is not too damp.
5. Pass the cloth over the entire surface of the fabric in light circular movements.
6. Then wipe the cloth with a dry cloth, always gently so as not to damage it.

To ensure that your umbrella works properly and remains sturdy, it's important to pay attention to its shaft. Here are two steps to maintaining the shaft:

1. Regularly check the screws that hold the different parts of the shaft together. If you notice that a screw is loose, tighten it with a suitable screwdriver.
2. lubricate the mechanism of the folding umbrella by applying a little solid paraffin (candle for example) to the areas concerned (be careful not to get any on your canopy).

Cleaning umbrella ribs can vary depending on the material and model of umbrella. Here are a few tips for cleaning the ribs of your product:

- Shake off excess dust and dirt: Start by gently shaking the umbrella to remove excess dust and dirt.
- Use a soft brush: Use a soft brush, such as a soft bristle brush, to gently brush the ribs. This will remove any dirt that has built up.
- Damp cloth: If the ribs are dirtier, you can use a damp cloth with warm water and a little mild soap. Gently wipe each rib with the cloth to remove the dirt. Be careful not to get the umbrella too wet, as this could damage certain materials.
- Once you've done this, remember to dry your umbrella thoroughly, and only fold it when it's completely dry.

Got rust on your umbrella? Here's the equipment you'll need to remove it.

Materials required:
- White vinegar or lemon juice
- Aluminium foil or steel wool - Clean, dry cloths

Steps for removing rust :
1. Soak a clean cloth in a solution of white vinegar or lemon juice.
2. Gently rub the rusted area with the cloth.
3. After leaving for a few minutes, use a piece of aluminium foil or steel wool (in 000) to lightly rub away the rust.
4. Then wipe with another clean, dry cloth.

Clean the handle with a damp cloth and mild soap. Then wipe with a dry cloth to avoid any traces of moisture that could damage the wood or steel. Finally, if the handle is made of leather, remember to regularly apply a suitable product to nourish and protect it.

1. Gently brush the mould off with a soft brush.
2. Mix a little warm water and mild soap.
3. Soak a clean cloth in the solution and apply to the affected areas.
4. Leave for about 15 minutes, then rinse with a clean, damp cloth.
5. Remember to air out your umbrella completely to dry it.

To remove stains from your umbrella, you can use the same mixture of mild soap and lukewarm water as for general cleaning. You can also try the following tips:

1. Use a special fabric stain remover if the stain is stubborn (such as scarlet water).
2. Apply a solution based on bicarbonate of soda and water for organic stains (coffee, tea, wine).
3. Sprinkle with terre de Sommières for grease and oil stains. Leave overnight, then use a blower or hoover to remove the powder.

Remember to always test your cleaning methods on a small hidden area before proceeding with the full treatment.

Discover French excellence and know-how with top-of-the-range H2O Parapluies umbrellas. Handmade in our Crépon workshop in Normandy, each umbrella is a true work of art, designed by experienced craftsmen. We offer a wide range of luxury models to suit all personalities and needs, whether for men, women or children. Our umbrellas, available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colours, combine sturdiness and elegance, and come with a lifetime guarantee of exceptional quality.

Whether you're looking for a compact folding umbrella for your travels or a golf umbrella offering ample protection, at H2O Parapluies you'll find the perfect companion to face the rain in style. Make a commitment to a sustainable and eco-responsible product, and discover our customisation options to give or give yourself a unique umbrella. Whether you own a quality made in France umbrella from H2O parapluies or another French manufacturer, it's important to look after your accessory. By following these tips for looking after your French umbrellas, you'll be sure to enjoy them for longer.