How to Care for a Clear Umbrella
A clear umbrella needs very little care, but the little it needs makes a real difference. Most of it happens in the first ten minutes after you come in from the rain.
Quick answer
Shake a clear umbrella off, open it fully and let it dry at room temperature, away from direct heat, before closing it. Clean it only with a soft cloth, water and mild soap, and store it loosely furled in a cool, dry place.
After the rain
Give the umbrella a few firm shakes outside to throw off most of the water. Indoors, open it fully and leave it to dry. Opening it fully matters: it lets air reach the folds and the joints, where water collects.
Dry it away from direct heat. A heater, a hot car or a hairdryer can warp or cloud clear film. Room temperature and moving air are all it needs.
Never store it wet
Folding an umbrella away wet is the single most common way to shorten its life. Trapped moisture leaves marks on the film and, over time, can corrode metal joints and tips. Close it and fasten the strap only once it is completely dry.
Cleaning the canopy
Wipe the canopy with a soft cloth dampened with water. For marks, add a drop of mild soap, then wipe again with plain water. Dry with a soft cloth to avoid water spots.
Avoid alcohol, solvents, glass cleaners and anything abrasive. They can dull or cloud the film. On PRISM 01 the holographic film is laminated between two clear layers, so gentle cleaning never touches the colour itself.
Folding it properly
Close the umbrella slowly and let the panels fall into their natural folds along the ribs. Gather them loosely and fasten the strap without pulling the canopy tight. Sharp creases in clear film are permanent, so avoid forcing it into a tight roll.
Storing it between seasons
Keep the umbrella somewhere cool and dry, standing or hanging, with nothing heavy resting on it. If it will be stored for months, make sure it is completely dry first, and open it once in a while to let the canopy breathe.
Look after the frame
Every so often, open the umbrella and look at the joints and tips. Wipe off any grit, and make sure nothing has worked loose. A frame that is kept dry will last for years. For more on how frames are built, read fiberglass vs steel umbrella ribs.
Questions
Can I dry a clear umbrella with a hairdryer or heater?
No. Dry it at room temperature in moving air. Heaters, hairdryers and hot cars can warp or cloud clear film.
How do I remove water spots from a clear umbrella?
Wipe the canopy with a soft cloth dampened with water, then dry it straight away with a dry soft cloth.
What should I not use to clean a transparent umbrella?
Avoid alcohol, solvents, glass cleaners and abrasive pads. They can dull or cloud the film.
Caring for a PRISM 01? See its care notes →