If you own an Under Armour golf umbrella, you know it’s built to handle heavy rain and harsh sun. But after a season on the course, dirt, tree sap, and mildew can build up on the canopy and frame. Cleaning it the wrong way, like tossing it in the washing machine, can wreck the water‑repellent coating and loosen the ribs.
The safe, effective method is hand‑washing with mild soap and cold water. Here’s exactly how I do it, step by step, so your umbrella stays waterproof and opens smoothly for years.
Step 1: Pre‑Cleaning Preparation
Before you start scrubbing, prep the umbrella.
- Open it fully. Shake off loose dirt and leaves outdoors.
- Check for damage. Look for bent ribs, a torn canopy, or rust on the shaft. If the frame is broken, fix it before cleaning – or replace the umbrella.
- Spot‑treat stains. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with cold water. Use a soft cloth to dab sticky spots like tree sap or mud. Let the soap sit for five minutes.
Avoid using hot water or bleach at this stage; they can strip the DWR (durable water repellent) coating that keeps rain beading off.
Step 2: Hand‑Washing the Canopy
The canopy is the most important part to clean gently.
- Fill a bucket or sink with cold water and a small squirt of mild liquid soap. (I use a gentle laundry soap like Woolite, but any mild dish soap works.)
- Submerge the open umbrella and swish it around for about two minutes. Don’t rub the fabric hard – that can damage the coating.
- For stubborn stains, use a soft‑bristled brush (like an old toothbrush) with soapy water. Scrub lightly in circles.
- Working one section at a time, rinse the soap out by dunking the umbrella in fresh cold water. Repeat until no suds remain.
What not to use: Fabric softener, bleach, ammonia, or vinegar. These break down the DWR and make the canopy less water‑resistant.
Step 3: Rinsing and Drying the Canopy
After washing, most people make mistakes during drying.
Keep the umbrella open. Let it air dry in a shaded, breezy spot. Do not put it in direct sunlight – UV rays can fade the fabric and weaken the waterproof coating over time. Also, never use a dryer or heater; heat can melt the nylon or polyester.
I hang mine from a hook on the porch, upside down (handle pointing up), so water drips off the ribs instead of pooling in the center. If you must dry it indoors, place it near a fan.
The canopy should be completely dry before you close the umbrella. Storing it wet is the number one cause of mildew and rust.
Critical Considerations for Under Armour Umbrellas
Not all umbrellas are the same. Under Armour uses a “Storm Proof” fabric – typically nylon or polyester with a factory‑applied DWR finish. That finish is what makes water bead up and roll off. Harsh cleaners or abrasive scrubbing will wear it away fast.
If your umbrella is older and doesn’t repel water like it used to, don’t blame your cleaning method. The DWR coating naturally wears off after many uses. You can refresh it; I’ll cover that in Step 5.
Also, the frame on most Under Armour umbrella models uses fiberglass ribs and a rubber‑coated handle. Fiberglass can crack if you bend it too hard, especially when wet. Always handle the ribs gently when cleaning.
Step 4: Cleaning the Frame and Handle
The shaft, ribs, and handle also need attention, but they require different care.
- Shaft and ribs: Wipe them with a damp cloth and mild soap. If you see rust spots on the metal joints (where the ribs connect), use a Q‑tip with a dab of rubbing alcohol. Dry immediately to stop rust from spreading.
- Handle/grip: Most Under Armour grips are made of rubber or foam. Wipe with a soapy cloth, then rinse with a barely‑damp cloth. Don’t soak the handle – water can seep into the locking mechanism and cause it to stick.
- Button and runner: Spray a little silicone lubricant (not WD‑40) on a cloth and wipe the slider. This prevents it from sticking when you open or close the umbrella.
Step 5: Restoring Water Repellency
After a few cleanings, or if water starts soaking into the canopy instead of beading up, you need to re‑apply a DWR treatment.
- Make sure the canopy is clean and completely dry.
- Use a spray‑on fabric waterproofing product made for outdoor gear (like Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof or Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield). Avoid products with silicone for umbrellas – they can make the fabric stiff.
- Hold the spray 6 inches away and mist evenly across the canopy, working in a well‑ventilated area. Don’t oversaturate.
- Let it air dry for at least 24 hours before using the umbrella in rain.
I do this once a year before the rainy season, and my umbrella still sheds water like new after three seasons.
Avoiding Three Common Cleaning Mistakes
From personal experience (and a few ruined umbrellas), here are the biggest mistakes to skip:
- Machine washing or drying. The agitation in a washer can snap fiberglass ribs. The dryer heat melts the coating. Hand‑wash only.
- Soaking the frame. Submerging the handle and shaft in water forces moisture into the runner mechanism. It will get stiff and eventually stop sliding.
- Storing it wet. Even a slightly damp canopy will grow mildew within a week. Always dry it fully before folding.
Step 6: Storage and Maintenance Tips
Now that your umbrella is clean, keep it that way.
- Store it open in a cool, dry place. If you must store it closed, make sure it’s completely dry and hang it by the handle (not the tip).
- Keep it away from direct heat sources like radiators or car dashboards – heat degrades both the fabric and the rubber handle.
- After every use in rain, shake off excess water and leave it open to air dry before putting it back in your golf bag.
- Check the tip for wear. If the metal tip gets dented, it can tear the canopy during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove mildew from the canopy?
Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water (but note: vinegar can weaken DWR over time). Dab the stain, let it sit 15 minutes, then rinse well. For heavy mildew, use a dedicated fabric mildew remover like Mirazyme, which is safe for waterproof coatings.
Can I machine wash the umbrella if I remove the cover?
No. Even without the sleeve, machine washing will still bend the ribs and strip the DWR. Stick to hand‑washing.
How do I fix a stuck umbrella after cleaning?
If the runner is stuck, spray a little silicone lubricant on the groove where it slides. Open and close it a few times. If that doesn’t work, you might have water inside the handle – let it dry upside down for two days.
Is it safe to use a pressure washer on the canopy?
Absolutely not. Pressure washers force water through the fabric’s weave and can tear the coating. Use a gentle stream from a hose or bucket.
What household items should I never use?
Bleach, ammonia, vinegar (for routine cleaning), fabric softener, laundry detergent with brighteners, and any abrasive scrub pads. All of them damage the canopy or the frame.
That covers everything I’ve learned from cleaning my Under Armour golf umbrella over the years. Follow these steps, and your umbrella will stay reliable for many rounds – rain or shine.