Care & Use of Your Umbrella
A good umbrella requires little maintenance. It is crucial that it dries completely, is cleaned gently, and is handled without unnecessary strain.
With the following tips, your Sapor umbrella will stay beautiful and reliable for a long time.
Care Instructions
Before First Use
Remove the umbrella completely from its sleeve and unfasten the tie strap. Open it fully once so that the canopy can unfold evenly.
Slight creases in the fabric are caused by compact folding and are completely normal. They usually smooth out on their own during use.
After Rain
Shake Off Water
Gently shake off excess water from the canopy after use. Do not strike the umbrella against the ground or other objects.
Dry Completely
Allow the umbrella to dry fully open at room temperature. Ensure that the folds, seams, and internal fabric areas are also dry.
Do not fold the umbrella when damp or store it wet in its sleeve. Remaining moisture can cause odors, stains, and long-term damage to the fabric and mechanism.
Fold Neatly
After drying, align the individual fabric panels along the frame. Then, wrap the canopy evenly around the shaft without excessive tension.
Close the tie strap so that the fabric is securely held but not unnecessarily compressed.
Cleaning the Canopy
Light dirt can be removed with a soft, damp cloth and lukewarm water.
Proceed carefully:
- Remove loose dirt with a soft cloth.
- Gently wipe the affected area with clear, lukewarm water.
- Do not rub or scrub the fabric.
- Then, let the umbrella dry fully open at room temperature.
Do not use aggressive cleaning agents, solvents, stain removers, or hard brushes. Do not wash the umbrella in a washing machine or submerge it completely in water.
Dry cleaning is not recommended.
Care of Shaft and Frame
Wipe the shaft, ribs, and joints carefully with a soft, dry cloth if moisture is visible.
Do not remove dirt with sharp objects. Do not apply oils, lubricants, or care products to the mechanism unless expressly recommended by Sapor.
Do not attempt to straighten bent ribs or stiff components yourself. If the mechanism reacts unusually, contact hello@sapordesign.com.
Care of Wooden Handles
The handles of Distinct, Classic, and Modern models are made of wood. Grain, color tone, and fine structures may therefore vary slightly and change gently over time.
Clean the handle exclusively with a soft, slightly damp cloth and then dry it.
Do not use aggressive cleaners, alcohol, solvents, or abrasive sponges. Do not leave the wooden handle in water for extended periods and protect it from strong heat.
Storage
Only store the umbrella when the canopy, shaft, and mechanism are completely dry.
The included sleeve protects it from dirt and unnecessary friction. However, it is not intended for long-term storage of a damp umbrella.
Store the umbrella in a dry place at normal room temperature. Avoid:
- Heaters and other strong heat sources;
- consistently high temperatures;
- damp rooms;
- prolonged direct sunlight;
- heavy objects on the canopy or frame.
Do not leave the umbrella in a heavily heated vehicle for extended periods.
Instructions for Use
folding umbrellas: Essential and Iconic
Essential and Iconic umbrellas have an automatic open and close mechanism. Pressing the button opens the canopy; pressing it again closes it.
Opening
- Remove the umbrella completely from its sleeve.
- Release the retaining strap.
- Gently shake the closed umbrella so that the fabric and ribs can unfold freely.
- Hold the handle securely.
- Press the button to open the canopy.
Do not open a folding umbrella manually. Use the designated button.
Closing
- Press the button to close the canopy.
- Hold the handle securely.
- Push the telescopic shaft together in a controlled manner until it is fully and audibly locked into place.
- Allow the umbrella to dry completely before folding it.
After the canopy has closed automatically, the mechanism is not yet ready for use again. The umbrella can only be opened again once the telescopic shaft has fully engaged.
Do not use force if the shaft does not slide together smoothly.
full-length umbrellas: Distinct, Classic, and Modern
Distinct, Classic, and Modern umbrellas have an automatic opening. The canopy is opened by pressing a button and closed manually.
Opening
- Remove the protective sleeve, if one is present.
- Completely release the retaining strap.
- Hold the umbrella securely by the handle.
- Press the button to open the canopy.
Do not attempt to manually force the canopy open further.
Closing
- Guide the runner smoothly and in a controlled manner towards the handle.
- Move it downwards until the mechanism fully engages.
- Allow the canopy to dry completely open before folding it.
- Then arrange the fabric panels along the frame and close the retaining strap without excessive tension.
Do not use force if the umbrella does not close properly.
Use in Wind
The flexible fibreglass ribs are designed to yield in a controlled manner in wind. However, no umbrella can withstand every wind strength.
Where possible, keep the outside of the canopy facing the wind. This better distributes the load on the frame.
Do not try to forcibly hold an umbrella caught in strong wind against it. In storms, thunderstorms, or extreme gusts, it should remain closed.
If the Canopy Flips Inside Out
In a strong gust, the canopy of a flexible folding umbrella may flip inside out. This is not automatically a defect. The frame can, in this way, deflect part of the load.
In this case, proceed as follows:
- If possible, seek a sheltered location.
- Close the umbrella using the designated mechanism.
- Check the canopy, ribs, and joints for visible damage.
- Only open it again if no damage is apparent.
Do not forcibly push the flipped canopy back manually or bend the ribs into their original position.
What You Should Avoid
To protect materials and mechanisms:
- do not fold the umbrella when damp;
- do not clean in a washing machine;
- do not use aggressive cleaners or solvents;
- do not use hard brushes on the fabric or handle;
- do not lubricate the shaft and mechanism yourself;
- do not iron the fabric or treat it with hot steam;
- do not forcibly open or close the umbrella;
- do not bend damaged ribs back yourself;
- do not use the umbrella as a walking or support aid;
- do not place heavy objects on it.
If Something Is Not Working Correctly
A stiff or unusually reacting mechanism should not be operated with additional force.
Instead, write to us at hello@sapordesign.com. If possible, send some photos or a short video and state the model and your order number.
We will then check how best to help you.
Further Information
You can find complete instructions for the safe use of your Sapor umbrella on our page:
