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You should pay attention to this when you are going to buy a parasol

You should pay attention to this when you are going to buy a parasol

Mmm, summer in your own garden. Or host a dinner party on a hot day. A parasol is an indispensable item at this time of year. Does yours need to be replaced or would you like a new model? Then take a look at these tips before you go shopping.

So many people, so many wishes. Fortunately, the choice is quite huge these days when it comes to nice garden items. Especially in the summer months you want to be able to sit comfortably in your own garden or on your balcony. And that's where the parasol comes into play.

Also read:'What makes sunglasses good sunglasses?'

Portrait or floating

A standing parasol is the type that we only knew 'early'. This one has the mast in the middle. And is often made of wood or aluminum. You have models that can be unfolded or turned like an umbrella. this model is usually slightly tiltable. This way you can also keep the sun away from your e-reader when it is angled towards you. And there are models with a pulley system:the parasol is pulled open with a rope. In principle, these are not tiltable. Floating parasols have been determining the 'garden image' for decades or two:it is almost impossible to imagine life without them. A big advantage of a free-hanging (read:floating) parasol is that it can be placed in different places. For example, you can place your garden table full of snacks and drinks in the shade, because you don't have to fiddle with your foot. That foot is important. With a floating parasol you need a sturdy pedestal. If you opt for a plastic filling foot, you will need about 100 kilos (!) of gravel to keep the thing safely on the ground. There are also granite feet, which are quite heavy by themselves.

Square or round

Of course you can have a personal preference. Does round or square better suit your taste, your garden, your other outdoor items? It is good to know that with a square parasol the ribs are usually longer. This makes folding above a table, for example, more difficult. So if your parasol mainly has to serve above a table, a round might be a better option. The advantage of those longer ribs with a square model is that you create more shadow with them. So let's see what suits your situation.

Cleaning and maintenance

It is best to remove dust and dirt from the parasol with a dry cloth (or a soft brush). If the canvas is already very dirty (read:accidentally left it in the rain), you can also clean the parasol with water and green soap; Rinse well with lukewarm water and let it dry thoroughly before folding or tidying up the parasol. It is better to leave all-purpose cleaner or bleach in the cupboard, those kinds of products affect the quality of the cloth. And can also cause unsightly stains. When you no longer use the parasol, it is always better to fold it and slide the protective cover over it.

PS for the days when the evenings are already getting cooler:open your parasol during the day to absorb the sun, if you now sit under it in the evening you will notice that it is pleasantly warm, because the parasol has saved heat for you