Dry it before storing – that's the trick.

Yes – moisture is what causes both mold and rust, so your goal is to get the umbrella bone-dry before putting it away.

Start by shaking off all the sand. Sand traps moisture and scratches the metal. If you used it at a saltwater beach, rinse the pole and fabric with fresh water (garden hose works) to remove salt crystals. Salt accelerates rust like crazy.

Now dry it completely. Open the umbrella and let it air out in the sun for at least an hour – or overnight in a garage if it’s not raining. Don’t store it wet or even damp. The fabric will