Tuuci | Care & Maintenance
Tuuci® frames are constructed from durable, marine grade, weather-resistant materials including fiberglass, armor-wall aluminum, Dura-TEAK composites, Aluma-TEAK aluminum and sustainable hardwood. All fasteners (nuts, bolts, pulleys, cam cleats, etc.) are marine grade stainless steel to withstand the most corrosive environments.
Tuuci’s High Performance Textile parasol canopies employ the most durable and state of the art marine grade fabrics and thread, including proven high-performance, UV stable materials.
Proper care and maintenance are important to extend the serviceable life of all Tuuci products.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE:
Caring for your Tuuci Parasol Canopies, Curtains and Tensioned Fabric Walls -
- Hand Wash
- Do Not Tumble Dry
- Hang to Dry
- Non-Chlorine Bleach if Needed
- Do Not Wring
- Do Not Iron
- Do Not Dry Clean
GENERAL CLEANING:
Use a sponge or soft brush to apply mild soap and warm water to the fabric, rinse thoroughly, and air dry.
- For stubborn stains or mildew:
- Add one cup of bleach per gallon of soap and water, apply directly to the stain, use a sponge or soft brush to clean. Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 15 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and air dry. If necessary, repeat with additional bleach.
- Prior to opening, ensure that the shade product is properly secured to an adequate shade anchor, using the locking system intended for the specific product (star knob, hitch pin or cam lock).
- Freshwater rinses once a week will enhance the life and long-lasting beauty of your Tuuci shade equipment.
Weekly inspection of your Tuuci product is recommended. Loose screws should be tightened, and any broken components replaced immediately to avoid further damage to your product.
When opening a Tuuci parasol, separate each rib 6 inches from the center post, before raising the hub. Do not force the hub if it does not rise easily. When closing the parasol, pull the fabric out from between the struts to avoid pinching or damaging the Tuuci high performance textile canopy membrane.
TUUCI IN HIGH WIND:
Although many Tuuci frames have been tested for structural integrity in winds exceeding 50 MPH, it is always recommended that caution and common sense be applied in extreme wind and weather conditions. Tuuci recommends that all collapsible shade equipment be closed in wind conditions that exceed 25 MPH. The stability of Tuuci shade products in heavy wind and severe weather conditions is directly related to the size, weight, and security of the shade anchor. Please use reasonable and cautious judgment when determining when the parasol should be closed.
ROUTINE CARE FOR SHADE ANCHORS:
ALWAYS BE SURE THAT THE PARASOL MAST IS FIRMLY ATTACHED TO THE SHADE ANCHOR BEFORE OPENING
Clean above ground parasol shade anchors regularly to maintain appearance. To clean, gently wash with soap and water using a non-abrasive cloth or pad. Check all bolts in the shade anchor plate regularly to ensure that they remain fully tightened. Inspect weekly if parasol shade anchors are moved on a regular basis.
Do not roll Aluma-crete (Aluminum Shell, Concrete Filled) shade anchors on their side as damage to shell or finish will occur. Touch up shade anchors with exterior paint as needed. Touch up paint can be ordered from the Tuuci parts department at parts@tuuci.com. Wheeled parasol shade anchors are intended for use on even surfaces. Move shade anchors slowly and with caution on uneven surfaces. Do not use it on stairways or over distances which exceed 50 feet, as damage to the welded wheel tray may occur.
FABRICS:
Tuuci High-Performance Textile Canopies, Curtains, and Tensioned Fabric Walls
Tuuci’s high performance textile parasol canopies employ the most durable and state of the art marine fabrics and thread including proven high-performance, UV stable materials.
ESSENTIAL CANOPY CLEANING:
Tuuci high performance textiles should be cleaned regularly before dirt is allowed to accumulate and become embedded in the fabric.
- To Clean:
- The fabric canopy can be cleaned without being removed from the frame.
- Simply brush off any loose dirt or particles
- Hose down and clean with a mild soap in lukewarm water (no more than 100° F.)
- Rinse thoroughly to remove soap.
- Allow fabric to air dry.
- Do not use heavy detergents.
- Stubborn Stain:
- For stubborn stains, clean with a mild soap and add one cup of bleach to a gallon of water
- Scrub vigorously with a soft bristle brush, sponge or clean towel.
- Allow fabric to air dry.
This method of cleaning may remove part of the water repellency. If water repellency is a factor, the fabric should receive an application of an air-curing water repellent treatment (such as SM fabric guard).
TUUCI HIGH PERFORMANCE TEXTILE CARE:
Tuuci’s High Performance Textiles provide top quality marine grade fabrics. Tuuci’s High Performance Textiles may be machine washed but a water repellent treatment must be applied to the fabric after washing to re-establish water repellency. Tuuci’s High Performance Textiles are made from 100% acrylic fiber and are thermoplastic or heat sensitive.
When washing or cleaning, do not subject to excessive heat as the fabric will shrink.
- Do not steam press or dry in electric or gas dryers.
- Allow to air dry.
In cases where your parasol is taken down and stored during the winter season, the Tuuci high performance textile canopy should be cleaned, allowed to air dry, and stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. A Tuuci Protective Cover should be used at all times when the parasol is not in use to ensure the longest serviceable life.
REPLACEMENT PARTS:
Parasol Repair - Proper care and maintenance should prevent broken parasols, but in the case your parasol is in need of repair, all Tuuci products are built with 100% replaceable parts. Please email info@tuuci.com for information on where to order parts and order replacements.