Kinks on the Care of Umbrellas
Deriving long use from an umbrella depends in part on proper selection, care of the cloth and frame, and precautions against loss or theft. A silk cover is desirable to shed rain, and a cotton one for a sunshade. The hot sun dries out the silk and heats the metal ribs under it, quickly destroying it. If silk is used for sun protection, wet the cover occasionally. Always set an umbrella to dry, handle down if there is not space to dry it open.
A broad ribbon loop on the handle of a woman’s umbrella permits carrying it on the wrist and prevents forgetting it. An umbrella with a removable handle can be folded into a suitcase, and putting the handle in the pocket when leaving the umbrella in any public place makes it less liable to theft. An umbrella should bear the name and address of the owner.