If you own outdoor teak furniture like me, you know how frustrating it is to clean. Dust and other kinds of debris are not easily visible and tend to harden. But taking care of the teak wood is essential, so I will share some tips to make the task easier.
One of the best ways to take care of teak outdoor furniture is regular cleaning. It is true that teak requires little to no maintenance. However, frequent washing can go a long way to retaining the wood’s natural protective qualities.
Beyond simple cleaning, teak furniture pieces can also benefit from other care methods. We will explore these techniques to keep your wooden furniture solid and beautiful.
In this article, you will also learn how weathering affects the quality of teak, so you can understand the cons of prolonged neglect.
What Do I Need to Know About Teak Wood Furniture?
Teak is a tropical hardwood that naturally grows in Africa, South Asia, and Central America. It is among the most valuable timber species because of its beauty and strength.
Teak wood has a dense surface with a tight grain. Unlike other timbers, it does not easily bend or crack over time.
Teak, or Tectona grandis, also contains pure wood oils that resist moisture and weathering. The material can even repel most insects and termites, owing to its natural resin. The only exception is the Hyblaea puera, a caterpillar native to Southeast Asia that feeds on teak.
Due to these existing protective qualities, teak wood requires almost no maintenance. It can withstand daily outdoor use for years to come.
That said, teak wood furniture can naturally age and weather. Regular care and cleaning can extend this wood’s lifespan.
What Should I Expect in the Teak Natural Aging Process?
Teak goes through a natural aging process, just like any other wood. It also experiences a settling period after harvesting, sewing, drying, and manufacturing the wood into furniture.
During this time, the teak outdoor furniture can expand and shrink as it adjusts to the environment. These can cause small cracks on the wooden surface. But they have little to no effect on the structural stability of the furniture.
However, teak wood can lose its natural protective oils when left to age naturally outdoors. It makes the furniture more vulnerable to damage and rot.
Teak can also fade into a silver-gray patina with constant sun exposure. This new color does not impact the wood’s durability. Instead, it leaves a rustic look, which can be attractive depending on your preference. This weathered teak requires different care methods than natural teak furniture.
How to Care for Outdoor Teak Furniture?
Teak wood is relatively easy to care for. In most cases, regular washing with soapy water is enough to clean outdoor teak furniture. But there are some instances when you need to exert more effort to prolong the teak’s lifespan.
The following are some tips on how to take care of outdoor furniture.
Clean Your Teak Furniture Regularly
Teak furniture can withstand most outdoor elements, such as moisture, UV rays, and weathering. However, it can still attract dirt and all kinds of debris.
In order to care for teak properly, it is best to clean the wood surface regularly.
Start by removing visible dust and dirt using a dry microfiber cloth.
Next, create a cleaning solution by mixing mild soap with water in a bottle. You can also opt for a natural all-purpose cleaner. Or consider adding bleach if you encounter stubborn particles and stains.
Then, apply this teak cleanser on the wood surface with a sponge or lint-free cloth. Ensure to wipe the entire teak furniture. Start from the bottom and work your way up to prevent streaks on the surface.
Once clean, rinse the teak outdoor furniture with clean water. Make sure to wash the whole surface to avoid soapy residue. When left alone, the suds can cause mold and mildew growth.
Leave the outdoor teak furniture to dry completely before using or storing it away.
Remove Spills Immediately
Accidental spills are bound to happen when using an outdoor teak table or chair. While you cannot escape them forever, you can do something to prevent them from ruining your prized teak furniture. The key is to work quickly before they leave a permanent stain on the wood.
Remove food spills, oils, and chemicals as soon as they leak on the wooden surface. Hose them down with clean water.
You can also use a stiff bristle brush when dealing with stains. Scrub following the direction of the wood grain to retain a smooth surface. To determine the grain direction, use your fingernail against the wood—if it catches, you are working against the pattern.
If brushing does not work, consider washing the teak outdoor furniture. Use a mixture of mild soap or wood cleaner and water. Do not forget to rinse and dry the wooden surface.
You can also sand the area with more stubborn stains. Only use fine-grit sandpaper for this task to prevent further damage.
Apply Wood Finishes
Outdoor teak furniture can withstand various conditions and elements without staining or sealing the surface. This is all thanks to the naturally occurring oils deep within the wood.
However, you may want to apply wood finishes for further protection. These can prevent the pure teak wood oil from evaporating quickly when exposed to sunlight and rain.
Below are some finishing products to consider.
Teak Stain
Teak stains are available in either water-based or oil-based solutions. Each has its pros and cons.
Oil-based stains deeply penetrate the teak wood. They enhance the natural protective qualities of teak. Thus, they tend to perform better when exposed to harsh outdoor elements. However, they take a long time to dry. They are also not eco-friendly.
On the other hand, water-based teak stains dry fast. They also provide adequate protection against weathering. The only downside is that they require regular maintenance.
Regardless of their type, both teak stain products can enhance the wood’s appearance.
Teak Sealer
Teak sealer is a more permanent wood finish than stains. It does not penetrate the teak surface. Instead, it acts as an outer layer that sits on top of the furniture.
Teak sealers are all about protection. They seal or lock up the natural wood oils in the outdoor furniture, hence their name. They can prevent dust, moisture, and other particles from entering the wood pores.
However, teak sealant products require a complicated application to ensure optimal performance.
Store Furniture Away From Direct Sunlight
Teak has pure oils and resin that can withstand sun exposure. However, it will age and weather faster once exposed to harsh UV rays.
So if you want to take care of your outdoor teak furniture, keep it away from direct sunlight.
It is not necessary to bring the furniture inside your living room. After all, you bought it specifically for outdoor use. Simply move it to an area with minimal shade during the day. Or store the wooden furniture inside a shed to eliminate sun exposure.
Sand Teak Furniture
Teak will weather over time. But that does not mean you should abandon the furniture at first sight of cracks or peels on the surface. It is best to work quickly before the situation gets worse.
Use fine-grit sandpaper to remove the outer wooden layer. Follow the direction of the grain and polish until the surface is smooth.
Consider using an electric sander when dealing with large outdoor furniture like a teak table or chair. These will help you achieve an even and polished surface faster.
However, employ sanding blocks or sanding wedges to remove signs of weathering in hard-to-reach areas.
Do not forget to remove sanding residue from your teak wood furniture. Wipe off the sawdust with a damp sponge or microfiber cloth.
Protect Teak Furniture During Winter
Teak outdoor furniture can withstand winter use. However, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can cause small cracks in the wood. These gaps eventually lead to damage and rot as debris gets inside the pores.
One of the best ways to take care of teak furniture during the winter is to cover it. Use a breathable material to protect the hardwood.
Avoid plastic covers because they tend to trap heat. In the same way, do not store the outdoor teak furniture in a heated room. The humid conditions can attract mold and mildew.
What To Avoid When Cleaning Teak Furniture?
While cleaning outdoor teak furniture is relatively easy, many homeowners still make mistakes that shorten its lifespan.
Below are the blunders to avoid if you want to take proper care of teak furniture. Beyond these tips, read more about cleaning your outdoor teak furniture to help it last longer.
Power Washer
Pressure washing effectively cleans different surfaces, but it is not recommended for teak furniture pieces.
The high-pressure water can strip off the teak’s natural oils. That makes the furniture more vulnerable to moisture and UV light damage.
Plus, the power washer can leave bumps and holes on the wood surface. The result is an unattractive finish.
It is best to use a regular garden hose to wash your dirty teak furniture.
Steel Wool
You may be tempted to remove stubborn stains with a ball of steel wool. However, you risk leaving permanent damage and scratches on the teak furniture when you use this abrasive tool. You may also end up with a rusty surface from the small metal parts stuck in the wood grain.
So avoid using steel wool no matter how tough the stains could get. Instead, use a strong cleaning solution to eliminate these unwanted marks.
Teak Oil and Varnish
Many people mistake teak oil for the natural lubricant found in teak wood. The truth is teak oil contains linseed and tung oil as well as chemical additives. This product can actually damage your teak furniture. Stick with stains, sealants, and natural oil finishes.
It is also best to avoid varnish. While it may add a glossy coating to your outdoor furniture, it eventually peels off. It can ultimately hide the beauty of teak instead of enhancing the material.
How To Preserve Teak’s Natural Color?
Outdoor teak furniture can eventually fade to a silver-gray patina without proper care. Fortunately, it is easy to preserve the wood’s original golden brown color.
Use a teak sealer to prevent the natural oxidation process that causes the teak to turn gray. This product acts as a protective barrier between the wood pores and the outside air. Just ensure to follow the manufacturer’s directions when applying a teak sealant. That is because the specific application can vary from one brand to another.
Besides teak sealers, you can also use a dedicated teak wood cleaner. Buy a product with oxalic acid as an active ingredient. You can expect it to remove signs of weathering on your teak furniture. Therefore, you can enjoy the wood’s beautiful honey-brown shade for as long as possible.
How to Maintain Weathered Teak Furniture?
While some homeowners like to keep the natural teak color, others might prefer the silver-gray finish. This unique shade introduces a rustic appeal to your backyard or patio. So it is not surprising some people allow their outdoor teak furniture to fade naturally.
However, weathered teak requires a different care method than natural teak.
For one, a quick washing with mild soap and water is enough to take care of teak furniture. Simply grab a brush or lint-free cloth to remove dirt and dust.
There is no need to use bleach, vinegar, and other strong cleaning solutions. If you use these products, you risk revealing the new wood layer underneath the patina.
You also do not have to clean the weathered teak regularly. You can wash it every three to four months, depending on how much dirt gets to the surface.
Do not forget to rinse the teak wood with clean water before using the furniture as intended.
Conclusion
Cleaning teak outdoor furniture might seem tedious at first, especially if you live in a windy location. But we are confident that taking care of teak wood is relatively easy.
In most cases, regular cleaning is enough to maintain the beauty and strength of teak furniture. All you need to do is wash the surface with soap and water. Of course, some instances require other care methods, but these are just as straightforward.
We have already shared the proper ways to take care of teak wood furniture. So try these methods to preserve your prized pieces for a long time.
Once you clean your outdoor teak furniture, check out the best teak sealer to extend its lifespan even further!
