While teak requires minimal maintenance, it is still essential to clean it regularly. Read this guide on retaining the beauty of your teak outdoor furniture.
I tried different wooden furniture over the years, and for me, I have found that teak is my favorite hardwood. I appreciate how it can enhance the visual appeal of my patio and living spaces. I also discovered that teak outdoor furniture is more resistant to fading and damage than other types of wood.
However, teak wood furniture still requires proper care and maintenance despite its durable construction. When left uncleaned, teak can suffer from discoloration and mildew.
Fortunately, this article will guide you through the steps to clean teak outdoor furniture. I will also share some tips on how to maintain the natural color of teak.
How To Clean Teak Outdoor Furniture?
Teak is a low-maintenance hardwood. However, it is still essential to keep it clean to extend its lifespan.
The following are some tips on cleaning teak wood furniture.
Remove Dirt and Dust
Clean any dry dust and dirt on the teak wood’s surface.
You can use a vacuum to remove debris on your teak furniture. It is best to choose a handheld vacuum to get in the nooks and crannies of the patio table or chair.
You can also clean teak furniture with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
It might be tempting to start wiping at the top because it is the most visible and accessible area of your teak wood furniture. However, avoid doing so. Instead, begin from the bottom when removing the dust. Moving up to the top of the teak furniture can prevent you from leaving unwanted smudges.
Use a Cleaning Solution
If you encounter stubborn debris on your teak wood furniture, it is best to wash the surface.
Mix soap and water in a bottle. You can also use a natural all-purpose cleaner instead of liquid soap. Next, squeeze out the cleaning solution into a sponge or microfiber cloth. Then, wipe down the surface of the wooden furniture.
In general, a quick washing with soap and water is enough to clean your teak patio furniture. It can also prevent discoloration and mildew growth.
But over time, you might want to keep your furnishings extra clean and shiny. Add a bit of bleach or vinegar to the cleaning solution if that is the case. Do not forget to wear gloves and other protective equipment when using bleach or strong chemicals.
Brush the Teak Surface
You can use a soft-bristled brush to remove tough stains on your teak patio furniture.
Ensure the wood is wet before starting the scrubbing process. You can also create a bleach solution to dissolve any stains or defects. Next, soak the brush in the solution. Then, gently scrub away the dirt on the surface.
Do not brush the wood grain too hard, or you risk scratching the surface. You must also avoid spilling bleach around your home to prevent damage.
Rinse the Furniture Thoroughly
Make sure to rinse off the soap or other cleaning solution on the teak outdoor furniture. Do not leave any soap residue because it can eventually lead to grime and mildew buildup.
You can use a damp cloth to remove sediments on small furniture pieces. Rinse the cloth thoroughly frequently to prevent the reapplication of the soapy water.
You can also use a garden hose to rinse off soap residue. This method is ideal for washing larger teak outdoor furniture, like chairs and tables.
After applying soap or other cleaning solution on the teak furniture, rinse it thoroughly with water.
How Often Should You Clean Teak Furniture?
Outdoor teak furniture does not require weekly cleaning. In reality, most teak products deteriorate slowly. Thus, they remain in working condition, even if cleaning is limited to once a year.
However, you might want to clean the teak furniture more frequently, depending on your needs and preferences. For instance, it is best to wash your patio furniture every three to four months to maintain its original golden honey shade.
Those living in dry and windy areas might benefit from weekly cleaning. The reason is dust and animal droppings can easily collect on your teak outdoor furniture. They can damage the teak’s protective layer when left to accumulate.
But you can also keep cleaning to a minimum if you prefer the natural silver-gray patina on weathered teak.
What Are Some Teak Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid?
Cleaning your teak patio furniture is relatively simple. However, many homeowners still make several mistakes that can affect the lifespan of the hardwood. This can be especially disappointing when all you wanted to do was remove water marks.
Avoid the following blunders to keep teak durable and long-lasting.
Steel Wool
I know how tempting it is to grab steel wool to remove stubborn stains on your teak furniture. However, this abrasive tool can leave permanent scratches on the surface. Moreover, it has small metal parts that can get stuck in the wood grain and cause rust over time.
So no matter how tough it is to clean the stains, do not use a ball of steel wool. Instead, try the cleaning methods above to restore the teak’s smooth surface.
Power Washer
Pressure washing is one of the best ways to clean various surfaces. However, it can cause damage to your teak outdoor furniture. So, avoid spraying high-pressure water on this type of hardwood at all times.
Using a power washer can wear down the teak’s finishing. Thus, it strips away the natural oils in the wood, which protect against moisture and UV light.
Furthermore, pressure washing can leave bumps and holes on the wooden surface. It ultimately leaves your patio furniture in bad shape.
Teak Oil and Varnishes
The last mistake to avoid is the application of oil and varnishes.
Teak wood already contains natural oils that seal out water. Hence, adding teak oil will not do much to slow the weathering process. Using other lubricants can even result in mildew infestation.
Meanwhile, varnish can chip on the wood surface. It requires sanding to keep your teak furniture smooth and even. So unless you want to polish the surface frequently, avoid applying varnish.
How to Maintain Natural Teak Furniture?
Teak wood is characterized by its natural golden-brown color. It adds a classic look to your patio, making it a popular choice for wooden furniture.
However, the teak’s beautiful hue can fade over time. Follow the methods below to keep its original shade.
Store the Furniture Away From Direct Sunlight
Teak will age and weather faster when constantly exposed to the sun.
Thus, it is essential to put your teak furniture out of direct sunlight.
You do not have to store teak furniture inside, especially if it is designed for patio use. You can simply place the teak table or chair in an area with minimal shade during part of the day. Or store it in a shed away from direct sunlight during the winter. This maintenance method is ideal when you are not using the furnishings as much.
Sand the Affected Area
Do you already see signs of weathered teak because of constant sun exposure? Ensure to work quickly before the situation gets worse.
Use light sanding to remove the outer layer of affected areas. Consider scrubbing off large wood surfaces by employing different types of electric sanders. These include belt sander, power sander, or oscillating sander.
You can also buy sanding blocks or sanding wedges to target hard-to-reach areas. These will help you smoothen corners where the teak wood parts intersect.
If you do not have a large budget, use 320-grit sandpaper to remove the outer layer. Rub down the surface following the grain direction. You risk leaving marks on the wood when sanding in the opposite way.
Invest in a Teak Protector
The last step to clean teak furniture is using a wood protector.
A teak protector or sealer creates a protective barrier between the wood grain and the outside air. It prevents the oxidation process that causes the teak to become gray. Thus, it can help retain the natural golden-brown color of the hardwood.
Applying a teak protector can also keep oil residue from staining the outdoor teak furniture. It is ideal for patio tables where you usually serve food and drinks.
Follow the directions from the manufacturer when using a teak sealant. Most products require a paintbrush to apply the solution. However, the application can differ from one brand to another.
How to Maintain Weathered Teak Furniture?
Most homeowners like to maintain the teak’s golden-brown color. However, some users let their teak furniture weather naturally.
Weathered teak furniture can introduce a timeless appeal to your patio or outdoor space. Furthermore, the silver-gray color is just as versatile as the original honey shade of the hardwood. It never turns patchy or black, so it requires little to no maintenance.
The following are some tips on how to clean teak wood furniture.
Apply a Teak Cleaner
Create a mixture of water and laundry detergent or soap to clean teak wood furniture.
After properly mixing the ingredients, apply the cleaning solution to the surface of the wood. Doing so can help preserve the silver-gray patina.
In most cases, this method is enough to maintain your teak outdoor furniture. It does not interfere with the teak’s natural aging process.
Rinse With Water
Do not forget to rinse the wooden surface with clean water.
As previously mentioned, avoid pressure washing because it damages the wood grain. Instead, use a regular garden hose to remove the leftover cleaning mixture and dirt residue.
Finally, allow the teak pieces to dry completely before using them.
How to Remove Patina From Teak Outdoor Furniture?
Do you want to restore weathered teak pieces to their original finish? Consider investing in dedicated teak cleaners or bleach mixtures.
Look for oxalic acid as an active ingredient in any store-brought wood cleaner. You can rely on this compound to lighten your teak furniture or decking. All you need to do is apply the teak cleaner with a soft bristle brush.
If you prefer creating a DIY solution, mix chlorine bleach with laundry detergent and warm water. Use this mixture to remove most dirt, stains, and gray patina.
However, expect these products to be more aggressive in cleaning the teak wood grain than the previous maintenance methods. Thus, you must follow instructions on the bottle and use caution. It is also essential to wear gloves, eye goggles, and other protective equipment.
Finally, rinse off any residue of the store-bought teak cleaners or bleach solution. If not, you risk getting stains or a leftover gray patina on the surface. Use a garden hose to wash the teak furniture pieces. Allow them to dry naturally.
How to Store Teak Outdoor Furniture?
There is no need to store your teak outdoor furniture inside your home when not in use. You can expect the material to withstand most debris and harsh weather elements. Thus, you can leave teak furniture pieces outside with little to no problem.
That said, you might want to cover your teak furniture pieces during the winter. Use a breathable material to protect the hardwood. Avoid plastic covers because they trap heat. The sweltering conditions can dry out the teak wood, eventually leading to cracks and splinters.
Conclusion
Teak outdoor furniture adds beauty to your patio or garden. It can also last you for many years with little to no maintenance.
However, when exposed to harsh outdoor elements, teak wooden material is susceptible to fading and damage. It is essential to clean the surface to retain its weather-resistant properties for a long time. Refer to the maintenance methods listed above to keep your teak furniture beautiful and durable.
If your teak furniture is beyond repair, and you are considering new furniture instead of a deep cleaning or restoration, check out our articles on outdoor furniture, teak Adirondack chairs, and more!
