When it comes to outdoor furniture, teak wood is often hailed as the gold standard. It’s not only beautiful and versatile but also highly resistant to decay and weathering. But like any other material, even the best-quality teak needs a little TLC from time to time. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to clean outdoor teak wood furniture and keep it looking pristine for many years to come. So grab your cleaning supplies and let’s get started!
Why Teak?
First things first, let’s talk about why teak is such a popular choice for outdoor furniture. Teak is a tropical hardwood native to Southeast Asia that boasts incredible durability and resistance against harsh weather conditions. Its high natural oil content makes it impervious to water damage, rotting, and insect infestations.
Moreover, teak has an attractive warm color that naturally weathers into a gorgeous silver-gray patina over time. While some people prefer the aged look of gray teak furniture, others may wish to maintain its original honey-golden hue with regular cleaning and maintenance.
Preparing for Cleaning
Before diving into the actual cleaning process, gather all necessary supplies:
- Soft-bristle brush or sponge
- Bucket filled with warm water
- Mild detergent (dish soap works great)
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A soft cloth or microfiber towel
- Garden hose (preferably with adjustable spray nozzle)
- Teak cleaner (if dealing with stubborn stains or restoring grayed furniture)
Now that you’re equipped with everything you need, follow these simple steps on how to clean your outdoor teak wood furniture:
Step 1: Remove Loose Dirt & Debris
Using a soft-bristle brush or sponge dipped in warm soapy water (a squirt of mild detergent will do), gently scrub away any loose dirt or debris on the surface of your teak furniture. This will help prevent scratches and damage during the cleaning process.
Step 2: Rinse Off Soapy Water
Once all visible dirt and debris have been removed, grab your garden hose and thoroughly rinse off the soapy water from your teak furniture. Make sure to use a gentle spray setting to avoid damaging the wood’s surface.
Step 3: Allow Furniture to Dry
Allow your teak furniture to dry completely in a well-ventilated area before moving on to any further cleaning or maintenance steps. Depending on weather conditions, this may take anywhere from a few hours to an entire day.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains & Discoloration
If you find that your outdoor teak wood furniture has stubborn stains or has turned gray due to weathering, it’s time for some extra attention using a specialized teak cleaner:
Choose Your Teak Cleaner: There are several options available on the market designed specifically for cleaning and restoring outdoor teak furniture. Some popular brands include Star Brite, Golden Care, and Semco. Read product instructions carefully as some cleaners come in two-part systems that need mixing before application.
Apply Teak Cleaner: Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply the teak cleaner evenly across the surface of your stained or discolored teak furniture using a soft-bristle brush or sponge.
Let It Sit: Allow the cleaner to sit for about 15 minutes (or as directed by product instructions) so it can work its magic on breaking down dirt, grime, mildew, and other contaminants embedded in the wood.
Scrub Gently: Using a soft-bristle brush or sponge dipped in warm water, gently scrub away any remaining stains or discoloration until you achieve an even finish.
Rinse & Dry: Once again, thoroughly rinse off the teak cleaner using your garden hose with a gentle spray setting. Allow your teak furniture to dry completely before moving on to the next steps.
Sealing & Protecting Your Teak Furniture
After cleaning and allowing your outdoor teak wood furniture to dry, you may want to consider sealing it for extra protection against weathering and stains:
Choose Your Teak Sealer: Look for a high-quality sealer specifically designed for use on outdoor teak furniture. Some popular options include Semco Teak Sealer, Star Brite Premium Golden Teak Oil, and TotalBoat Danish Teak Sealer.
Apply the Sealer: Following product instructions, apply an even coat of sealer over the entire surface of your clean and dry teak furniture using a soft cloth or brush. Be sure not to over-apply as excess sealer can create a sticky residue or uneven finish.
Let It Dry: Allow the sealer to fully cure (typically 24-48 hours) before using or exposing your furniture to moisture.
Regular application of teak sealer (every 6-12 months) will help maintain your outdoor teak wood furniture’s color and keep it protected from weather-related damage.
General Maintenance Tips
To keep your outdoor teak wood furniture looking its best year-round:
- Store cushions indoors when not in use: This helps prevent mildew growth and fading caused by constant exposure to sunlight.
- Cover during winter months: If you live in an area with harsh winters or heavy precipitation, consider investing in durable waterproof covers for additional protection.
- Regularly check hardware: Inspect screws, bolts, and other hardware components regularly for signs of rust or loosening that could lead to structural instability.
How To Clean Outdoor Teak Wood Furniture Conclusion
In conclusion, cleaning outdoor teak wood furniture is relatively simple once you know what tools are needed and the correct steps to follow. Regular cleaning, as well as occasional deep cleaning using specialized teak cleaners for stains and discoloration, will ensure that your furniture remains beautiful and durable for years to come. With just a little bit of effort, you can enjoy the luxurious look and feel of outdoor teak wood furniture in your backyard oasis!
