Teak outdoor furniture is valued for its natural beauty, strength, and weather resistance. However, like all wood furniture, it requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking its best. With the right techniques and products, you can easily clean your teak patio furniture and restore its warm golden color.
Why Proper Cleaning is Important for Teak Furniture
Teak contains natural oils that help protect it from weathering, rot, and insects. When exposed to the elements, the wood develops a silvery-gray patina over time. This does not harm the integrity of the furniture, but affects its aesthetic appeal.
With routine cleaning, you can keep your teak furniture looking closer to its original golden-brown color. Allowing dirt and grime to build up can lead to stains and mildew that are more difficult to remove. Proper maintenance also extends the lifespan of your investment in high-quality teak furniture.
Supplies Needed for Cleaning Teak Furniture
Cleaning teak outdoor furniture does not require many special supplies. With a few common household cleaners and tools, you can easily scrub away dirt and restore the wood’s warm glow.
Basic supplies include:
- Teak cleaner or mild detergent
- Soft scrub brush with natural bristles
- Sponge or soft cloth
- Garden hose
- Bucket
- Plastic or nylon scrub pad
Optional supplies:
- Pressure washer
- Solvent such as acetone
- Oxalic acid wood brightener
- Restorative teak oil or sealer
Avoid using steel wool or wire brushes, which can scratch and damage the surface of the wood. Choosing eco-friendly cleaners is also recommended to avoid potential damage to plants or grass from chemical runoff.
Cleaning Steps for Simple Maintenance
For routine maintenance cleaning, you only need to use a teak cleaner or mild detergent. Here are the basic steps:
1. Sweep Away Loose Debris
Use a soft bristle broom to sweep your teak furniture to remove loose dirt and debris. This prevents the particles from scratching the wood as you scrub it clean.
2. Spray Down the Furniture
Use a garden hose to lightly spray the entire surface of the furniture. This helps dampen the wood and lift some of the top layer of dirt and dust.
3. Create a Cleaning Solution
In a bucket, mix together warm water and a natural teak cleaner or mild detergent like dish soap. Use about 1/4 cup of cleaner to 1 gallon of warm water.
4. Scrub the Surface
Use a soft bristle scrub brush dipped in the cleaning solution to gently scrub the furniture. Apply light pressure and work with the wood grain. Try to scrub all surfaces including joint crevices and underneath support rails.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse away all traces of the cleaning solution by spraying the furniture down thoroughly with your garden hose. The wood should now look noticeably cleaner without buildup of soap residue.
6. Allow to Dry
Let the teak furniture air dry completely before applying any protective finish. This usually takes 24 to 48 hours depending on humidity levels. The wood will lighten as it dries.
7. Apply Teak Sealer (Optional)
To help the fresh clean look last longer, apply a natural teak sealer. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions for application and drying time.
This simple cleaning routine can be performed as needed through the seasons, typically every 2-4 months.
Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Stains
Over time, teak furniture may develop difficult stains that require more intensive cleaning methods. Here are some tips for deep cleaning stubborn stains:
Use Brightener for Heavy Graying
If the gray weathered patina has built up heavily, an oxalic acid brightener can help restore more of the original teak color. This should be applied according to product instructions. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the brightener away.
Try Solvents on Oil Stains
For stubborn oil-based stains like grease or cosmetics, apply a small amount of acetone, paint thinner, or mineral spirits directly on the stain. Use a clean cloth to rub gently until it lifts. Rinse and allow to fully dry. Be very cautious with solvents and follow all safety precautions.
Scrub Tougher Stains
For ingrained dirt or dark stains, use a plastic scrub pad or very fine sandpaper. Gently scrub only on the affected area and not the entire surface. Be careful, as this can scratch the wood if overdone. Wipe clean and allow to completely dry afterward.
Use Bleach for Mold or Mildew
To remove stubborn mildew stains, make a dilute bleach cleaning solution using 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Carefully apply the solution only on the mildew stains and scrub with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly. Allow to dry before sealing or oiling the wood.
Power Wash as a Last Resort
For old teak furniture that needs a deep refresh, use an electric power washer on the lowest pressure setting according to the user manual instructions. This effectively blasts away built-up grime. Make sure to evenly spray all areas of the furniture.
Follow any of these deeper cleaning methods with a rinse, dry time, and application of a fresh sealant or teak oil to protect the wood again.
Tips for Proper Care After Cleaning
To keep your teak furniture looking its best after cleaning, be sure to:
- Let the furniture completely dry before using or sealing it.
- Apply teak oil or sealer evenly across the wood grain per product instructions.
- Cover the furniture with outdoor furniture covers between uses.
- Avoid letting wet cushions sit on teak furniture to prevent water stains.
- Bring pillows and cushions indoors when not in use to prevent mold and mildew.
- Reposition the furniture occasionally to ensure even weathering and wear.
- Re-apply protective sealant annually or as needed when wood appears dry.
With regular cleaning and proper care, high quality teak furniture can provide decades of low-maintenance enjoyment outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Teak Furniture
How often should you clean teak patio furniture?
For routine maintenance, teak outdoor furniture should be cleaned every 2 to 4 months. If your furniture has noticeable stains or mildew, clean it right away to prevent permanent damage.
What is the easiest way to clean teak patio furniture?
The easiest method is to mix an eco-friendly teak cleaner or mild detergent with warm water. Use a soft scrub brush to gently clean the furniture and then rinse thoroughly. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools.
Can you use bleach to clean teak outdoor furniture?
Bleach should be avoided for routine cleaning, as it can dry out and discolor the wood. For stubborn mildew stains, you can use a dilute bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Rinse very thoroughly afterward.
What removes gray weathered spots from teak furniture?
An oxalic acid-based teak brightener is the most effective product for removing the gray patina from weathered teak furniture. Apply according to product instructions. Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.
Is pressure washing bad for teak patio furniture?
Pressure washing is okay to use if done properly on the lowest setting. Keep the nozzle at least 1 foot away from the furniture to avoid potential damage to the wood. Move the nozzle continuously during rinsing.
How do you restore the color of old teak furniture?
Use an oxalic acid brightener to lighten heavy graying. For general upkeep, clean thoroughly with teak cleaner and let the wood dry completely. Apply teak oil or sealer evenly to help the rich color last longer.
Should teak furniture be oiled after cleaning?
Yes, it is recommended to apply teak oil or a sealant after thorough cleaning and drying. This helps restore moisture and protects the natural color of the wood. Apply according to product instructions.
How long does teak furniture take to dry after cleaning?
Teak furniture takes 24 to 48 hours to fully dry after cleaning and rinsing. The wood will lighten as it dries. Allow adequate dry time before applying any finish.
Conclusion
With proper maintenance cleaning every few months, teak patio furniture can provide many years of stylish outdoor use. Deep clean stubborn stains or heavy weathering as needed using brighteners, mild solvents, or power washing. Allow teak to dry completely before sealing or oiling regularly to protect its beautiful golden brown color. Be sure to use eco-friendly products and gentle application. Your high-quality teak furniture will reward you with enduring natural elegance when cared for properly.