How to Clean and Care for Teak Furniture

Teak is an extremely durable wood and naturally requires little maintenance or care, making it an ideal material for outdoor patio furniture. It is typically sold in one of two conditions: finely sanded in it's natural form and treated with teak oil. If left untreated, teak will weather to a silver-gray tone which is preferable to many people. Some prefer to maintain the wood's original golden honey tone. To achieve this look, there are a few easy methods to help you treat your furniture that you can employ. Regardless of the look, teak remains a strong and high-quality material choice for outdoor furniture and accents. Use this guide to help easily maintain and care for your teak furniture. Teak wood has a natural resistance to mold and rot; however, unsightly mildew can still form on the surface of the wood if not cared for. Regular cleanings will help prevent discoloration on both treated and untreated wood.

Cleaning Teak Furniture

Regular cleaning of your teak will help prevent mildew build-up and potential discoloration. A quick wash with mild soap and water and some bleach or vinegar mixed in usually does the trick. Make sure to use a soft plastic brush as metal brushes can scratch and damage the wood's surface.

Some harder to clean stains can be removed with a store-bought teak cleaner. When cleaning your teak, always start with the most mild cleaning solution. If that doesn't work, try something more concentrated.

Oiling Teak Furniture

Oiling teak furniture is not a method for protecting the wood but rather a way to retain and enhance the wood's natural golden color. Some people prefer this look to the natural weathering of the wood when left untreated. Oiled teak furniture is best for indoor use as the environment is more stable. If you choose to oil furniture that will be outside you will need to be more regular with the maintenance, by oiling the furniture every 2 to 3 months and keeping the furniture out of direct sunlight. Tung oil is preferred by most professionals for teak furniture but Linseed oil is also common. There are also specialized teak oils for purchase that use additives such as UV blockers and mildew retardants. Only oil teak furniture once it has been completely cleaned. Cleaning will remove any natural oils built up on the surface and applying a new coat of oil will restore the original character of the wood. When applying teak oil use a paint brush to paint the oil into the wood in even strokes. A cloth dampened with mineral spirits should be used to wipe up any excess oil as you go. Oil that drips onto other surfaces such as painted wood or fiberglass should be wiped away immediately to avoid staining. The amount of oil required for each teak piece will differ. You should continue to paint on the oil until the wood no longer soaks it in, leaving oil pooled on the surface of the wood. At this point the wood should have a matte finish without any shiny spots. Oil should be reapplied every 2 to 3 months. With each application the teak furniture should be washed and cleaned and fully dry before you begin.

Tip! When washing your teak furniture, start from the bottom and work your way up to to avoid leaving streak marks from any dripping water on the unwashed surfaces.

Do Not Worry about fine crack with Teak Furnitures

Over time, you may notice small cracks developing in your teak furniture. Because teakwood has a naturally high content of wood oils, it is not necessary to treat teakwood with any type of wood sprays, oils, or preservative. However, if you do use teakwood oil it will create a pretty surface sheen. If you do decide to use teakwood oil, make sure that your teakwood furniture is clean and dry before treating. You do not want to trap any water under the coat of oil. Untreated Teak patio furniture will develop stains from food or drinks if spilled however the sun will naturally fade these marks.