How to Clean Teak Outdoor Furniture for a Fresh Look

 Teak outdoor furniture, renowned for its timeless beauty and exceptional natural water resistance and durability, has been a popular choice for those seeking patio or deck furniture that can withstand the elements and age gracefully. Despite its inherent strength and resistance to rot and pests, regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to preserve the protective properties of your outdoor teak furniture and maintain its pristine appearance.

Keep reading for a look at how to properly clean outdoor teak furniture, including the best tools and cleaners to use and some steps you can take to protect teak wood and keep it beautiful and durable for many years.

Understanding Teak Wood

Teak wood, originating from the vast forests of south and southeast Asia, thrives outdoors due to its high oil content. Its natural resistance to water and the damaging effects of excess moisture, such as warping and cracking, sets it apart from other types of wood. This innate resilience and its distinctive deep-golden hues make it a highly coveted material for outdoor furniture. However, even the most durable materials benefit from regular care and cleaning, and teak wood is no exception.

How to Clean Teak Outdoor Furniture

Whether you keep your teak furniture directly in the elements or in a relatively shaded, protected spot, it still needs the occasional cleaning to keep it looking great and to prevent long-term problems from developing. Here’s a closer look at cleaning and protecting outdoor teak furniture to avoid damage and preserve its beauty and strength.

Gathering the Right Materials

First, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the right tools for the job. You’ll need a soft-bristle brush, a gentle, high-quality wood cleaner like WOCA Exterior Wood Cleaner, a bucket, and access to water. You’ll want to use the softest bristle brush, as it’s gentle on the wooden surfaces and effective at removing dirt.

An old soft-bristled toothbrush is a great backup tool for tight spots or carved details. If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your outdoor teak furniture or live in a less forgiving climate, you might need to do more maintenance cleaning. Consider picking up some WOCA Intensive Wood Cleaner Spray, which is still gentle enough to use on any wooden surface but has a little extra power when removing stubborn surface grime.

 

The Cleaning Process

Early spring, or whenever your outdoor season starts, is a great time to clean your teak furniture thoroughly. You can spray the WOCA wood cleaner directly onto the furniture or mix it with a little warm water in a bucket until suds form.

Using your soft-bristle brush, gently scrub the surface of the furniture, following the grain of the wood whenever possible. Pay special attention to corners and crevices where dirt might gather. Once you’ve cleaned all exposed surfaces, rinse the furniture thoroughly with clean water (you can even spray it gently with a hose), and dry any excess moisture with a clean, absorbent towel. You’ll want to pick a sunny day and clean your teak furniture early enough to dry completely in sunlight.

Maintenance Cleaning

Regularly dust your teak furniture throughout the season with a clean, dry cloth. If you notice any grubbier spots, you can spot-clean them using an abbreviated version of the methods above. How often you’ll need to clean your teak outdoor furniture depends on your local climate and how much you use it. High usage or wetter climates might require a little maintenance cleaning every month, but typically, a thorough scrub every three months will keep your teak furniture in great shape. You can easily take care of any stubborn stains or green growth with  WOCA Exterior Deep Cleaner.

Protecting Your  Outdoor Teak Furniture

Teak outdoor furniture is tough, so regular maintenance will ensure your furniture retains its charm (and durability). Consider occasionally applying a light coat of  WOCA Exterior Oil for a little extra TLC. It’s available in a natural teak-colored tint to protect and maintain while leaving the original color unchanged.

Final Thoughts and Additional Woodcare Tips

Through regular cleaning and proactive maintenance, your teak outdoor furniture can continue to be a charming asset to your exterior spaces, preserving its beauty for many years.

Don’t forget to browse the WOCA Woodcare Blog for more insights on preserving wooden surfaces, indoors or out, informative articles on sustainable practices, embracing green living, and staying updated with the latest décor and design trends.