Teak wood furniture is long-lasting, durable, and beautiful in any space. If you’re wondering how to clean teak furniture to keep it looking new, the process is easy. Whether it’s a teak outdoor sofa, table, or chaise lounge, taking good care of your new patio furniture is the key to keeping it in great shape for many seasons to come. Read on for some helpful tips for cleaning this furniture, so you can protect your investment.
How to Clean Teak Furniture: Is Treatment Needed?
Many materials require an application of some kind of sealant or treatment to keep them protected. However, with teak wood furniture, you won’t have to worry about this part of the process. Teak wood ages to a beautiful, natural patina without the need for extra treatments. You can leave your teak wood furniture outside all year round without having to worry about much damage, if any. New teak starts in a warm golden-brown hue. It eventually turns to a richer, deeper tone like honey brown to silvery gray. This is completely normal, and it’s not recommended that you add any type of treatment to the wood. However, you can apply a clear sealer to the furniture after you clean it. This will help preserve the wood.
Teak Furniture Cleaning Do’s
When you think about how to clean teak furniture, there are some things you should do to be proactive. Whenever you clean the furniture, make sure you’re using products that are safe for this material and won’t cause damage to the wood. Test your cleaning supply on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that there’s no discoloration or marks left behind. The best way to keep your teak furniture clean is to use coasters on tables. Also be sure to wipe up spills right away with a soft, absorbent cloth. Moisture and liquids can absorb into teak that has not been treated and leave a permanent stain. The best way to clean your teak furniture is to wipe it down occasionally or use a hose to rinse off dirt and debris.
What Not to Do
Now that you know more about how to clean and protect your teak furniture, there are a few things that you shouldn’t do. Never apply teak oil to your outdoor furniture. It tends to leave a sticky residue behind that attracts dirt and debris. Oil treatments can also cause mold and mildew to grow or cause the furniture to turn black and feel sticky to the touch.
Never use steel wool to clean your furniture. Tiny flecks of metal can get deep into the grain of the teak wood and cause it to rust over time. If you plan to sand your furniture, never sand against the grain, or else it may cause scratches. You should also never pressure wash your teak wood furniture since it can create gouges that will collect debris and water. Keep these simple tips in mind, and you’ll heave gorgeous teak furniture for your patio that will stand the test of time.
