How to Clean Teak Furniture so it Lasts a Lifetime

To clean your teak furniture you need to prepare your cleaning materials, decide whether you want to keep the original finish or go for a natural patina, apply teak protectant, use a product suggested by the manufacturer or a laundry detergent, thoroughly rinse with water if you want to remove the patina, use cleaners specified by manufacturers, and apply the teak sealer.

Teak is becoming a popular furniture choice. It is weather resistant and can last for many years. Not only does teak furniture serve a functional purpose, it also has a unique aesthetic appeal. Teak furniture looks great, especially in outdoor settings. But, whether it’s Teak Patio Furniture or teak dining room furniture, teak pieces add an instant charm to any room inside or outside the home. After you choose the perfect teak furniture to accentuate your outdoor living spaces or home interior, you should know how to take care of it. Here are some steps you can follow to clean teak furniture.

Prepare your cleaning materials

For cleaning teak furniture you will need to prepare a laundry detergent with bleach, a soft bristle brush and water. You will also need teak cleaning products such as a teak protectant and teak sealer.

Decide whether you want to keep the original finish or go for a natural patina

Deciding whether you want your teak furniture to retain its original honey wood finish or to go for a natural patina will be a factor in how you are to clean it. Some teak furniture owners prefer to retain the original finish in order to protect and seal the furniture. But other people like the soft gray patina that naturally forms from exposing the furniture to the sun. The resulting gray color allows for easier cleaning and caring for teak furniture.

Apply teak protectant

Before applying any other product, treat your teak furniture with teak protectant. Apply it generously all over the furniture.

Use a product suggested by the manufacturer or a laundry detergent

The manufacturer of your teak furniture might have included instructions or specified a particular product for cleaning it. You also have the option of using a laundry detergent with bleach to clean your teak furniture pieces. Mix the laundry detergent with water following a 2:1 ratio. Use the soft bristle brush to scrub the surface.

Thoroughly rinse with water

Be sure to rinse your teak furniture thoroughly with water. Remove all traces of the soapy water and suds. If you have decided to allow your teak pieces to develop a patina, you can stop at this step.

If you want to remove the patina, use cleaners specified by manufacturers

If your teak furniture has become weathered or has developed a gray patina and you want to restore it to its original appearance, there are special products on the market made for that purpose. Read the manufacturer’s instructions properly to find the right one. Light sanding is often required after applying the cleaners.

Apply the teak sealer

If you want, you can seal the teak wood by applying the teak sealant which effectively preserves the original honey color of your teak furniture pieces. Many teak sealers are also formulated to prevent the formation of mildew and mold.

If you take care of your teak furniture properly, it can last for years. Maybe even the next generation will appreciate the teak furniture you bought for your home.