Cleaning Teak

Teak is one of the most durable hardwoods for outdoor furniture and, without treatment, weathers to a beautiful silvery grey colour. If you want to treat or clean your teak furniture to get rid of dirt build-up and the inevitable stains, this is how to do it:

1. Gently wipe down your teak furniture with a soft damp cloth, and then buff with a dry cloth.
2. Use only a soft scrubbing brush to wash your teak furniture. Never use steel wool or scouring pads and remember that hard bristles may scratch or damage your furniture.
3. Wash the furniture with a mixture of warm water and a mild soap.
4. Rinse your furniture with a hose and never use a pressure washer, which can damage the grain.
5. You can make a yearly application of sealant to protect the furniture from the elements.
6. Get to stains immediately after they occur, especially bird deposits which can either permanently stain or bleach your furniture.

Oiling teak photograph by ingorrr, used under a creative commons attribution licence.

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