How to Clean Teak Chairs

Made from the wood of a rare tropical Asian tree, teak outdoor furniture is sought after for its simple beauty as well as its ability to endure a variety of weather conditions. Teak furniture is usually left untreated, allowing the natural wood to fade from its original golden brown to a silver-gray over time. Natural teak wood requires very little maintenance and cleaning; mild oil-based soap and water will remove most stains. You can take a few measures to keep teak furniture looking its best.

Things You'll Need

• Damp, soft cloth
• Dry, soft cloth
• Mild, oil-based soap
• Soft-bristle brush
• 1/2 capful high-phosphate laundry detergent
• 1 qt. ammonia
• Hose
• Teak oil
• Fine-grade sandpaper (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove loose dirt and other debris from teak furniture by wiping with a slightly damp cloth. Wipe wood dry with a dry cloth.

2. Apply a gentle, oil-based soap such as Murphy's Oil Soap to the furniture with a soft-bristle brush. Mild soap should remove most stains. For a deeper clean to remove mold or mildew, mix one qt. of sudsy ammonia and 1/2 capful high phosphate laundry detergent such as Wisk in a five-gallon bucket, and apply to the wood with a soft-bristle brush. The detergent removes dirt, and the ammonia neutralizes bacteria. Let the mixture sit on the wood for 5 to 15 minutes.

3. Rinse teak furniture thoroughly but gently with a hose. Let the furniture air dry.

4. Apply teak oil to dry, clean teak furniture. Teak oil replenishes teak's natural oils to maintain that wood's smooth, satin-like finish. But be aware that oiled teak wood is more prone to develop mold and mildew, so clean it more often.

Tips & Warnings

• For easier stain removal, treat stains as soon as you notice them. The longer dirt, mold, mildew and other contaminants sit on wood, the harder they are to remove.

• Use fine-grade sandpaper to remove persistent or deep stains. Make sure to sand with the grain for natural-looking results.

• Avoid using acid-based cleansers, including products that are specifically advertised as teak cleaners. These products work by stripping off the top layer of wood.

• Do not use steel wool or wire brushes to clean teakwood as the bristles can scratch teak furniture.

• Do not use a high-pressure sprayer hose to rinse teakwood. High water pressure can damage teak furniture.

References

• Discount Patio Furniture: Cleaning Teak Outdoor Furniture
• Master Garden Products: Cleaning Teak Products
• Marine Store: Teak Cleaning and Refinishing