How to Maintain Your Teak Furniture

When it comes to outdoor furnishing, teak wood is considered one of the most reliable options. Teak outdoor furniture looks elegant and can withstand all weather conditions. Teak wood isn’t limited to outdoor furnishing, it’s also used extensively for indoor furnishing.

With teak outdoor furniture, you don’t have to worry about any cracking, splintering or termites. You just need to take a little effort on taking care of it, and it will look good as new. Generally, teak outdoor furniture is marketed with its original golden colour. But over time, it gains its distinctive silvery or grey shade. Now, if you love this natural ageing process, then you just need some cleaning and dusting to maintain it. But, if you want to keep its golden colour intact, you need to take a little extra effort.

The following are six effective ways to maintain your teak furniture:

1. Regular Cleaning
   
   
   When it comes to cleaning, teak furniture is easier to clean than its alternatives. Make sure that you remove dirt, cobwebs, etc., every week. You can also use a damp cloth for regular cleaning. For best results, you can scrub its surface using the grain of the wood. Once done, you just have to dust it off by using a soft cloth. To counter any stains on your teak furniture, you can use sand over the stained surface. You can also buy a special teak cleaner for removing those greasy stains.
   
   
2. Brushing
   
   
   Brushing is one of the most common ways to clean all outdoor furniture. But with teak furniture, make sure that while brushing, you are using a brush with soft bristles.  This will help you to avoid any unnecessary scratches on its surface. You can easily clean them using a brush with soft bristles, soap and water. By following the grain of the teak wood, you can avoid scratches. Furthermore, you can also use a degreaser for eliminating any unwanted grease.
   
   
3. Cleaning Solution
   
   
   When it comes to general cleaning, damp soft cloth is enough to clean any dirt accumulation. But you can also use a mixture of soap, water and degreasing agent to attend to any stubborn stains. While at it, make sure that you aren’t using an all-purpose wood cleaner as it can affect the texture of teak furniture. Only teak wood specific products should be used for maintaining it. If you don’t have any special cleaning solution, then a solution of 1 cup vinegar and 4 litres of water is enough for cleaning outdoor teak furniture.
   
   
4. Use A Sealer for Colour Retention
   
   
   If you are one of those who love the natural golden tone of teak wood, then you need to take extra care than usual. After buying your furniture, you should annually use teak sealant for retaining the honey-gold colour of the wood. A yearly application is enough as teak wood produces its own oil that can protect its colour. Also, for outdoor teak furniture, you can buy teak specific oils to give it extra protection against UV lights and mildew infestation. Before applying any sealant or oil, make sure that the surface is cleaned properly.
   
   
5. Extra Care Against Weather
   
   
   Although teak furniture is durable and can be left outside all year long, it’s better to cover it to avoid any excessive exposure. By covering it up with breathable material, you can add an extra layer of protection against excessive heat, rain and snow. If you are putting your outdoor folding table on during winters, don’t store it in a heated room to avoid cracks. As teak wood expands and contracts between weather changes, the heat can cause cracks.
   
   
6. Keep It Away from Moisture
   
   
   Teak wood furniture can withstand all the weather, but overexposure to water can seriously affect its lifespan. It can result in deterioration of its structural integrity and also cause mildew formation. Make sure that you are placing your teak furniture away from the places where puddles are formed. If heavy rains are going on, bring your furniture inside as these harsh conditions can affect it due to high levels of moisture.

Also, read here: When To Get Expert Help For Your Old Furniture?

 

So, these were effective ways of teak wood furniture maintenance. These little steps can help you to increase the lifespan of outdoor teak furniture exponentially. Also, it keeps it in good and presentable condition.