How to Clean and Care for Teak Outdoor Furniture
Teak asks very little
Of everything you can put outdoors, teak asks the least of you. But "low maintenance" gets misheard as "no attention ever", and the small amount of care teak does appreciate is often done wrong.
Essential: the seasonal wash (twice a year)
Dry brush first. Sweep off leaves, cobwebs and debris with a soft brush.
Wash with mild soapy water. Warm water, a splash of dishwashing liquid, a soft bristle brush. Scrub gently with the grain.
Rinse thoroughly with a hose on normal pressure.
Let it dry fully before replacing cushions.
Optional: brightening silvered or stained teak
Use a dedicated two-part teak cleaner (cleaner then brightener), or a mix of warm water and a small amount of oxygen bleach (never chlorine). For stubborn spots and to restore full gold: after cleaning and drying, a light hand sand with 120 then 180 grit, always with the grain. Our teak restoration guide walks through the full method step by step.
The three mistakes that actually damage teak
1. Pressure washing. The number one teak killer. High-pressure water tears out the soft spring growth between the grain lines.
2. Chlorine bleach and harsh cleaners. Chlorine breaks down the timber's surface. Steel wool shreds the grain and can leave iron particles that rust-stain the timber.
3. Wrapping teak in plastic for winter. Non-breathable covers trap moisture and create a mildew greenhouse.
Spot situations
Bird droppings, sunscreen, food oils: clean promptly with soapy water.
Red wine and coffee: blot, wash, and if a shadow remains, it will weather out; sand only if it bothers you.
Black spotting in shaded damp corners: mildew. Oxygen bleach solution, soft brush, rinse.
Small surface checks (hairline cracks): normal seasonal movement as the timber breathes. Not a defect, consistent with the natural-materials clause in our warranty terms.
The care calendar at a glance
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Spring | Wash. Optional: clean/brighten, sand, then the Teak Protector Kit if maintaining gold |
| Through summer | Wipe spills as they happen, nothing else |
| Autumn | Wash. Clear debris from joints and feet |
| Winter | Nothing, or breathable cover in prolonged wet shade |
Everything above applies to every piece in our A-grade teak collection, and whether teak is right for your spot in the first place is covered in our complete teak buyer's guide.
FAQ
How do I clean teak outdoor furniture? Twice a year, scrub gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush, rinse and dry. Avoid pressure washers, chlorine bleach and steel wool.
How do I get my grey teak furniture back to golden? Clean with a dedicated teak cleaner, let it dry, then lightly sand with the grain using 120 to 180 grit.
Can I pressure wash teak furniture? We strongly advise against it. A soft brush and soapy water achieve a better result safely.
Should I cover teak furniture in winter? Only with a breathable cover. Plastic sheeting traps moisture and encourages mildew.
