The wood is gorgeous and adds a lot of visual appeal to patio and other areas of the home.
Some people do nothing or aren’t sure what they need to do to care for this fine wood.
However, if left uncleaned, mildew or discoloration can occur.
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Others prefer to continually seal and protect their teak furniture to maintain the original honey color.
The decision you make will impact how you care for the furniture.
It will give the wood a layer of UV protection and prevents mildew growth.
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These types of protectors will also protect the teak from oil stains from food and drinks.
Oily foods, ketchup, and some drinks are all common items that can stain teak furniture.
Don’t use a protector on brand new furniture.
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Applying a protectant on new teak will trap moisture that leads to cloudiness.
Clean the Furniture
Thoroughly clean the furniture with soap and water or a teak cleaner.
Allow it to completely dry.
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Wait an hour and apply a second thin coat.
Let It Dry
Wait four to five hours and then use your furniture.
You may want to repeat the process once a year.
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Rinse your teak pieces with water to remove any dirt residue or leftover suds.
Usually, these products require at least a two-step process involving the software of caustic cleaners and acid.
This is a tough job and can be confusing if you’ve never done it or seen it done.
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Read all manufacturer’s instructions and use caution.
If the damage is significant, often a light sanding may be required to fully restore the piece.
The natural oils in the wood seal out water.
Varnish chips and flakes on the wood require sanding to remove.
Consider this before you add something that requires sanding yearly or more often.
Over time this can cause issues that are difficult and expensive to repair or reverse.
Storing Teak Furniture
It is not necessary to store your teak furniture indoors over the winter.
If you do want to cover it, ensure to use a material that breathes and avoid plastic covers.
The heat can dry out the wood and cause it to crack or splinter.
With time and changing weather conditions, it’s natural for the teak furniture to expand and contract.
Each spring, check the joints of the furniture and tighten anything loose.
