How to Make & Use the Best Teak Cleaner for Outdoor Furniture Image

How to Make & Use the Best Teak Cleaner for Outdoor Furniture

If you want your teak outdoor furniture to last forever, you need to know how to take care of it. Teak has a stunning honey-brown color that makes it stand out from the crowd. The problem is, over time, this color fades into a dull silver-gray patina…

Unless you do something about it. 

You can preserve your outdoor furniture’s natural color by cleaning it the right way. 

How do you make your outdoor teak furniture look brand new? It’s simple. Just use the best teak cleaner and give your furniture a thorough cleaning at least twice a year. Trust us, you won’t regret it. 

We have more tips for you, so read on.

Understanding the Best Teak Outdoor Cleaner 

Teak outdoor furniture takes a few months to start fading, if not properly cared for. 

One of the best ways to care for your teak outdoor furniture is to clean them properly. The easiest and most accessible way to clean your teak outdoor furniture is by using water and soap.

Alternatively, you can also use the best teak cleaner for outdoor furniture to get the job done. Cleaning your teak outdoor furniture is not as complicated as it sounds. 

Here is what you need to leave your teak furniture sparkling clean:

  1. Clean running water  
  2. Detergent/soap or commercial teak cleaner
  3. A soft scrubbing brush or cloth
  4. A pair of gloves and face mask (when using teak cleaner)

Avoid using salty water because it does not easily foam with soap. It also hastens the fading process on your teak outdoor furniture.

When cleaning your teak outdoor furniture, avoid using bleach and ammonia. Chlorine bleach is a strong oxidizer that whitens the teak wood, and strips it of the healthy brown hue.

Most teak cleaners contain acids and alkalis such as oxalic acid, hydrogen chloride or potassium, that cleans the stains off weathered and new teak furniture.

The most common ingredient in the best teak cleaner for outdoor furniture is oxalic acid, supplemented with cleaning agents that work in cohorts.

How To Clean Teak Outdoor Furniture the Right Way

If you live in a dusty environment, you should dust your teak furniture pieces often, to avoid hastening the weathering process.

When cleaning your teak furniture always start with the less aggressive option - water and detergent - and only opt for the best teak cleaner for outdoor furniture if the stains persist Always clean your outdoor furniture in a well ventilated area, preferably outdoors during summer so they dry up faster.

Here are the DIY steps for cleaning teak outdoor furniture with water and detergent or the best teak cleaner for outdoor furniture.

 1. Air Out The Furniture

Place your teak furniture in an open space, yard or lawn. Instead of cleaning your furniture in direct sunlight, do it in the shade, where it won’t dry off too fast to start cracking. 

 2. Detaching the Cushions

Carefully remove and put your cushions aside, away from the reach of dirt that can stain the fabric. Always wash your cushion covers separately, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

 3. Wiping off Debris

Use a vacuum cleaner, a soft broom, or a cloth to remove accumulated solid components and dust particles to ease the cleaning process.

 4. Wash the Furniture With Water and Soap

Mix a mild solution of water and detergent then scrub the surface and corners of your furniture with a soft nylon brush or damp cloth. If you are using a teak cleaner skip to the next step.

5. Prepare the Teak Cleaner and Apply

If your teak is heavily stained, a commercial teak cleaner is your best solution (pun intended). Mix the best teak cleaner for outdoor furniture as recommended by the manufacturer.

You are better off spraying the solution with a spray bottle or a garden sprayer. This requires less effort and evenly distributes the clever to every corner of your seats or tables.

Completely spray your teak furniture to get it wet and let the cleaner soak in for 15 minutes. Afterwards, scrub the soaked furniture with a soft brush in the direction of the grain to effectively wash off the dirt and stains.

 6.Rinse the Furniture

Rinse your teak furniture using a low pressure hose, spraying and rinsing every corner of the furniture with clean, running water to remove all the dirt.

7.Allow the Furniture to Dry

After rinsing properly, use a dry clean cloth or towel to wipe off the water then allow it to dry completely under the sun for about 24 - 48 hours. Afterwards you can add a protective layer of the best teak sealer to coat the furniture against further weathering. 

Teak sealers and the best teak finishing helps the teak wood preserve the natural oils and salts that protect it against the harsh elements.

The Take Away

You deserve the best teak outdoor furniture for your patio or yard, but finding authentic teak furniture can be a challenge. That’s why you need Modern Patio Design.

We have the finest quality teak furniture pieces from the best brands in the market. Whether you want a cozy sofa, a stylish table, or a relaxing chair, we have it all. We’ll help you choose the perfect teak furniture for your outdoor space. We promise you will love the stunning honey-brown color and the durability of our teak furniture. 

Don’t wait any longer. Contact us today and get expert advice from our friendly team. 

Adam Fromson

About the Author

Adam Fromson

Adam Fromson, co-founder of Modern Patio Design, loves bringing people together. His experience has shown him that a well-designed patio is more than just a space—it’s the heart of every memorable gathering. He hopes that by sharing his knowledge of outdoor patio furniture, he can help others create functional and beautiful gathering places.