Teak Cleaning and Preservation Guide

Teak furniture actually improves in appearance and value when allowed to weather into a silver-dove to gray color when exposed to the elements. This is brought about by the migration of its natural oil to the surface and oxidizes when exposed to the sun. This is responsible for the change in color and texture but in no way will the furniture lose its structure and integrity nor will it rot. If you do not desire this old look, you can always bring back its rich and natural color when following the simple guide below.

Initial Oiling and Finishing of your New Teak Furniture

Wash the new teak furniture with a solution of water and detergent and rinse completely with water. This will eliminate the waxy and oily feel of teakwood during manufacturing and shipment. Steps: Ensure the wood is completely clean and dry before applying teak oil. Apply a first coat of oil using a soft cloth. Apply a second coat of oil once the first coat is complete with a maximum 2 coats.

To ensure extended protection from the elements, apply a coat of good quality sanding sealer after the teak oil has completely dried. Finish this off with a coat of any good quality UV (Ultra Violet) top coat preferably flat finish.

Quarterly to Semi-Annual Maintenance Procedure
(When Required)

Clean the teak furniture with a solution of mild detergent and water prior to re-oiling to remove dirt and grime. Steps: Rinse very well with water and brush with nylon scouring pad or soft bristle brush (be careful not to use a brass brush, steel wool and pressure washer as they will just damage the teak surface).

If the teak furniture has severe staining and the cleaning procedure above is not satisfactory, sand the affected area with a (250) grit fine sandpaper. Wipe the furniture with a clean rag and re-oil the sanded area. Sanding marks will disappear once oil is dry and the natural color of the teak furniture will return.

Annual Restoration Procedure

You can schedule a yearly restoration procedure of your teak furniture if a quarterly or semi-annual maintenance work has been done. This restoration procedure detailed in simple steps will surely bring back your furniture to its original state.

Details:

1. Thoroughly inspect the furniture for any repairs from wear and tear that might need a carpenter's attention. This might involve some work to restore chipping or re-gluing on some parts of the furniture.
2. Hose down the entire furniture with water and a solution of detergent and brush with nylon scouring pad. Repeat the process until all grime and oil has been removed.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry.
4. Using a 250 grit fine sandpaper, sand areas where there are stubborn stain and marks. You can also use commercially available stain cleaners for wooden furniture.
5. Wipe off sanding dust and cleaners with a clean, dry rag.
6. To restore to original condition, apply teak oil with a maximum of two coats. Be sure to complete this process within the same day. Work area must be ventilated as teak oil has a strong odor. Soak rag used for teak oil application in water overnight before discarding as oil is flammable.
7. After teak oil is dry, apply one to two coats of good quality sanding sealer and allow to dry.
8. Finish the process by applying a good quality UV sealer as a top coat to protect furniture from environment.