Care and Maintenance of Your Outdoor Furniture
Caring For Teak Furniture
Teakwood is one of the most durable and stable hardwoods in the world. However, not all teak is alike. If you are investing in new teak furniture, we suggest you buy the furniture of reputable manufacturers who are environmentally responsible , and use high grade A teak harvested only from carefully controlled plantations.
Stick to furniture that is made using traditional construction techniques – dowelled mortise and tenon joints, with dowels made of teak — and using good quality brass or stainless fittings. Inexpensive teak furniture is frequently made of lower grade wood (sadly, often illegally harvested) and constructed using pine dowels, which don’t hold up well over time.See our Brands page for the manufacturers we represent.
Oiling Teak - DON'T
You don’t have to use preservatives or treatments of any kind to ensure the longevity of your outdoor teak. Outdoor teak furniture should not be oiled, as it will not prolong the life of the wood, but will, unfortunately, tie you into an arduous maintenance routine. Oiled teak is more likely to mildew and will be subject to irregular coloring as it weathers. New teak furniture often appears smooth and “polished” – this comes from the oil which occurs naturally in the wood. The oil on the surface of your teak will evaporate over time once the furniture is outdoors (hence the “graying”); it is the oil that remains below the surface that gives the wood its strength and durability. This is why good quality teak can be left outside all year long. Photo below shows a new teak chair, then teak after 3 years of exposure, and then teak that has turned gray. Notice there are still a few spots that show the natural teak oil, these will even out after more time.
General Care and Maintenance of Teak
Periodic cleaning of your teak furniture will help to maintain the general appearance. Clean using a mild solution of warm water and a mild detergent (you can even add a few tablespoons of bleach). Then rinse with fresh water. Some people prefer to cover their furniture when they are not using it for long periods of time, which will help keep it clean and protected (especially in areas with tree sap or dust), but is not essential. If you do choose to use protective covers, it is very important that you use only “breathable” covers that do not trap moisture, but allow constant ventilation. Do not use plastic or vinyl tarps – they will do more harm than good! We highly recommend Treasure Garden’s Activa covers, which are available in many different sizes for all different kinds of outdoor furniture (not just teak). Contact us for more information.
WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE THE GRAY LOOK AND WANT TO KEEP THE HONEY COLOR?
The “graying” of teakwood is simply the sign that the oil on the surface of the wood is evaporating. As such, your furniture can maintain the honey color by cleaning with mild soapy water and a soft bristle scrub brush. Teak cleaners are also very effective and require no heavy scrubbing or polishing. A Water Based Teak Shield can then be applied after cleaning, which will help prevent stains from olive oil, red wine etc If you are looking for a more robust, honey color after the natural teak color begins to fade, then apply Teak Protector, which adds the honey color back to your teak.
Roughness, Scratches, or Stubborn Stains:
Teak is a very forgiving hardwood. If your teak is feeling rough to the touch or you have a scratch or stubborn stain, sand using a light to medium grade sandpaper.
Outdoor Upholstery, Cushions, and Umbrella Canopies
Cleaning
Prepare a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. (Oxiclean or woolite are good options) Use a soft bristle brush or sponge to clean, allowing the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue and allow fabric to air dry. If cushions have zippers, unzip to allow water to drain faster. Do not remove innards.
For best results when cleaning upholstered pieces, clean the entire surface area of the fabric, from seam to seam, instead of rubbing the fabric in a circular motion on the spill. This method, along with an extractor, may be required in order to avoid water rings and residue.
Oil Based Stains
If a stubborn oil based stain persists after cleaning, use Sunbrella Extract™ Oil Based Stain Remover or treat with a strong degreaser and rinse thoroughly.
Mold and Mildew
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Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances if not removed from the fabric. To remove mold or mildew:
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Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of water.
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Spray on entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.
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Clean entire surface area with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle brush.
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Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
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Air dry.
For severe mold/mildew growth, bleach quantities may be increased.
Metal Furniture:
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Wash the furniture with a solution of mild detergent and water.
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Rinse with clear water.
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Dry thoroughly.
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Apply a fine, clear automobile wax for maximum protection against harmful ultraviolet exposure and salt air. Armour-All works well to give the metal a nice sheen.
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Touch up paint is available to purchase for most of our brands.
All Weather Wicker/Resin/Plastic
Resin frames are virtually maintenance-free.
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Hose off, wipe with a soft cloth.
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For more stubborn cases, a mild soap mixed with water and a soft brush or sponge can be used. Hose off and air dry
