How to Clean Teak Garden Furniture

Teak is one of the most durable timbers used in garden furniture. Its natural oils and tight grain make it resistant to rain, frost and UK weather, but it still benefits from regular cleaning to stop dirt, pollen and algae building up. This guide covers everything you need to keep teak in good condition — with no specialist tools required.

Everyday Care

• Brush loose debris off the surface after use.
• Wipe with a soft cloth dipped in warm water and a small amount of washing-up liquid.
• Rinse with clean water and let the wood air-dry before putting cushions back.

Doing this once a fortnight through spring and summer is usually enough to prevent staining and keep the surface smooth to the touch.

Twice-Yearly Deep Clean

Aim for a proper clean in early spring before regular use and again in autumn before storage. You'll need a soft-bristle brush, a bucket of warm soapy water and, optionally, a purpose-made teak cleaner.

• Sweep loose dirt away and lightly wet the surface.
• Work along the grain with a soft brush — never across it.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water; standing detergent can leave a haze.
• Let the piece dry fully in the shade for at least 24 hours before covering.

Restoring Silvered Teak

Left outdoors, teak develops a silver-grey patina. Many owners like the look — it's purely cosmetic and doesn't affect strength. If you'd like to bring the original honey colour back, use a two-part teak restorer or a mild oxalic-acid cleaner:

• Apply the cleaner with a soft brush, following the manufacturer's dwell time.
• Rinse until the water runs clear.
• Once fully dry, hand-sand very lightly with 180-grit paper along the grain.

Avoid power sanders or wire brushes — both remove far more material than you expect and leave permanent scoring.

To Oil or Not to Oil

Teak doesn't need oil to survive outdoors. Applying teak oil is a purely aesthetic choice: it deepens the colour temporarily and delays silvering, but it must be reapplied every two to three months and can trap moisture if the wood isn't fully dry beforehand. If you do want to oil:

• Only oil clean, bone-dry wood.
• Apply a thin coat with a lint-free cloth along the grain.
• Wipe off any excess after 15 minutes to prevent a sticky finish.

A teak sealer is a longer-lasting alternative that only needs reapplying once a year but changes the surface feel — test on the underside first.

Removing Stains and Mildew

• Food and drink: warm soapy water and a soft brush, applied promptly.
• Bird droppings: soften with warm water first, then wipe — never scrape while dry.
• Mildew or green algae: a 1:4 solution of white vinegar and water usually clears surface growth; rinse well.
• Grease: a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water left for 20 minutes, then brushed off along the grain.

Winter Storage in the UK

British winters are wet rather than freezing, and it's damp — not cold — that causes most damage. Where possible, store teak indoors or under a breathable cover. If it stays outside:

• Clean and dry the furniture thoroughly before covering.
• Use a breathable cover, not tarpaulin — trapped moisture causes mildew.
• Raise legs slightly off patio slabs with felt pads to stop water wicking up.
• Bring cushions indoors and store flat in a dry space.

What to Avoid

• High-pressure jet washing at close range — it lifts the grain.
• Bleach or ammonia-based cleaners — they discolour teak permanently.
• Wire brushes and coarse sandpaper.
• Storing under non-breathable plastic sheeting through winter.

Related Guides

• Garden Furniture Care Guide — general care across all materials.
• Buying Guide — choosing the right furniture for your garden.
• Warranty Information — what's covered by your Klyvras purchase.
• Shop the range — teak and hardwood garden furniture at Klyvras.

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