Maintenance

To maintain teak wood is an essential part of maintaining exclusive outdoor furniture. Although teak is naturally strong and highly weather-resistant, regular care remains important to preserve its distinctive appearance. Without periodic cleaning, dirt, moisture and organic deposits can adhere to the surface. This not only affects the visual appeal but also disturbs the natural balance of the wood.

By cleaning teak with the right products and techniques, you ensure that your teak garden furniture continues to look beautiful for many years, in all weather conditions.

What Makes Teak Wood Special?

Teak wood, sourced from the Tectona Grandis tree, is known for its high natural oil content, dense grain structure and exceptional durability. The wood contains natural substances that protect it against moisture and changing weather conditions, making teak perfectly suited for outdoor use.

This unique composition also requires a thoughtful approach when cleaning teak wood. Not every cleaning product is suitable. In fact, the use of aggressive cleaners or hard brushes can damage the wood surface or disrupt its natural oil balance.

Traditional Teak products are specifically developed to respect and enhance the natural character of teak wood.

How Often Should You Clean Teak Furniture?

The frequency of cleaning teak furniture depends on weather exposure, the location of your outdoor furniture and your aesthetic preferences. In general, we recommend thoroughly cleaning teak furniture twice a year, once in spring and once in autumn. This prevents dirt, stains and discoloration from building up over time.

If visible weathering or discoloration occurs in between, you can safely clean the wood using Traditional Teak Cleaner and Brightener 1 & 2. This product penetrates deep into the wood, eliminates algae and restores the original teak colour without affecting its natural structure.

How to Clean Teak the Right Way

When cleaning teak wood, the correct order and product choice are crucial. Always start by removing loose dirt and dust. Then use Traditional Teak Cleaner and Brightener 1 & 2, diluted with water. This powerful cleaner has a dual effect: it removes dirt while simultaneously restoring the natural colour of the teak.

Do not use this product on teak that has been previously treated with oil, as this may result in an uneven finish. After cleaning, you may lightly sand the surface with very fine sandpaper to achieve a smoother result. Avoid mechanical sanding, as heat buildup can cause dark stains in the wood.

Once the teak is completely dry, it can be treated with Traditional Teak Sealer 3. This sealer preserves the warm honey colour of teak without leaving a glossy layer, unlike varnish or lacquer. It is water-based, lightly pigmented and both human- and environmentally friendly, a rare quality in wood protection products.

What Should You Avoid When Cleaning Teak?

A common mistake when cleaning teak furniture is the use of high-pressure washers. Although teak appears robust, a strong water jet damages the softer parts of the wood grain, resulting in a rough and uneven surface. Hard scrubbing brushes and aggressive cleaning agents should also be avoided.

Additionally, never apply cleaning products to hot or sun-heated surfaces, as this can negatively affect the cleaning process and cause stains.

Why Choose Traditional Teak Products?

Traditional Teak products are developed based on decades of experience with teak outdoor furniture. They have been tested on furniture of all ages, from brand-new teak to pieces over twenty years old, and consistently perform well under a wide range of weather conditions.

Traditional Teak Cleaner and Brightener 1 & 2 offers a true all-in-one solution, eliminating the need for the two-step processes used by many other brands.

Teak Sealer 3 provides subtle colouring and long-lasting protection without sealing the wood like paint or varnish.

For additional protection against grease stains and dirt, Traditional Teak Patina Shield 4 & 5 creates a transparent protective layer that allows the wood to age naturally into an elegant silver-grey patina.

Expert Tips for Clean and Beautiful Teak

One of the secrets of professional teak maintenance is timing. Do not wait until the wood becomes heavily soiled or green. Early and regular maintenance keeps the process simple and delivers better results.

When applying sealer, use a lint-free cloth instead of a sponge or sprayer. This prevents uneven buildup and streaking.

A final tip from our specialists: always allow teak to dry thoroughly after treatment before using it again. Thanks to the fast drying time of Teak Sealer 3, this is usually possible within a few hours, without leaving residue on clothing.

How to Achieve a Beautiful Silver-Grey Patina

To maintain the warm, golden-brown appearance of teak for as long as possible, a follow-up treatment with Traditional Teak Patina Shield 4 & 5 is recommended. This treatment creates an invisible protective layer that shields the wood from grease and dirt while allowing it to breathe naturally.

For those who prefer an even, silver-grey patina, a mild salt solution can help the teak weather evenly, similar to natural driftwood. Even then, regular teak cleaning remains essential to prevent algae growth and surface deposits.