Teak outdoor furniture is known for its durability and timeless appeal, but exposure to the elements can lead to discoloration and mildew buildup. While some prefer the elegant look of weathered or “silver” teak, others prefer to stay gold.
Fortunately, you can restore teak to a like-new finish without using harsh chemicals or risking damage to the wood. Follow this simple process from Terra Outdoor Living to bring back your teak’s natural beauty.
What You’ll Need:
- Soft rags
- Warm water
- Murphy’s Oil Soap (or a similar mild wood cleaner)
- Soft-bristle brush
- Orbital buffer or polisher
Step-by-Step Teak Restoration Process:
1) Pre-Soak the Teak Surface
2) Apply a Gentle Cleaning Solution
Next, mix warm water with Murphy’s Oil Soap to create a mild cleaning solution, then apply the soapy mixture to the teak and gently scrub the surface with rags or a soft bristle brush. This will gently remove grime and dirt that accumulates on your wood over time when left outdoors.
However, be sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper dilution to avoid leaving a film residue.
Polish the Teak Surface
Use an orbital buffer or polisher to agitate the surface, effectively lifting grime and mildew without the need for harsh sanding. This method is gentle on the teak wood, helping to preserve its integrity while restoring its natural appearance.
While sanding can be an effective way to smooth out teak, it should be used sparingly, as it gradually removes layers of the wood over time. Since teak has natural oils that protect it from the elements, excessive sanding can strip away these protective oils and diminish the wood’s durability. Repeated sanding may also thin out the surface, making your outdoor teak furniture more susceptible to cracking or premature wear. By using a gentler method, like polishing with an orbital buffer, you can refresh the teak’s appearance without compromising its longevity.
Rinse & Dry Teak Furniture
While pressure washing may seem like a quick way to clean teak, using too high of a PSI can actually do more harm than good. Excessive water pressure can strip away the wood’s natural oils, roughen the surface, and even cause splintering. Over time, this can weaken the integrity of the teak and make it more susceptible to weathering and damage. If you choose to use a pressure washer, it’s crucial to keep the PSI low (below 1200) and use a wide spray nozzle to distribute the water gently.
Buff Dry for a Smooth Finish
As the wood dries, use the orbital polisher again to ensure an even, smooth finish across the surface. Repeat this entire process on all sides and surfaces of the furniture as necessary.
Utilizing this method on how to clean outdoor teak furniture gently removes buildup while maintaining the wood’s integrity. Regular cleaning and polishing will keep your teak looking fresh and prevent weather-related damage.
Click the following link if you would like to explore other ways to restore and brighten outdoor teak furniture.
