The Definitive Guide To Cleaning Teak Outdoor Furniture
How to restore and clean Teak Outdoor Furniture
How does your outdoor timber look at the moment?
How to prepare for staining teak outdoor furniture
Make sure you have all the necessary gear before you start. You will need a connected garden hose, a bucket with warm soapy water alternatively a teak cleaner (Golden Care Teak Cleaner or possibly Sikkens Teak Cleaner.
It’s environmentally friendly to use soapy water and also Golden Care products. (Sikkens is effective but not so good for the environment.) At Sydney Staining Services we use Golden Care Teak Cleaner. Furthermore you need good gloves, protective glasses and possibly waterproof boots. A soft bristle brush, a bigger kitchen brush and a lot of patience. You also need to be prepared to work hard, it’s not easy to clean teak. It’s very easy if you use the high pressure hose but we dis-commend using the high pressure hose. You would only ever do that as a last resort. Downside being that you can damage (fray) the teak and also rinse the teaks natural oil out.
How to clean Teak Outdoor Furniture the correct way
Once you have all your gear, you start by giving the teak outdoor furniture a proper soak with the garden hose. Keep on hosing for at least 5 minutes to ensure that its not only the top that’s wet but the teak has absorbed water.
Use protective glasses, gloves and a soft bristle brush.
Then you scrub the teak with your preferred weapon, always scrub along the grain, never ever scrub or sand cross grain. Start from the bottom and work your way up.
If you are using a teak cleaner and brightener follow the instructions on the label, they all vary.
Make sure that you get to all areas of your teak because you stain, oil or teak protector that you soon will apply wont bite on grey teak. (Oxidation from the sun)
Now let the furniture dry and you will get a receipt on how diligent work you have done. If you missed a few spots you can sand them out with a 120-240 grit sandpaper.
If you really stuffed it up, call us, and we will come to the rescue.
To bypass the headache of this exercise and to do something nice on the weekend head to: https://sydneystainingservices.com.au/wizard
How to stain Teak outdoor furniture the correct way
Weather is important, pick a day when it is between 20-30°C.
Make sure that you have a drop sheet under the furniture
Use protective glasses, gloves and a your preferred application tool (Staining brush, cloth, sponge).
Always stain along the grain, never stain cross grain.
Do not over apply.
Deal with run-marks straight away, same with thick layers of stain, wipe off excess.
Apply 2 coats or 3 if recommended on the product.
Allow appropriate drying time between coats (as advised by the supplier).
Par Arnoldson, the founder of Fornya, is a Teak Maintenance Specialist based in Sydney, Australia.