How to Clean Teak Chairs

Made from the wood of a rare tropical Asian tree, teak outdoor furniture is sought after for its simple beauty as well as its ability to endure a variety of weather conditions. Teak furniture is usually left untreated, allowing the natural wood to fade from its original golden brown to a silver-gray over time. Natural teak wood requires very little maintenance and cleaning; mild oil-based soap and water will remove most stains. You can take a few measures to keep teak furniture looking its best.

Damp, soft cloth
Dry, soft cloth
Mild, oil-based soap
Soft-bristle brush
1/2 capful high-phosphate laundry detergent
1 qt. ammonia
Hose
Teak oil
Fine-grade sandpaper (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Remove loose dirt and other debris from teak furniture by wiping with a slightly damp cloth. Wipe wood dry with a dry cloth.
- 2
  Apply a gentle, oil-based soap such as Murphy's Oil Soap to the furniture with a soft-bristle brush. Mild soap should remove most stains. For a deeper clean to remove mold or mildew, mix one qt. of sudsy ammonia and 1/2 capful high phosphate laundry detergent such as Wisk in a five-gallon bucket, and apply to the wood with a soft-bristle brush. The detergent removes dirt, and the ammonia neutralizes bacteria. Let the mixture sit on the wood for 5 to 15 minutes.
- 3
  Rinse teak furniture thoroughly but gently with a hose. Let the furniture air dry.
- 4
  Apply teak oil to dry, clean teak furniture. Teak oil replenishes teak's natural oils to maintain that wood's smooth, satin-like finish. But be aware that oiled teak wood is more prone to develop mold and mildew, so clean it more often.

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