Maintaining and cleaning teak

Teak furniture and floors are expensive to buy and should therefore be properly cared for and cleaned so that the inherently robust material retains its beauty over time.

cleaning

Cleaning teak furniture or floors indoors or outdoors is comparatively easy if it has been given the appropriate protection. Various tools are available for removing dirt. Below:

• brush and water
• Kärcher or high-pressure cleaner
• rag
• soda
• curd soap

Teak - Indoor

Because the only thing that can soil teak furniture in the house or apartment is usually dust. Drinks and food can of course also land on it. Again, protected wood is easier to clean. If it has been oiled, glazed or painted, a simple (damp) wipe is often sufficient.

For light soiling on unprotected wood, we recommend preparing a solution of curd soap or washing soda and lukewarm water and brushing the surface with it. The high-pressure cleaner can be used for rinsing or to remove difficult dirt. If such a high-pressure cleaner is necessary, it should be used outdoors if possible.

Teak - Outdoor

Heavily used furniture that is heavily soiled needs to be treated a little differently. This is often garden furniture or a patio floor. Maintaining and cleaning teak means in these cases that the following procedure is recommended:

1. Dry contaminants are removed by wiping and vacuuming. If they are stubborn, a dry sponge can also be used to loosen them.
2. The protective layer of oil, varnish or glaze can be removed with a high-pressure cleaner if cracks or chipped areas are already visible. If this is not the case, the layer should be sanded down if necessary. For this purpose, a grinding device is used, which is first equipped with coarse and then with fine sandpaper. It makes sense to work dry at first and then wet - i.e. sanding first and then using a high-pressure cleaner if necessary. Indoors, this is far less necessary. However, it must always be ensured that an appropriate distance is maintained. The manufacturer provides relevant information on this.
3. Once the protective layer has been removed, any unevenness can be smoothed out by grinding. Dirt and discoloration can be removed just like other residues. In addition, the wood is also upgraded in terms of appearance and function.

repair and maintenance

Before a suitable protective agent can be applied, it is not just a matter of thorough cleaning. It also applies to compensate for damage and other defects. Possible measures are:

gluing

Again and again it is falsely claimed that teak cannot be glued. In fact, due to the high oil content, some special features are required in the process. First, the adhesive surfaces must be roughened. A so-called two-component adhesive is then applied to the surfaces. Screw clamps can be used to ensure the connection between the two components and to create a resilient surface. The drying time is usually 24 hours. It is always safer to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Colors

If there are errors or blemishes, color can be used to help. Pigmented lacquers and glazes or oils are ideal for achieving color matching. They also provide direct protection. Strictly speaking, they are not a repair, but can be used as a double layer when preparing for protection.

degreaser

So-called graying agents or special cleaners can freshen up the color of the teak and provide a significant improvement, especially with unprotected wood.

screws and nails

Nailing is not recommended due to the hardness of the wood. If two elements are to be connected to one another, a two-component or the use of screws should therefore be preferred. Due to the hardness, screwing is best done with special attachments and pre-drilled holes. Otherwise, not only is the effort significantly higher, but there can also be an increased risk of injury and material damage.

Protection

The application of protection can begin when the following points are met:

• the teak is cleaned
• Damage is not present or repaired
• the material is completely dry and absorbable

You can choose between oil, varnish and glaze for protection. Oil, glaze and clear coat preserve the grain. Colored lacquer can result in a single-colour surface. Colored glaze allows the grain to show through, but changes the tone of the wood. Oil gives the teak a soft shine. All agents can be applied with a paint roller or brush.

The general rule:

• Lacquer for heavy use
• Glaze for less stressed surfaces indoors and outdoors
• If possible, only use oil for teak wood indoors

conservation and storage

Teak is extremely durable and not least because of this it is particularly popular. Nevertheless, it makes sense to take care of it and store it appropriately. Because the tropical wood can rarely be obtained sustainably. It is all the more important to handle it with care.

The following tips can help with this:

• store frost-free, dry and clean
• carry out regular and timely cleaning
• Renew protection quickly if necessary
• Immediately compensate for damage, for example to prevent further cracks
• use covers

Furniture used outdoors should be stored dry and clean, especially in winter. This prevents easily avoidable damage caused by moisture and sub-zero temperatures. If the furniture is used indoors, coasters and place mats help prevent stains.

Learn more about decking wood