Starting at the top may be tempting, as it is the most visible part of your teak furniture. But beginning here could damage your furniture, or make it become more unsightly.
You can also add a bit of bleach or vinegar to the soap to get it extra clean. Instead of soap, you can also use a natural all-purpose cleaner. [4] X Expert Source Alicia SokolowskiGreen Cleaning Specialist Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
If you are cleaning the teak furniture indoors, use a damp cloth to remove the soap residue. Be sure to frequently rinse the cloth out so that you don’t keep reapplying the soapy water. Let the teak furniture air dry when you finish rinsing it off.
This is especially important when it’s raining, and right after you’ve oiled the teak wood.
Pressure washing can also remove any finish that might be protecting the teak wood, causing more damage in the long run.
As always when handling bleach, be careful not to get it on any other materials.
Make sure to do this cleaning outdoors. If you must do it inside, use a drop cloth on the floor to avoid spilling any bleach around your home and damaging something.
Getting the teak wood wet first can help the scrubbing process be more effective. And a constant flow of water will help rinse away any dirt or grime as you clean.
Follow the directions for application on the bottle. Look for the active ingredient oxalic acid in any store-bought teak cleaner.
If you are cleaning your teak furniture indoors, use a damp cloth to wipe off any remaining cleaner residue.
Be sure to thoroughly clean the teak furniture before you apply any oil.
Be sure to get a sealer or stain that is approved for use on teak wood.
This step isn’t necessary if you’ve opted to keep up the natural, unstained appearance of the teak wood. However, unstained teak requires more regular cleaning.
Consider storing your outdoor teak furniture in a shed completely away from the sunlight during the winter months when you aren’t using it as much.