How to Clean Teak Outdoor Furniture
Teak is a popular choice for outdoor furniture due to its exceptional durability. The natural oils and dense grain protects teak from moisture, rot, decay and pests, and offers it great resistance to weather and the elements. Teak can also withstand temperature variations which is a key contributor to its longevity. All of these things make teak a long-lasting, low maintenance choice.
However, despite having some resistance to the elements, outdoor furniture is always susceptible to the effects of moisture, shade and sun, all of which create the perfect breeding ground for biological growth such as mould, algae, fungi and lichen. These contaminants are responsible for the green tinge that outdoor furniture suffers from.
In order to combat this unpleasant staining, it will require some cleaning and treatments to offer further protection and keep the furniture looking pristine for many years to come.
Cleaning Methods to AVOID
There are some methods that can cause great damage to teak outdoor furniture, so these must be avoided:
Do not use any bleach or ammonia based cleaning products as these can strip the wood of its natural oils and cause irreversible damage.
Avoid using teak oil. Though tempting, teak oil can trap moisture which causes damage to the wood.
How Do You Clean Teak Outdoor Furniture?
When it comes to cleaning outdoor furniture, using a specialist cleaner is the most effective choice. These specially formulated cleaning solutions not only clean the wood, but provide future protection against the growth of biological contaminants and even protect against wood rot.
Greener Kleener is the ideal choice for cleaning teak outdoor furniture because it is bleach, ammonia, acids and solvents free. The product will not interact with any substrate that is not living, and so, unlike many other cleaners, is non-oxidising to ensure no damage to outdoor furniture or surfaces.
Though gentle on teak furniture, Greener Kleener is a highly effective disinfectant and cleaner that eliminates 99.9% of bacterial growth, including mould, algae, fungi and lichen. Easy to use and fast-acting, Greener Kleener will continue to break down these contaminants with cycles of sun and rain, making further maintenance cycles a much shorter process.
Greener Kleener has a pH of 6, which is virtually neutral, meaning once the treated surfaces are dry the formula poses no long-term risks to children or pets.
How to Apply Greener Kleener to Teak Furniture
For heavy soiling, dilute 1 part Greener Kleener to 2 parts water.
For light - medium soiling, dilute 1 part Greener Kleener with 3 parts water.
Remove loose and bulky debris prior to cleaning with a soft bristle brush.
No specialised equipment is required for the application of Greener Kleener, a garden sprayer or brush will work fine.
After applying Greener Kleener to the teak furniture, you do not need to scrub or rinse. Leave it to evaporate naturally, ensuring pets and children are kept away until the surface is dry.
Greener Kleener will continue to break contaminants down over time with natural cycles of sun and rain.
Please Note: It is crucial to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when using chemicals. We recommend gloves and eye protection as a minimum requirement whilst applying Greener Kleener.
Greener Kleener Key Features
Advanced Disinfection and Cleaning: Greener Kleener is a powerful solution that eliminates 99.9% of bacterial growth and effectively removes mould, lichen, and algae, ensuring a thorough and efficient cleaning process.
Fast Acting: The formula acts swiftly, eradicating biological contaminants within minutes of application and continues breaking down algae, fungi, and moulds naturally over time.
Easy-to-Use Formula: This user-friendly product is easy to apply with no specialised equipment required - use a garden sprayer or apply with a brush.
Bleach-Free and Environmentally Friendly: The formula is free of bleach, caustic, and acidic chemicals, making it safe for use and environmentally friendly. It poses no long-term risks to children or pets, with a virtually neutral pH of 6.
Shortened Maintenance Cycles: After the initial application, maintenance cycles become significantly shorter, making it convenient for regular cleaning and upkeep.
Versatile Application: With its natural surfactant cleaning action, Greener Kleener foams vigorously when applied by brush or spray, ensuring comprehensive treatment. It can be used on almost any hard substrate without negatively impacting surfaces or components.
Safe for Various Surfaces: Suitable for a wide range of surfaces and non-oxidising if used as instructed.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
You can clean teak outdoor furniture using a mild soap and water solution. Make sure to follow the grain of the wood as you wash. You should remove any loose debris with a bristle brush before application.
While this method may be effective for cleaning the teak furniture, it will not provide any protection against moisture or regrowth of biological materials.
How to Protect Teak Outdoor Furniture
Once you’ve cleaned your teak outdoor furniture, you may wish to treat the furniture with a sealer. This will provide further protection against weathering, and protect the wood against delamination or wood rot. GK Invisible Wood Sealer has been designed to penetrate deep into the wood, creating a robust defence against moisture and rot, while its algae-repelling formula keeps your wood surfaces looking their best.
Summary
The most effective way to clean teak outdoor furniture is to use a gentle cleaner like Greener Kleener. This specially formulated solution eliminates 99.9% of bacterial growth and helps to protect teak against rot and future contaminants.
