6 Best Practices to Care for and Maintain Teak Furniture

Here at Luxus, our teak furniture is the perfect blend of durability, practicality, and pure elegance. With a natural resistance to weathering, it can be left outside all year-round and retain its pristine appearance and functionality. However, just because teak furniture is resilient, it doesn’t mean it’s completely maintenance-free.  

In this blog, we’ll explore 6 of the best practices you can employ to care for and maintain your teak garden furniture to keep it in perfect condition despite long-term exposure to the elements.  

1. Regular Cleaning  

Although teak is a low-maintenance material, regular cleaning ensures it remains fresh and functional. Dirt, leaves, and other debris can accumulate and can cause discolouration or mould if left unchecked.  

Cleaning teak furniture is simple. Using a mild soap solution or specially formulated teak cleaner, gently scrub your furniture with a soft brush or sponge, always scrubbing along the grain of the wood. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry. 

2. Apply Teak Sealer to Retain Colour  

Over time, teak will naturally age, turning into a beautiful silvery-grey patina. While this natural aging process is part of its charm, some homeowners prefer to retain the original honey-brown colour of their teak outdoor furniture.  

If you wish to retain the teak's rich natural colour, apply a teak sealer within the first month of purchase. A teak sealer protects the wood from UV damage, moisture, and mildew while enhancing its natural colour. After the first application, apply the sealer annually to maintain the furniture’s original colour. We recommend our Teak Care Kit, which includes our premium sealer and cleaner designed to keep your furniture looking fresh and vibrant.   

3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals  

When cleaning teak outdoor furniture, it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning agents. These can damage the surface of the wood and strip away its natural oils. Instead, choose wood-friendly solutions to keep your furniture in good condition.  

Make sure to also avoid abrasive scrubbing tools, as these can erode the wood – especially when used together with harsh chemicals - and shorten its lifespan.  

4. Protect from Excessive Moisture  

While teak is resistant to moisture, prolonged exposure to rain or standing water can cause problems like mould and mildew growth, even when covered. To prevent this, make sure your furniture is completely dry after heavy rain before covering it and allow at least a 10cm gap for airflow underneath the cover.  

Here at Luxus, our protective covers offer protection against rain, UV rays, and dust, but if mould or mildew appears, a simple solution of 9 parts water and 1 part bleach can clean it. Alternatively, a shop-bought cleaner can remove and help prevent future outbreaks.  

5. Promptly Remove Stains  

Spills happen. But the quicker you act, the less likely they are to leave a permanent stain. Common stains include food, drink, and bird droppings. For fresh stains, clean the area with a mixture of water and a mild cleaning agent.  

For more stubborn stains like rust or grease, use a teak cleaner or gentle degreasing agent. Always rinse thoroughly afterwards to ensure no cleaning solution remains on the surface. 

6. Check for Cracking and Splitting  

Teak is a natural material and occasional fine cracks may appear in the end grain of the wood. Whether it’s teak garden chairs or teak tables, cracks and splits are normal, especially in areas exposed to frequent changes in temperature or humidity. These cracks and splits are surprisingly easy to fix.  

If the cracking is a concern, use teak glue to seal the cracks. First, clean the area and apply a small amount of glue. After allowing the glue to set, lightly sand the area to smooth it out. 

Teak Furniture Longevity Starts with the Proper Care  

By following these best practices for teak furniture care, you’ll be able to maintain the beauty and durability of your teak garden furniture for many years to come. Whether it’s a teak garden furniture set, teak folding outdoor chairs, or another type of teak furniture available here at Luxus, regular care ensures your furniture will continue to provide comfort, style, and function well into the future.  

Browse our teak furniture online or get in touch to find out more about caring and maintaining your teak furniture.