How to Clean and Restore Weathered Teak Garden Furniture
We often get questions about how to bring weathered teak back to life, so we’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to help you care for your outdoor furniture and keep it looking its best for years to come.
Why Teak Is So Durable
Teak is one of the most durable woods available for garden furniture. It comes from the Tectona grandis tree, native to South and Southeast Asia, and is known for its golden-brown hue, smooth texture, and high natural oil content.
These oils and natural rubber give teak its remarkable strength and weather resistance - so much so that it can be left outside all year round without treatment and still won’t rot or warp.
What Happens When Teak Weathers?
If left untreated, teak gradually changes colour, developing a silvery-grey patina. This weathering is purely cosmetic—only the outermost layer is affected by sun and rain, and the structure of the wood remains intact.
Some people love this aged look, while others prefer to restore teak’s original golden tones. Whichever you prefer, a good clean once or twice a year will help maintain its condition.
How to Clean Teak Furniture
If your teak has weathered significantly - perhaps showing signs of fungal growth, food or grease stains, or surface roughness - don’t worry. With a bit of elbow grease, it can be restored beautifully.
What You’ll Need:
Rubber gloves
Teak Cleaner or mild washing-up liquid
Bucket or hose with clean, warm water
Heavy-duty scourer
Soft cloth
(Optional) Very fine sandpaper
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose a dry, fair day.
Cleaning works best when your furniture has time to fully dry afterward.
2. Rinse the teak thoroughly.
Use a hose or bucket of water to soak the wood. Avoid using a pressure washer - it can damage the surface and weaken joints by stripping away teak’s natural oils.
3. Scrub away the build-up.
Wearing gloves, scrub the furniture with your scourer and cleaning solution. Follow any product instructions carefully if using a commercial teak cleaner.
4. Watch the original colour reappear.
As you clean, the grey surface will begin to lift, revealing the teak’s natural honey tone. For stubborn spots like food stains or darker patches, give those areas a little extra attention. You can gently sand them using fine sandpaper - just be sure to follow the grain.
5. Let the furniture dry.
Once cleaned, allow the furniture to dry completely. You’ll then be able to see if any areas need a second clean or a light sand to even out the finish.
Optional: Applying a Protective Product
When your teak is clean and dry, you have a few options:
Leave it untreated to allow it to naturally weather over time then use the Teak Shield to maintain the silvery-grey patina
Apply our water-based Teak Protector to maintain the light honey tones of the freshly cleaned teak
Final Thoughts
Teak is an investment - and one that rewards you with incredible durability and timeless style. With just a little seasonal maintenance, even the most weathered pieces can be brought back to life and enjoyed for many more years to come.
If you have any questions about teak care or need help choosing the right product, our team is always happy to help.
For more information please visit our website Corido.co.uk, call our friendly team on 020 8655 6242 or email us at info@corido.co.uk
