How do I care for teak?

Proper maintenance of your teak furniture is essential for preserving its beauty and longevity. Here is an updated step-by-step guide that includes initial cleaning upon arrival and advice for covering your furniture in wet climates:

General Guidance

Clean Upon Arrival: Before you use your new teak furniture, give it a gentle cleaning with mild soap, water, and a soft sponge. This initial clean helps to minimize the risk of oil stains transferring to cushions and prepares the wood for use.

Promptly Clean Spills and Dirt: Use a mild soap, water, and a soft sponge to remove dirt, debris, and spills as soon as they occur. Although teak is mold-resistant, lingering debris can foster mold growth.

Monitor for Mold and Mildew: Keep an eye on shaded areas and humid climates where mold and mildew are more likely to develop. Remember, teak is mold and mildew resistant, not proof.

Ensure Ample Airflow: Position your furniture in well-ventilated areas to prevent moisture entrapment, crucial in preventing mold and mildew.

Dry After Wet Conditions: If your furniture gets wet from rain or cleaning, allow it to air dry completely before covering or using it again.

Sanding for Minor Scratches or Stains: Gently sand the area by hand with very fine sandpaper before cleaning, if you notice minor scratches or stains.

Annual or As-Needed Cleaning:

Use Teak Cleaner: For regular cleaning or if you notice mold or mildew, use a teak cleaner like Golden Care, known for its water-based, gentle formula.

Applying Protector: After cleaning, apply a teak protector to maintain the original honey-brown color. Clean the surface before application.

Applying Shield: For a moisture barrier to prevent stains, use the teak shield post-cleaning. This step helps prevent moisture-related issues, including mold and mildew.

Covering and Storing

Covering Your Furniture: Use covers to extend the lifespan of your teak furniture, especially during harsh weather or extended absences. Opt for custom-fit protective covers for best protection.

Cushion Storage: During the off-season, store cushions inside or under protective covers.

Avoid Covering Wet Furniture: Never cover your furniture while it's wet. Even though teak is mold and mildew-resistant, covering damp furniture can create conditions that may lead to mold or mildew growth.

Caution in Wet, Rainy Environments

Be Cautious When Covering in Wet Climates: While covering your furniture can protect it, be mindful in very wet, rainy environments. Always ensure the furniture is dry before covering to avoid trapping moisture, as teak is resistant to, but not immune from, mold and mildew.

Some things to be aware of:

• Moisture Retention: Covers can trap moisture against the furniture, creating conditions favorable for mold and mildew growth. This issue is exacerbated in environments where wet conditions persist for extended periods.
• Restricted Airflow and Sunlight: Teak thrives with exposure to air and sunlight, which help to naturally dry the wood and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Covers significantly reduce these beneficial elements, potentially leading to moisture-related damage.
• Risk of Condensation: Fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels can cause condensation to form underneath covers, further increasing the risk of moisture damage and mold growth.
• Delayed Drying: After rainfall, it's essential for teak furniture to dry thoroughly. Covers can impede this drying process, keeping the wood damp for longer than it should be.
• Overreliance on Covers: Solely depending on covers for protection can lead to neglect of other crucial care practices, such as regular cleaning and strategic placement of furniture to ensure proper drying and exposure to natural elements.

Strategies Beyond Covers

In light of the limitations associated with all-weather covers, we recommend adopting alternative practices to protect and maintain your teak furniture in moist climates:

• Elevate Furniture: Keeping furniture off the ground promotes quicker drying and better air circulation, crucial for preventing moisture buildup.
• Indoor Storage: Whenever feasible, store your furniture indoors to shield it from the elements, similar to how you might store a vehicle to maintain its condition.
• Strategic Placement: Opt for locations that offer some shelter from direct rain, yet provide ample airflow and some exposure to sunlight, aiding in the natural drying process.
• Regular Maintenance: Clean your furniture routinely to remove dirt and debris that could harbor moisture and mold.

By adhering to these steps, you ensure that your teak furniture remains a durable, beautiful, and cherished part of your outdoor space for many years, reflecting the care and diligence you've invested in its upkeep.