Teak is a very versatile wood for outdoor applications, it also needs a set of simple care steps, as the density of the wood along with the natural oils, already protect it from the elements. Follow our guidelines below to take care of your furniture and enjoy it for years to come.

Do I need to clean my teak furniture before using it the first time?

Yes. Before placing cushions on your teak furniture, remove any dust by wiping the furniture with a damp cloth. Teak has oil that occurs naturally in the wood. Expect some of this oil to bleed out following the first few rainfalls. In order to protect your cushions, bring them inside before the furniture gets wet. Stains from teak oil are not covered under warranty. Also, to protect your sling furniture, move sling chairs out from under teak tables for the first few rainfalls. Once the furniture has begun to form a silver-gray patina, it is no longer necessary to bring the cushions indoors or move sling chairs. This information also applies to fabric umbrella canopies used on teak umbrella frames.

How should I clean my teak furniture?

The only maintenance necessary for your furniture is periodic cleaning. First, hose down the furniture with fresh water. Avoid using a high pressure hose on the teak, as the high pressure can erode the surface of the timber. Next, scrub the wet furniture using a soft bristle brush and a solution of 2/3 cup laundry detergent and 1/4 cup bleach in 1 gallon of warm water. When finished, rinse the entire piece with more fresh water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. This procedure is sufficient for general cleaning.

Is it okay to oil my teak furniture?

Harlow & MacGregor/British American does not recommend oiling teak furniture or the use of oil based products. If done improperly, oiling can cause mildew or irregular coloring and is not covered under warranty.

Do I need to bring my cushions indoors when it rains?

Teak wood has a natural oil, so expect some of this oil to bleed out following the first few rainfalls. In order to protect your cushions, bring them inside before the furniture gets wet. Stains from teak oil are not covered under warranty. Once the furniture has begun to form a silver-gray patina, it is no longer necessary to bring the cushions indoors.

How should teak furniture be stored for the winter?

Teak furniture may be left outside all year round. Snow and freezing temperatures will not harm the furniture. If you prefer to store your furniture, we recommend doing so in a dry, unheated garage or garden shed. If you cover your furniture and leave it outdoors, moisture will collect under the cover and will leave the surface blackened in the spring.

How should I care for teak if it’s used indoors?

If you choose to use your furniture indoors, we suggest that you periodically apply a thin coat of paste wax. Doing so provides the teak with additional protection from natural body oils, dust, and dirt that may come in contact with the furniture.

What are the black dots on my teak furniture?

Although teak wood itself will not mildew, mildew sometimes grows on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the wood. This occurs more commonly in warm, humid climates. If this happens, follow the standard cleaning instructions immediately. Do not let the mildew remain on the wood for too long. Doing so could cause stains on the wood that are difficult to remove.

How can I prevent mildew on my teak furniture?

We recommend periodically cleaning the surface of your teak to remove dirt and other substances that could promote mildew growth.