Guide: How to Clean Outdoor Furniture
Get ready to embrace the summer season by cleaning and refreshing your outdoor furniture. Devon furniture is designed to last many trips around the sun, but like anything, it deserves a little care after a long winter out in the elements.
So if you’re wondering how to remove mould spots from your outdoor furniture, restore grey or silver teak furniture to it’s original colour, or what outdoor cleaning products are safe to use on Devon… we’ve got it all covered! You’ll be pleasantly surprised how easy it is clean your teak outdoor furniture and have it looking like new in no time.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your teak outdoor furniture:
Materials you’ll need:
1. Teak Cleaner*, or mild soap
2. Water
3. Soft-bristle brush or sponge
4. Garden hose or bucket
5. Sandpaper (optional)
6. Teak Shield* (optional)
7. Teak Protector* (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Move your outdoor furniture to a suitable space, such as a patio or lawn, where you can clean it without risking damage to any nearby surfaces. We also recommend covering the ground under your work area for extra precaution.
Step 2: Remove Surface Debris
Remove any cushions and use a brush or a broom to sweep away any loose dirt, leaves, cobwebs or debris that your furniture has collected over winter.
Step 3: Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Teak Cleaner / For Devon furniture we highly recommend using Devon Teak Cleaner, this is a high-quality and EcoSafe cleaner which will work effectively on our furniture. Follow the instructions on the product.
Soap Solution / Alternatively, mix a solution of warm water and a small amount of mild soap in a bucket. Be sure to use a gentle detergent to avoid damaging the wood.
Step 4: Gently Scrub the Furniture
Teak Cleaner / Follow the specific instructions on the product. Typically this will mean fully moisten the teak furniture with water, shake the Devon Teak Cleaner, and applying to the teak furniture with a soft cloth or sponge and allow to soak for 3 minutes.
Soap Solution / Dip a soft-bristle brush, sponge or scrubbing pad into the soapy water and gently brush the teak wood in the direction of the grain.
Make sure to clean all surfaces, including the tops, sides, and undersides. Pay special attention to areas with stains, mould, or mildew. You may need to scrub these spots a bit more. Avoid using abrasive brushes or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the wood.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Use a garden hose or a bucket of clean water to rinse off the soapy residue. Make sure to remove all soap from the wood.
Step 6: Allow to Dry
Let the furniture air dry completely in the sun. This helps to prevent the growth of mould or mildew. Click here to read more about mould and mildew.
Step 7: Sand (if necessary)
If your teak furniture is looking rough, has stubborn stains or turn silver/greyed over time, you can lightly sand it with very fine-grit sandpaper (usually around 120 to 180 grit). Sand in the direction of the wood grain until the original golden colour is restored.
After sanding, use a dry, rough cleaning sponge to remove any remaining sawdust.
Step 8: Apply a Teak Sealer/Shield
To provide an extra layer of protection against spills, mould and mildew, we recommend treating it with Devon Teak Shield. This provides an almost invisible protective and waterproof coating. Ensure your furniture is fully clean and dry before following the instructions on the product.
Step 9: Prolong the Teak Colour (optional)
If you want to maintain the teak’s natural golden colour, you can apply a Teak Protector. We recommend the Devon Teak Restore (Blonde). Follow the product’s instructions for application, and be aware that this step is optional as it will apply a colour stain to your furniture.
Tips:
— Regular cleaning and maintenance will help preserve the natural appearance and longevity of your teak furniture.
— Although your furniture may look rough and weathered, teak has enough natural teak oil inside to keep it protected from rot. Simply put, rough teak is a cosmetic problem, not a maintenance problem. If you prefer a completely smooth surface we advise hand sanding your teak with very fine sandpaper. Power sanding generates extra heat that can create black marks on your teak. After sanding, use a dry, rough cleaning sponge to remove any remaining sawdust.
— Teak wood naturally weathers to a silvery grey colour over time. Many of our customers like this patina, as it ages gracefully with the New Zealand environment. However, if you prefer the original golden colour, use teak restore/protector periodically.
— If you don’t have access to Devon Care Products, we recommend Golden Care as a high-quality cleaning brand that is suitable for Devon furniture.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your Devon teak outdoor furniture looking great and ensure it lasts for many trips around the sun!
If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch with us, explore our Journal and join our newsletters for more outdoor advice and inspiration. See you outside!