Cleaning a teak garden table according to specific care guidelines involves a simple method using basic materials and a light touch to maintain its natural appearance.
Simple Steps to Clean Your Teak Table
To effectively clean your teak garden furniture while preserving its unique characteristics, follow these steps:
Materials Needed
- A scrubbing brush
- Soap (It is important to use soap and not detergent).
Cleaning Technique
Follow this straightforward method when cleaning your table:
- Apply the soap to the scrubbing brush.
- Scrub lightly over the surface of the table.
- Ensure you scrub in the direction of the wood's grain.
Understanding the Result
This specific cleaning method is designed to work with the natural properties of teak and influence its appearance:
- By scrubbing lightly and following the grain with soap (not detergent), you help to maintain the silver patina. This is the natural silvery-grey colour that teak develops when left outdoors.
- Applying excessive pressure while scrubbing will cause the wood to return to a blonde or more golden colour.
- If the table does turn blonde after cleaning, do not worry. When left outside, it will naturally return to the silvery patina in time.
By using a scrubbing brush and soap, and cleaning lightly with the grain, you effectively clean the table while respecting its natural aging process and desired silver patina.