Care Guide · Teak Furniture
The Complete Teak
Furniture Care Guide
Everything You Need to Know
to Make It Last a Lifetime
Teak wood. Sling and woven straps. Sunbrella fabrics. All covered.
Teak furniture practically takes care of itself. But "practically" isn't "entirely." This guide covers everything you need to keep your HiTeak pieces looking exactly the way you want them, for as long as you own them.
We have broken it down by material so you can jump straight to what you need: teak wood, sling and woven straps, or Sunbrella cushion fabric. Each section includes the cleaning formulas, step-by-step instructions, and the things to avoid so you don't accidentally void your warranty.
What's in this guide
- What to expect from new teak furniture
- How to clean teak wood
- How to remove black spots and mildew
- Sling and woven strap care
- Sunbrella fabric care
- Seasonal maintenance schedule
- Frequently asked questions
What to Expect from Your New Teak Furniture
New teak arrives with a warm golden-brown color. Over 6 to 24 months, it naturally weathers to a silver-gray patina. Both are considered desirable finishes by most teak owners. The timeline depends on your climate, how much direct sun and rain the piece gets, and how often you clean it.
This is not deterioration. It is teak doing exactly what teak does. The structural integrity of the wood is unaffected by the color change. Many homeowners prefer the silver-gray look. Others prefer to maintain the golden tone. Both are valid choices, and both are easy to achieve.
How Teak Naturally Weathers Over Time
Rich golden-brown tone.
Honey tones begin to soften.
Surface moves toward pale silver-tan.
Soft silver-gray outdoor finish.
Fig. 1 - Teak color progression: golden brown to silver-gray patina over 6 to 24 months
Normal things you will see
Oil bleeding after rain. In the first few months, teak's natural oils can surface and bleed slightly after rainfall. This is normal. Bring cushions indoors during this period as teak oil stains on fabric are not covered under warranty. Move sling chairs away from underneath teak tables during early rainfalls for the same reason. Once the wood begins to gray, the bleeding stops.
Checking (small end-grain cracks). These hairline cracks appear when the surface of the wood expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. They are cosmetic only and have no effect on structural integrity.
Lifting grain, water spots, minor discoloration. All of these smooth out naturally over time with weathering and regular cleaning.
Warranty Notice
Do not apply teak oils or chemical finishes. They interfere with the wood's natural weathering process and will void your HiTeak warranty. Teak generates its own oils internally. Adding more from the outside disrupts the natural cycle.
How to Clean Teak Wood Furniture
Clean your teak furniture at least twice a year. Outdoor furniture picks up pollen, insect residue, pollution, and general grime even when it looks clean. Regular cleaning prevents buildup from penetrating the wood and keeps the surface healthy.
Teak Cleaning Quick Guide
- Soft-bristle brush
- Garden hose
- Bucket
- Clean dry cloth
- 1. Hose down loose dirt
- 2. Mix cleaning solution
- 3. Scrub with the grain
- 4. Rinse thoroughly
- 5. Air dry completely
Fig. 2 - Teak cleaning: tools, solution, and step-by-step process
Standard cleaning (twice a year)
- Hose the furniture down with fresh water to remove loose surface dirt and debris.
- Mix your cleaning solution (see formula below).
- Apply the solution and scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush, always moving in the direction of the wood grain.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water until no soap remains.
- Allow to air dry completely before replacing cushions or covers.
Standard Cleaning Solution
- 2/3 cup laundry detergent
- 1/4 cup bleach
- 1 gallon warm water
Pro Tip
Never use a high-pressure hose or pressure washer on teak. It erodes the wood surface and raises the grain in a way that causes permanent damage. A standard garden hose with good water pressure is all you need.
Deep cleaning (to restore golden-brown color)
If you want to bring your teak back to its original warm tone after it has weathered, a deep clean followed by light sanding does the job.
- Clean with the standard solution above and allow to dry completely.
- Once fully dry, sand the entire surface with 320-grit or higher sandpaper, always sanding with the grain.
- Wipe away all sanding dust with a dry cloth.
- Optionally apply HiTeak Teak Protector to help maintain the restored color and resist future staining.
How to Remove Black Spots and Mildew
Black spots on teak are mildew, not damage. They form when humidity and natural mold spores come into contact with dirt or organic debris sitting on the wood surface. They are a normal part of outdoor furniture life and are not a defect in the wood or the product.
Teak's dense grain and natural oils make it highly resistant to mold. But when debris accumulates and the furniture stays damp for extended periods, mildew can develop on the surface. The fix is straightforward.
Black Spot and Mildew Removal
Mildew spots form on surface debris in damp conditions.
A light bleach solution removes surface mildew.
Fig. 3 - Removing mildew spots: solution, method, and prevention
Removing mildew spots
Mildew Removal Solution
- 1 part bleach
- 10 parts water
- Mix the solution above in a bucket or spray bottle.
- Apply to the affected areas and allow to sit for one minute.
- Scrub gently in the direction of the grain with a soft-bristle brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Repeat if spots remain after the first pass.
Preventing mildew from coming back
- Hose off dirt and debris regularly so organic material does not settle on the surface.
- Wipe the furniture down occasionally with mild soap and water between deep cleans.
- Allow furniture to dry fully after rain before covering it, if you use furniture covers.
Sling and Woven Strap Care
Sling and woven strap furniture needs gentler cleaning than teak wood. Avoid detergents with harsh chemicals, and stick to mild natural soap for routine cleaning.
Sling and Woven Strap Care Guide
- Brush off loose dirt
- Hose down with clean water
- Use mild natural soap
- Scrub gently, rinse, and air dry
- Use bleach only in the recommended dilution
- Let solution soak up to 20 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
- Repeat only if needed
Fig. 4 - Sling and woven strap care: routine cleaning and stain removal
Routine cleaning
- Brush off any loose dirt from the surface.
- Hose down with clean water.
- Mix a gentle solution of water and mild natural soap (no detergents).
- Scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush.
- Let the solution soak for a few minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely.
Stubborn stains and mildew on sling fabric
Deep Stain Solution (sling fabric)
- 1/2 cup chlorine bleach
- 1/4 cup natural soap (no detergents)
- 1 gallon water
- Apply the solution with a soft-bristle brush.
- Let it soak for up to 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Air dry completely. Repeat if needed.
Maintenance Cadence
Rinse sling fabric monthly with clean water to prevent dirt buildup. In most climates, a full deep clean is only needed every 2 to 3 years. You can clean fabric on the frame or remove it for easier handling.
Important
Keep new sling chairs away from teak tables during the first few rainfalls. Teak oil bleeding in the early months can stain sling fabric permanently.
Sunbrella Fabric Care
Sunbrella fabrics are engineered for outdoor durability and can handle bleach, UV exposure, and repeated deep cleaning without losing color or integrity. They do not promote mildew growth on their own, but surface dirt can create conditions where mildew forms if left unaddressed.
Sunbrella Fabric Care Guide
- Blot spills immediately
- Use mild soap and lukewarm water
- Rinse completely
- Air dry
- Spray entire affected area
- Soak for 15 minutes
- Scrub gently
- Rinse thoroughly
Clean seam to seam in one pass. Spot cleaning only the stain can create rings.
Fig. 5 - Sunbrella fabric care: everyday cleaning, mold removal, and disinfection
Everyday cleaning
- Blot spills immediately with a clean dry cloth. Do not rub.
- For oil-based spills, apply cornstarch or another absorbent first, remove with a straight edge, then clean with soap solution.
- Mix 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water.
- Spray the fabric, allow to soak in, then rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry completely.
Seam-to-Seam Rule
Always clean Sunbrella upholstery from seam to seam in one pass. Do not scrub in circles or spot-treat only the stained area. Cleaning the full panel prevents water rings and uneven fading.
Removing mold and mildew from Sunbrella
Mold and Mildew Removal (Sunbrella)
- 1 cup bleach
- 1/4 cup mild soap
- 1 gallon water
- Spray the entire affected area and let soak for 15 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a sponge, soft brush, or clean towel.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue.
- Allow fabric to air dry completely before using or covering.
Machine washing removable covers
Some Sunbrella cushion covers can be removed and machine washed. Contact HiTeak before removing covers, as construction varies by product. When in doubt, hand wash with a mild soap solution and air dry.
Seasonal Maintenance Schedule
The simplest way to stay on top of teak care is to tie it to the seasons. Here is what to do and when.
Annual Teak Care Calendar
Full clean, inspect for mildew, apply protector if maintaining color.
Monthly rinse, bring cushions in before heavy rain, check for spots.
Full clean before storage or winter. Treat mildew and dry completely.
Store cushions indoors. Cover furniture if needed. Teak can stay outside.
Fig. 6 - Annual teak care calendar: what to do each season
Spring
Full clean after winter. Inspect for mildew. Apply Teak Protector if maintaining color.
Summer
Monthly rinse. Bring cushions in if heavy rain expected. Check for early black spots.
Fall
Full clean before storage or winter. Treat any mildew before it deepens. Dry completely.
Winter
Store cushions indoors. Cover furniture if storing outside. Teak itself needs no shelter.
Shop Teak Care Products
Teak Protector, cleaning kits, and accessories to keep your furniture in peak condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teak Care
How often should I clean my teak outdoor furniture?
At minimum, twice a year: once in spring and once in fall. If you live in a humid environment or the furniture is under trees where debris collects, a light monthly rinse with a garden hose will prevent buildup between deep cleans.
Should I apply teak oil to my HiTeak furniture?
No. HiTeak does not recommend applying teak oil or any synthetic finish to your furniture. Teak produces its own oils naturally. Applying additional oil disrupts the natural weathering process and will void your warranty. The only product HiTeak recommends is the HiTeak Teak Protector, which is designed to work with the wood rather than against it.
Why is my new teak furniture bleeding oil onto my cushions?
New teak releases natural oils from its surface during the first few months, especially after rainfall. This is normal and temporary. Move cushions indoors and keep sling chairs away from teak table surfaces during early rainfalls. Once the wood begins to weather and gray, the bleeding stops. Cushion stains from teak bleeding are not covered under warranty.
What are the black spots on my teak furniture?
Black spots are mildew caused by humidity and mold spores interacting with organic debris on the surface. They are not a defect. A 1-part bleach to 10-parts water solution applied with a soft brush, followed by thorough rinsing, removes them effectively.
How do I keep my teak from turning gray?
Clean and dry the furniture thoroughly, then sand lightly with 320-grit sandpaper along the grain to remove the gray surface layer. Apply HiTeak Teak Protector after sanding to maintain the warm golden tone. Reapply twice a year or as needed depending on exposure.
Can I use a pressure washer on teak furniture?
No. High-pressure washing erodes the wood surface, raises the grain, and causes permanent surface damage. Use a standard garden hose with normal water pressure for rinsing.
Do I need to bring teak furniture inside for winter?
No. Teak can stay outdoors year-round in virtually any climate, including freezing winters and high-humidity summers. Its natural oil content makes it resistant to moisture and freeze-thaw cycles. Cushions, however, should be stored indoors during winter or when not in use for extended periods.
How do I protect my teak table from food and wine stains?
Wipe spills immediately with a damp cloth before they penetrate the surface. Apply HiTeak Teak Protector at least twice a year to maintain a protective barrier. The protector works on clean, naturally weathered wood and forms a transparent shield that resists coffee, red wine, and oil-based stains.
