Maintaining/Weathering Teak
Teak furniture requires little, if any, maintenance and can be left outdoors year-round to weather naturally. While the rate of weathering varies depending on climate, moisture and exposure to sun, your furniture will eventually acquire a beautiful silver-gray patina as the surface pigments begin to fade usually within nine months. We recommend that you allow your furniture to weather naturally this way and simply clean it thoroughly once or twice a year with soap and water.
During the weathering process you may notice "checking" or small cracks that appear in the wood. This is perfectly natural, as wood expands and contracts slightly when left outdoors. Checking is cosmetic only and in no way affects the structural integrity of the furniture. A lifting of the grain may occur on the top edges of the arms and legs. The grain will return to a smooth finish after the initial weathering process. Water spots or other discoloration may occur during the weathering process; these will even out with time.
Cleaning
First, hose down the furniture with fresh water. Avoid spraying the teak with a high pressure hose, as 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. For more difficult stains we recommend using Kingsley Bate Teak Cleaner. This will remove the silver-gray patina and restore the furniture to a golden brown color. For additional details please review the Kingsley Bate Care and Maintenance FAQs Sheet.
Kingsley Bate 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.
Teak Care Products
Teak Protector: If you prefer to keep your teak furniture a golden color, we recommend using Kingsley Bate Teak Protector. This is a purely cosmetic application. The product will maintain the golden color for a season and can be reapplied as needed. You should wait two weeks before applying the protector to newly assembled furniture. We suggest you try it on a small area of your furniture first, such as the underside of a chair. We will not be responsible if you apply the product to your furniture and are not satisfied, or if instructions on the label are not properly followed.
Teak Cleaner: If your furniture has weathered and you wish to remove the silver-gray patina, we recommend using Kingsley Bate Teak Cleaner. The cleaner will restore the furniture to a light brown color regardless of how long the piece has been outside. This product requires no heavy scrubbing or polishing and takes approximately thirty minutes per piece to apply. NOTE: This product will not remove the gray color on furniture that has been treated with our Instant Gray product.
Teak Shield: Our Teak Shield product protects wood from food and drink stains. A completely transparent product, Kingsley Bate Teak Shield makes it difficult for stains from red wine, salad oil, and coffee to penetrate wood, so that fresh spills can be wiped away with a damp cloth. The product is also recommended for impeding mildew growth on furniture used in climates where mildew is prevalent. Teak Shield can be used on clean, naturally weathered wood, or on furniture that has been treated with our Teak Protector or Instant Gray. Apply two or more times per year depending on use and exposure.
Winter Care
Teak furniture may be left outside all year round without an outdoor furniture cover. 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. We do not recommend the use of furniture covers, as many varieties do not provide proper ventilation and can make the wood susceptible to mildew growth.
Indoor Use
If you choose to use your furniture indoors, we suggest that you periodically apply a thin coat of paste wax, (i.e., Briwax or Johnson's Wax). Doing so provides the teak with additional protection from natural body oils, dust, and dirt that may come in contact with the furniture.
Furniture Covers
Furniture covers should be cleaned regularly before environmental deposits (dirt, etc.) are allowed to accumulate and become embedded in the fabric. We recommend spot cleaning furniture covers. Start by brushing off any loose dirt/debris, then clean using a sponge, fresh water, and mild soap.