Care Instructions
What should I expect from my new Teak outdoor furniture?
When new, teak wood furniture has a rich golden color and will age to a soft silvery patina over time. This process takes anywhere from six to twenty-four months depending on the climate and seasonal exposure. The weathering process moves faster in moist climates but will all even out in the end, leaving us with a stunning end-result: Furniture pieces that, just like fine wine, age beautifully with time.
During the weathering process, you may notice "checking" or small cracks that appear in the end grain of the wood, caused by a slight expansion and contraction of the surface. Checking is cosmetic and will not impact the structural integrity of the furniture; therefore, will not be covered by HiTeak's manufacturer warranty. You may also see some lifting of the grain which will disappear at the end of the weathering process, sometimes you will even get water spots or other kinds of discoloration. Regardless, your furniture will end up with a lovely soft silvery patina, which will always even out over time and with periodic cleaning.
When and How should I clean my Teak furniture?
Teak wood requires proper maintenance and cleaning on occasion, depending on the environment the furniture is exposed to. Naturally, all furniture left outdoors will take damage from environmental factors (pollen, insects, pollution, etc.) and will need to be cleaned periodically. It is highly recommended to clean the furniture at least two times a year to remove build-up dirt from the environment.
- HiTeak Furniture recommends starting hosing down the furniture with fresh water. Avoid a high-pressure hose as this can erode the surface of the timber.
- Next, scrub the wet furniture using a soft bristle brush and a solution of 2/3 cup of laundry detergent and 1/4 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of warm water.
- Afterward, rinse the entire piece with fresh water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
For deeper cleaning, HiTeak recommends using their Teak Cleaner and Teak Complete Care Kit. These include a simple and safe cleaner formulated specifically for teak, which will remove the silver-gray patina look and restore the furniture to a golden-brown color.
Prevention & Preservation for my Teak furniture.
High-quality teak furniture is extremely mold/mildew-resistant due to the density of the wood and the natural oils and resins present in the product. While the wood itself will resist mold and mildew; these contaminants will attach to dirt, leaves, and other debris on your furniture. If left to sit for an extended period, the mold or mildew will eventually penetrate the wood. Black spots appearing on the furniture after being exposed to the outdoor environment are mildew- a result of humidity building up in the wood- and are natural mold spores. These spots are not considered a defect as they are part of the natural weathering process and can be cleaned.
Mildew most often develops in conditions that are damp or highly humid where the furniture doesn’t regularly dry out. Should mildew develop on your furniture, please follow these steps to remove it: Prepare a mild solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Apply the solution to the affected furniture and let sit for a minute. Lightly agitate with a soft bristle brush, clean in the direction of the grain, and rinse clean with water. Repeat if necessary.
You can lower the probability of mold or mildew attaching to your furniture by keeping it clean. Simply hose it off when it gets dirty and wipe it down (Please remember to never pressure wash your teak furniture). Oftentimes, simply cleaning the product with soap and water and scrubbing with a scrub brush or sponge will remove the contaminants if they have not had time to settle in too deep.
How do I Care for Sling and Woven Straps?
Brush off loose dirt. Hose down. Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild, natural soap (no detergents), Use a soft bristle brush to clean, Allow soap to soak in, Rinse thoroughly, Allow it to air dry.
One of the best ways to keep sling fabrics and woven straps looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose the fabric off on a monthly basis with clean water. This practice will help eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough or deep cleaning will be needed every two to three years. These fabrics can be cleaned while still on a frame or they can be removed for cleaning. Please keep in mind to protect your sling furniture during the first few usages by moving sling chairs out from under teak tables for the first few rainfalls.
How do I care for Sunbrella® fabrics?
Blot (do not rub) liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth. For oil-based spills, apply an absorbent such as corn starch, then remove with a straight edge. Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild, natural soap (no detergents). Spray on fabric and let it soak in. Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Allow it to air dry. When cleaning upholstered pieces, clean the entire surface area of the fabric, from seam to seam, instead of rubbing the fabric in a circular motion on the spill. This method, along with an extractor, may be required in order to avoid water rings and residue.
Sunbrella's performance doesn't stop at the finish engineered into the core of each fabric with a proprietary blend of fibers that are completely saturated with color–making them highly resistant to chemicals and UV light.
As a result, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned and sanitized with disinfectants such as bleach and other chemicals without fear of color loss or degradation. Disinfecting or sanitizing often requires the use of strong chemicals that might damage other fabrics. However, Sunbrella fabric is proven to withstand repeated cleaning with chemicals without voiding their comprehensive warranty.
Is there any way to protect my Teak table from food stains?
To protect your table or any piece of teak furniture from coffee, red wine, salad dressing, and other food stains, HiTeak recommend using their HiTeak Teak Cleaner and Teak Complete Care Kit. Their Teak Protector is a transparent, safe product that can be used on clean, naturally weathered wood. It creates a protective barrier that helps prevent stains from penetrating the wood. It is best to wipe away any spills with a damp cloth as soon as possible. HiTeak recommends applying the Teak Cleaner and Complete Teak Care Kit two or more times per year depending on usage and exposure.
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