Teak Cleaning

If you have an item in your home, be it furniture, flooring, or something else, made of teakwood, you probably already know some of this wood's characteristics. Teak is one of the most sought after woods in the world,  this is because it is extremely durable, both in use and in manufacturing. For this reason, it is commonly used on floors, in furniture, and in decks. It is an especially good wood to use outdoors. Teak is as expensive and luxurious as it is partly because of it's rarity. The tree that produces teak wood only grows in areas near the equator, that have clear wet and dry seasons. Cleaning teakwood is something you need to do regularly, as mold and mildew can buildup on it's surface. This mold can actually eat away at the finish of the wood, as well as the wood it's self. On top of that, cleaning the wood brings back it's shine and color, and also makes it look more natural. When determining how best to clean teak, it is important that you avoid powerwashing powerwashers just blast air at the wood, and can damage it. More importantly, they don't really clean at all, just blow dust away. You need to get in and actually kill the mold and mildew spores. Household Bleach usually doesn't kill the spores, plus it's a harsh chemical that should be used sparingly. Finally, you might decide to use tri-sodium-phosphate, however this, like household bleach, is unable to kill many micro-organisms found on the wood. Instead, you will want to use a teak cleaner and and bristle brush. You have two options when it comes to what kind cleaner you use. One part cleaners are gentler, and easier to use. When using a one part cleaner, use a bristle bruch to apply the cleaner, and scrub for 10-15 minutes. Once you this is done, gently rinse the wood with clean water. While doing this, use some bronze wool along the grain to open up pores in the wood and get all of the cleaner out. Two part cleaners include an acid, which is used to kill bacteria, and a neutralizer, which cleans off the acid. Two part cleaners are faster and effective, however they are much tougher on your teak, and can raise the grain, which makes the wood less smooth. The best bet is probably to use a one part cleaner, and take the time to get your wood clean the right way. However if you are pressed for time or don't want to put in extra effort, tow part cleaners can get the job done quick and easy. There is also polish that you can apply as part of teak maintenance.