Teak Wood Care Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Cleaning, Protecting, and Maintaining Teak Patio Furniture

What Makes Teak Special?

Teak is a naturally strong and durable hardwood, making it one of the best choices for outdoor living. Originally teak is sourced from the Tectona Grandis tree which contains a high level of natural oil and resin, making the wood naturally water-repellent and therefore very suitable for outdoor use. This helps prevent the wood from drying out and extends its lifespan.

Another advantage: teak naturally resists rot and decay, which makes it easier to maintain. At Belamo, we also care about sustainability. All wood products we use are either reclaimed or certified teak (SVLK teak and FSC certified), guaranteeing the sustainability of the wood itself and the plantation.

Choosing the Right Care Products

To keep teak looking its best, always use products designed specifically for teak maintenance. Avoid aggressive cleaners such as vinegar, baking soda, bleach, or chlorine, as these can damage the wood. Green soap should also be avoided, since residue may lead to mold growth. Pressure washers are not suitable either – they can roughen the surface and encourage mold.

Gray Teak – Bold and Contemporary

The Belamo collections with gray teak have a gray wash finish on top of the natural teak wood. Over its lifespan, teak will always lose its color finish gradually (due to weathering) returning it to the original color of the wood. To maintain the gray effect, simply refresh it with a gray color treatment.

Teak: First steps when delivered?

In general, teak is a light brown wood that discolors to a beautiful weathered platinum gray wood over time. Belamo furniture is colored in the factory to enhance the neutral look and structure of the wood. Since the teak wood from Blamo has been treated right before it left the factory no immediate maintenance is required. However, if you prefer making the teak less susceptible to staining, we recommend applying LIFE Teak Shield as soon as possible

How to Maintain Teak Furniture

With a little care, your teak furniture will stay beautiful for years. Because it’s a natural material, fine hairline cracks may appear over time – this is normal and doesn’t affect the strength of the furniture.

We recommend giving teak a deep cleaning at least twice a year, for example in spring before the outdoor season. Full treatment takes two days because the wood needs drying time between steps. Always check the weather forecast to avoid rain during the process.

Time required: 2 days (including drying time)
What you’ll need:

Teak Cleaner
Protector (Robust, Nature, or Gray, depending on your finish)
Teak Shield
Aluminum scouring pad
Water
Gloves

Step 1: Rinse with Water
Place your furniture on a hard surface and remove any cushions or accessories. Protect the ground with a tarp and rinse the teak thoroughly with a garden hose or bucket of water to remove loose dirt.

Step 2: Deep Clean with Teak Cleaner
Shake the cleaner well and apply a thin layer across the surface. Use a cloth or sponge for corners and hard-to-reach spots. Allow it to sit for about 3 minutes, then gently scrub along the grain of the wood with a scouring pad. Rinse thoroughly and let the wood dry completely.

Step 3: Apply Protector (Optional)
If you want to maintain the original color, now is the time to apply Gray Teak Protector. One or two coats, depending on how deep you want the gray finish.

If you prefer the natural graying process, you can skip this step.

Step 4: Finish with Teak Shield
For added protection against dirt, grease, and stains, apply Teak Shield as the final step. Shake the bottle and spread a thin, even layer with a clean, lint-free cloth. Let it dry for 4 hours, then repeat with a second coat. Allow the furniture to dry for two full days before use.

Important: Never cover your furniture while it’s still damp, as this can lead to mold formation.

Tip: If water no longer beads on the surface and immediately absorbs into the wood, it’s time to reapply Teak Shield.

View our Materials and Maintenance booklet

For the best results in maintenance and cleaning your Belamo patio furniture

Go to booklet