If you have invested in teak garden furniture, taking care of your wooden garden furniture is essential. This is because being outside makes them more prone to be damaged by the elements. Mostly wooden furniture requires cleaning, keeping it covered whenever possible, and using sealant to maintain its beautiful look and ensure the wood stays healthy.
Here are tips on how to take care of your wooden garden furniture to ensure it serves you for years.
Clean it regularly
The best time to clean your wooden furniture is during the hot months because you are using it the most during this time. When cleaning your outdoor furniture, start with dusting and getting rid of loose dirt, leaves, and cobwebs. While doing this, ensure you inspect the furniture thoroughly to spot any loose screws which need tightening or broken parts that need replacement.
After dusting the furniture, take a mild soap and water and clean it. For deep cleaning, you can also use a soft brush. Remember always to brush the direction of the wooden grain. After that, wipe the furniture with a dry cloth and leave it in the sun to dry.
If your furniture comes with cushions, you remove them and clean them separately. Cleaning them will depend on the material used. But generally, you can dry-clean them with soapy water and leave them out to dry in the sun. Get into a habit of wiping down your wooden furniture every time you go out to the garden to use them.
Cover up when not in use
During the days you know you will not be using your outdoor furniture for long, it is best to cover them up. Do this even if your furniture is made from hardwood which usually is strong enough to withstand the elements. You can buy furniture covers from any furniture store that is great for protecting your wooden furniture.
Use sealant
Use a sealant after cleaning to add protection to your wooden furniture. Ensure the type of sealant you use is made specifically for your type of wood. For example, if your outdoor furniture is made from teak, you can use teak oil, and if you have furniture made from softwood, you can use preservatives.
Wipe off spills immediately
If any foods or drinks spills on the wood, ensure you wipe the spill immediately. Some food and drinks can stain your wooden furniture, and if not wiped immediately, they may leave a permanent mark. Remember after wiping clean and dry with a dry cloth.
Don’t stand your wooden furniture on grass.
Avoid placing your furniture’s wooden legs directly on the grass. The ground usually contains moisture, and if your wooden furniture is not treated, then as the wooden legs absorb moisture from the grass, it will rot over time, destroying it.
If you have a garden where you can’t avoid placing the furniture directly on the grass, you can look for support for the wooden legs or stand the legs in some preservative for a few hours so that the wood can soak in preservative to protect it from rotting.
