Easy cleaning for outdoor tables

Whether it’s in the glistening morning sun under cups of coffee, or filled to the brim with loved ones for that special occasion, your outdoor table is the heart of your outdoor space. If you want your table to look alluring and elegant all year round, it will need some minimal maintenance. Luckily, we’ve prepared a straight-forward guide to keep your outdoor furniture looking great and lasting for years — even if it's kept out in the elements all year round. Here are some tips on how to clean a teak outdoor table. 

1. Clear off any items that are in the way

As you clean your table, ensure nothing will get damaged or marred by the cleaning process. This can be done by temporarily removing any items from the table to a safe spot.

2. Make sure the table is free of dust and debris

If there’s dirt or dust on your table, use a soft microfiber cloth and water to gently wipe the surface of your table until no remnants remain visible on its surface. This will allow the table to be cleaned efficiently and evenly.

3. Use a cleaning solution

There are a lot of specialised cleaning products for different timbers, but a safe homemade alternative can be made. You’ll want to create a mixture of liquid soap and warm water to wipe down the table. (Please note that it is best to avoid harsh chemicals and synthetics)

4. Cleaning the wood

Gently wipe your outdoor table using a microfiber cloth with your desired cleaning solution. Make sure you get into all the grooves and crevices where dirt can collect.

5. Getting rid of mildew or mould

A cleaning solution commercially made for the specific type of timber your table consists of would be advised. White Vinegar mixed with warm water is a popular non-toxic and eco-friendly alternative used to deal with any mildew or mould that's growing on timber tables. Golden Care Teak Cleaner is also a great product to be used for cleaning.

6. Use a high-pressure washer

As an alternative to the above steps, a power washer is very effective for removing any excess dirt from your table. It’s also possible but not necessary to sand the table back after using this method to achieve the best outcome. This is not advised if your table has been stained or painted, and you’re looking to maintain its current colour as it will bring back the wood to its natural appearance.

7. Apply “Hardwood & Teak Protector and Shield” once the table has dried

Once you’ve cleaned your table, you may want to apply a water-based product to maintain the aesthetics of the table. At Woodbury Furniture, we recommend Golden Care Teak Colour Protector and Golden Care Teak Shield. The protector is great for its colour maintenance capabilities, but it will change the colour of the wood away from its original colour.  The shield is great to put on to seal the teak from spills and stains. These products are often used for optimal protection of a range of teak outdoor furniture. 

You can read more about how these Teak and Hardwood products work by clicking on them!

How often do I need to clean my outdoor furniture?

You may be wondering how regularly you should clean your outdoor furniture, especially if you have an outdoor extendable dining table.

Teak requires minimal to no maintenance in order to ensure longevity of the product.  However some people may like to keep it clean at all times and may clean the outdoor furniture regularly depending on how often it gets used and where it is located. If you only use your setting once a week, you may clean it every three months. If your outdoor sectional is where most of your entertaining happens, you may want to clean it more often. 

With proper maintenance and care using the advised protectant and shielding products, the regular cleaning load can be lightened and you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying your furniture.

Do you need to clean your outdoor furniture?

How to clean different types of outdoor tables 

Different materials require different cleaning methods, so it's essential to know how to clean each type of outdoor table.

Plantation Wood

Classic teak tables can be cleaned with warm water and soap as needed. If any stains or marks don't come off at first, try using a mixture of hot water and vinegar. This should help remove the stain without damaging the wood.

Reclaimed Wood

Beautiful and rustic, Reclaimed teak tables can be cleaned the same as the plantation tables, using some warm water and soap. For heavier stains, using the same mix of hot water and vinegar will do the trick without causing any damage to your table.

Powder Coated Aluminium

The standard cleaning process of powder-coated aluminium tables involves occasional washing with mild soap and water, followed by rinsing and drying. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, bleach or solvents as this can damage the quality of the powder-coating.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to clean your outdoor furniture and ensure it stays looking amazing all year round. Using some simple methods and inexpensive products, you can enjoy low maintenance entertaining outdoors!

So there you have it. We hope this information was useful in helping you learn how to clean an outdoor table. You don’t need any fancy tools, techniques or high-end products. Cleaning and maintaining your outdoor table is a very short and easy part of the enjoyment that comes from owning an outdoor setting.

Ready to complete your outdoor space? Check out our catalogue of outdoor furniture here at Woodbury Furniture.