As Spring is rapidly approaching, many people are getting prepared to enjoy their outdoor setting by cutting the lawn, cleaning the grill and sprucing up the patio furniture.  For owners of teak furniture, this typically means applying a coat of teak oil to their tables, chairs or benches.  This is the common quick-fix that many teak owners turn to because so many retailers of outdoor teak furniture have told them to do so.  However, at Atlanta Teak Furniture we are taking a stand against this ineffective maintenance method.



Teak is naturally resistant to many things - rotting, splitting, warping and most importantly MILDEW.  However, as soon as teak oil is applied to teak furniture the furniture becomes vulnerable to mildew growth due to the way that the oil reacts with sunlight.  If you have ever seen a teak bench or table that looks almost black its because the owners have been applying teak oil to it for the life of the product.



At Atlanta Teak, we recommend a few things as far as maintenance options for your teak furniture.  First, you can let it age naturally to the elegant silver patina that so many teak lovers cherish.  The wood will remain as smooth as the day it came out of the box even as it turns silver.  Each year, you could simply take some soapy water and a bristle brush and give the furniture a quick scrubbing.



Another option is to use a teak cleaner.  Teak cleaners are water-based solutions that are very easy to use and allow you to brush out all the dirt and grime that has built up on your furniture.  The teak cleaner will also remove some of that silver patina and leave the furniture with more of the natural honey brown appearance.



Either of these options will keep the teak from mildewing, and will keep your teak looking beautiful for many years to come. 



For more information visit us at http://www.atlantateak.com.