CARING FOR YOUR TEAK FURNITURE

SUSTAINABLY FORESTED TEAK WOOD

All of Asta’s Teak Furniture is made from sustainably farmed premium grade plantation Javanese teak. Our teak wood is harvested from a government-controlled forest in Indonesia. Teak wood is naturally dense and packed with organic oils, making it one of the most durable and water resistant wood in the world. With proper care, your furniture is built to last a lifetime. Please review the essential care guidelines below to preserve its beauty and performance.

⚠️ THE TRUTH ABOUT TEAK

Teak is naturally water resistant, but it is not self-cleaning.

Teak itself resists rotting from within, but soap residue, shampoo, body oils, and minerals accumulate on any surface in a warm, moist shower. Mold and mildew feed on this soap scum and residue - not the wood itself.

If soap residue sits in a poorly ventilated, constantly wet shower, dark spots of surface mildew will form. Regular cleaning and proper airflow are essential to keep your teak furniture spotless and fresh.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF TEAK WOOD

  • Wood characteristics: grain, knots, pitting, mineral deposits.

  • Wood color and natural veining will vary with each piece.

  • Expansion and construction will occur with changes in humidity.

  • Seasonal splitting and checking are inherent to wood products.

  • Some small checks or cracks may appear on the surface, as the wood ages.  This is normal and natural occurrence that should be expected during normal use, and doesn’t affect the durability of the furniture.

  • Teak will turn a silver grey if the furniture is left outdoors and not cared for with teak protector.  This silvery gray patina gives teak furniture a distinctive appearance, which many people consider to be very attractive.

CARING FOR YOUR TEAK FURNITURE

Daily & Routine Habits

  • Rinse After Use: Before stepping out of the shower, quickly spray down with clean water to wash away residual soap scum, hair products, and bath oils.

  • Encourage Airflow: Run your bathroom exhaust fan for 15-20 minutes after showering, or leave the shower door/curtain and bathroom foor cracked open to allow air circulation.

  • Keep Out of Standing Water: Ensure the wood legs sit elevated above any puddling water or slow-draining shower pans.

Regular Cleaning (Every 2-4 Weeks)

  • Prepare Solution: Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap (or a gentle, pH-neutral wood cleanser).

  • Gently Scrub: Using a soft-bristle nylon brush or sponge, scrub gently in the direction of the wood grain.

  • Rinse & Air Dry: Thoroughly rinse away all suds with clean water and let the item dry completely.

Removing Mold or Mildew Spots

If dark spots or mildew begin to appear, treat them promptly before they penetrate deeper into the surface:

  • Vinegar Solution (Natural & Gentle): Mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and wam water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected areas, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, scrub with a soft brush along the wood grain, and rinse thoroughly.

  • Oxygen Bleach (Stubborn Spots): Mix a mild oxygen-based bleach powder (such as OxiClean) with warm water according to package directions, scrub gently, and rinse completely.

    (Avoid chlorine bleach, wire brushes, or abrasive scouring pads, as they will strip the natural teak oils and damage wood fibers.)

Natural Silver Patina vs. Teak Sealer

  • Natural Silver Gray: Over time, natural teak exposed to moisture will gradually transition to a distinguished silver-gray patina. This is purely aesthetic and does not affect the structural integrity of the wood.

  • Maintaining the Golden Color: If you prefer the original honey-gold finish, apply a quality Teak Sealer or teak oil once or twice a year. Always ensure the item has dried completely (bone-dry for at least 48 hours) in a dry room before applying any sealer.