How to Clean Ipe Wood Furniture & Decks

Ipe wood is fairly easy to maintain as long as you sweep or wipe it regularly, sop up standing water, and watch out for pesky problems such mold or mildew. But what do you do when it needs a proper clean? With the right products and equipment, it’s easy to clean ipe wood yourself. Our team at Teak Master in Los Angeles has put together this guide on everything you need to know about ipe wood and how to take care of it.

What is Ipe Wood?

Ipe is a popular wood type in California, and there are numerous perks to using it for your deck or patio furniture. Ipe wood has a natural reddish-brown tone with a beautiful grain pattern that instantly catches the eye. Its durability and density make it long-lasting, adding beauty to your home for years. Plus, it can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as extreme temperature fluctuations, heavy rain, and pests such as termites. As long as you clean your ipe wood deck and furniture regularly, it’ll retain its good looks well into the future.

How To Clean an Ipe Deck

Cleaning your California home’s ipe deck is a straightforward DIY project you can complete in a few steps. First, prepare your ipe deck for cleaning by clearing any furniture or obstacles that may impede your progress. Use a soft-bristle broom to sweep away debris such as leaves and dirt. Take note of any mold or mildew you find while sweeping.

Once the deck is clear, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to distribute a cleaning solution that’s suitable for ipe wood. Work in circular motions, scrubbing away caked-on dirt and grime. If you find stubborn stains, buff them out with light-grain sandpaper.

Use a garden hose sprayer to rinse off the cleaner gently. Allow your ipe deck to thoroughly dry for 24 to 48 hours before applying a sealer.

How To Clean Ipe Wood Furniture

Cleaning ipe wood furniture requires a similar process to deck cleaning but on a smaller scale. Remove pillows or decor on the furniture and wet the wood with a hose or bucket of water for easier cleaning. Use an ipe wood cleaner and a soft brush or sponge to scrub the furniture. After cleaning, use water to rinse off the cleaner and allow the furniture to dry completely before putting the accessories back.

Choosing the Right Ipe Wood Cleaning Solutions

Over time, dirt builds up on your ipe deck or furniture, and the shine dulls. A mild wood cleaner can help remove dirt, soot, and black mold, but it may need a deeper clean, depending on how dirty the wood is.

It’s important to protect your ipe wood deck or furniture by using the right cleaning products. Cleaning solutions with harsh chemicals or bleach can damage the wood fibers, compromising your ipe’s integrity and longevity. Use products such as Penofin Pro-Tech Wood Cleaner, Messmer’s Wood and Deck Cleaner, or OxiClean for a gentle yet effective cleaning. Stubborn grease or oil stains don’t fare well against SamaN TSP Eco Concentrated. Follow the cleaner’s instructions to tackle challenging spots and restore your ipe’s beautiful color.

Sealing and Protecting Ipe Wood Post-Cleaning

We love sunny days in Southern California, but the sun’s UV rays can wreak havoc on your ipe deck. A protective sealer prevents harmful UV rays and moisture damage after rainstorms. Seal your ipe wood deck or furniture after a deep clean to maintain its rich color and durability.

Use a high-quality, oil-based sealer for ipe wood protection and apply it evenly. Ensure you seal the ends of every board on your deck or furniture. The ipe wood sealing process requires patience, allowing the oil ample time to penetrate the wood. Let the oil soak in before wiping off the excess. If you skip wiping the excess oil, the sun’s rays can burn it and turn the surface of the wood black. Reapply the ipe wood protector every 12 months for optimal protection.

Ipe Wood Maintenance Tips

Below are some ipe wood maintenance tips to prevent damage to your deck or furniture.

Take It Easy When Pressure Washing

Pressure washing a wood deck can be satisfying as you remove the layers of built-up dirt, but if you overdo it or pressure wash too hard, you’ll end up damaging your precious ipe wood. Test the pressure washer on a small area that’s out of sight, and keep the pressure under 1200 psi. If you’re not a pro, consider skipping the pressure washing and sticking to gentler, easier-to-use cleaning tools, such as a shop vac or garden hose.

Be Mindful of the Products You Use

Ordinary domestic hardwood products are no match for exotic hardwood such as ipe. Using these products can do more harm than good. The same goes for cleaners with harsh chemicals or bleach. Avoid them at all costs.

Soak Up Liquid Spills Right Away

Be mindful of spills on your deck. If someone spills red wine or soda, it can leave an unsightly stain. Whether it’s dark liquids or a puddle of water, protect your ipe wood by soaking up spills with a towel as soon as possible.

Address Ipe Wood Scratches Before They Get Worse

Worn-off or old sealant can expose your ipe wood to scratches. Cracks in the sealant create openings where moisture can seep in and damage the wood. Although ipe wood is typically mold-resistant, moisture exposure can form mold over time. Consider lightly sanding and refinishing the trouble spots or hiring a professional to treat your ipe wood.

Hire a Professional Ipe Wood Care Specialist in Los Angeles

If your ipe wood deck or furniture turns gray or develops a patina even after regular cleanings, it may be reparable. Contact our team at Teak Master for expert wood care, deck restoration, and refinishing services. Our ipe maintenance professionals go the extra mile to clean and protect your ipe deck and furniture with high-quality cleaning and sealing products. Let us know how we can help you bring shine back into your ipe wood.