Why Regular Cleaning Is Just as Important as Refinishing for Teak and Ipe

Why Regular Cleaning Is Just as Important as Refinishing for Teak and Ipe

If you have a wooden deck or furniture in your yard, you likely already know the importance of a good refinishing project. Refinishing your teak or ipe wood helps to keep it looking its best and improves its overall longevity. However, if you’ve attempted one of these refinishing projects yourself, you also know that they can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Ideally, you would extend the time between refinishing projects as long as possible without sacrificing the quality of your wood to save yourself time and money.

One way you can do this is by regularly cleaning your wood. A simple cleaning of your teak or ipe wood can go a long way toward keeping it in great shape and reducing the need for more frequent refinishing projects. Below, we’ll explore cleaning vs refinishing teak and ipe, why regularly cleaning is just as important as refinishing, and how you can go about properly cleaning your outdoor wooden surfaces.

How Dirt, Debris, and Mildew Affect Outdoor Wood

The three biggest dangers to your outdoor wood are dirt, debris, and mildew. Each one can have a unique impact on your teak or ipe wood, making it essential that you take preventative care against each of them. 

Dirt can slowly wear down your wood. If dirt is allowed to remain in place for too long, it can become ground into your wood, making it rougher and wearing away any finishing you have. Before long, your wood will appear faded, and as the finish starts to wear away, it will leave behind a rough and uneven surface.

Stones or twigs are debris that might come into contact with your wooden deck or furniture. Debris is especially common after a storm, when heavy winds and rain can knock debris into your wood. Like dirt, if you don’t remove debris as it lands, it could slowly wear away the surface of your teak or ipe.

Mildew is another common concern for any outside wood. Mildew is often confused with mold, which can also appear on your outdoor wooden furniture or deck. You can tell the difference by taking a closer look at the growth – mildew is white and powdery, while mold is colorful, fuzzy, and slimy. Regardless of which one you have, it’s important to address it right away. If left untreated, mildew and mold can develop toxic spores, which are hazardous to your health.

Benefits of Routine Cleaning Between Refinishing Projects

Refinishing your outdoor teak or ipe wood is the best way to protect it. However, these refinishing projects are time-consuming. Rather than performing frequent refinishing jobs, you can extend the life of your outdoor wood by performing routine cleanings. Cleaning your outdoor wood between refinishing projects will help your finishes last longer.

Routine cleanings will also help make your outdoor wood safer. Without regular maintenance, your wood is more likely to splinter or lose its structural integrity. Protect yourself from dangers like splinters or toxic mold by giving your wooden deck or furniture regular cleanings. 

Routine cleanings will improve the visual appeal of your furniture and deck. Whether you’re having company over, looking to sell your home soon, or just want to enjoy your backyard to its fullest, you’ll want your teak and ipe to look its best. Spending a few minutes cleaning it every now and again will go a long way toward helping it look great.

How to Clean Teak Furniture and Decks

So, how can you go about keeping your teak and ipe wood clean in between refinishes? We recommend regularly sweeping away dirt and debris from your wooden deck. Taking five minutes to sweep once a week or so will go a long way. We also recommend giving your outdoor teak and ipe woods a gentle rinsing periodically. A light spray from your garden hose will help you clear away dirt and debris that your broom missed. 

When you have a little more time on your hands, consider applying a cleaning scrub specifically designed for teak and ipe woods. Using a soft scrub brush, work the chemical cleaner into your wood. This can help to seal up the wood and prevent further damage, while also cleaning away more deeply ingrained contaminants. 

When to Schedule Professional Care

While routine cleaning is a great way to care for your teak and ipe, you’ll likely still want to occasionally schedule professional treatments. Exterior wood refinishing specialists know the best strategies for ensuring the longevity of wood. They can spot early warning signs of a potential problem and address it before it grows any larger. Professional care is also the best way to get your outdoor wood looking its best.

We recommend scheduling professional care for your outdoor wood at least once a year. The best times are typically either in the spring, after the harsh winter, and you’re preparing for summer, or in the fall, when you’re spending less time outside and want to prepare your outdoor wood for the upcoming winter. You should also explore scheduling professional wood treatment if you notice significant signs of wear or damage to your wood, as you’ll want to address these issues before they worsen.

Maintain Your Investment with Regular Cleaning

As you can see, regularly cleaning is one of the best ways to maintain your investment in teak and ipe woods. However, even with regular cleanings, you’ll eventually want to explore a more comprehensive refinishing or restoration project. When that time comes, contact Teak Master, your ipe/teak cleaning and refinishing experts. We know best how to care for your teak and ipe, and can help ensure your wood not only looks great but also lasts for a long time to come. Let us show you the best way to care for your exterior wood and how we can assist with that process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my teak or ipe deck?

Sweep weekly, rinse lightly every few weeks, and do a gentle scrub with a teak/ipe cleaner each season (or as needed based on traffic and tree cover).

Is pressure washing safe for teak or ipe?

Avoid high-pressure washing. If you must, use very low pressure with a wide fan tip and keep the nozzle moving to prevent fiber raise and striping.

What cleaners are recommended?

Choose products formulated specifically for teak/ipe. Avoid chlorine bleach; test in an inconspicuous spot and follow the manufacturer’s dwell-time and rinse directions.

When should I call a professional?

Book annual service (spring or fall), and sooner if you notice graying, slippery algae, cupping, splinters, or finish failure that regular cleaning doesn’t fix.