How to Clean Outdoor Furniture | Burrow

Everything you need to know about maintaining your outdoor oasis.

Durable, beautiful, and able to withstand the most extreme climates, teak wood is considered the premium choice for outdoor furniture. Featuring natural grain variation from piece to piece, teak looks as good in an urban jungle as it does in any coastal retreat. 

But good looks are not the only reason we use premium teak: our sustainably sourced, 100% FSC-certified Grade A teak ensures the best weather-resistant effects. Grade A Teak is the premium center cut of the teak timber, offering a consistent look without knots, discolorations, or other unwanted variations. Teak contains a natural oil that repels water and pests, while also shielding against warping, cracking, and rot. This means a durable, long-lasting hardwood that outperforms other varieties. Over time, teak will take on a natural patina as it matures into a silvery gray. This weathering process will vary but with a little hands-on care, the wood’s natural warmth can be maintained for years to come.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies forests to ensure their environments are responsibly managed and meet the highest environmental and social standards. Being 100% FSC certified means that we source our teak from forests that are managed to the highest environmental, social, and economic standards.

The best way to retain the out-of-the-box honey brown color of new teak is to use Golden Care® Teak Cleaner and Golden Care® Teak Protector. All teak furniture designs at Burrow are available with an optional Teak Cleaner + Protector Duo Kit, so you have everything you need to keep your furniture looking its best.

The oil within teak may surface as a result of exposure to the elements. To remove the appearance of surfaced oil, wash your teak with water and clean it with Golden Care® Hardwood & Teak Cleaner. Once cleaned, apply the Teak Protector to preserve the teak’s original color.

As teak furniture adjusts to its climate, small hairlines may appear as the wood settles. Move teak pieces away from wet ground and ensure puddles of water don’t pool on the furniture. Use coasters and placemats and quickly wipe up any spills to prevent staining. Never use steel wool, teak oil, or pressure-wash teak.

There’s a reason why powder-coated galvanized steel is a favorite for outdoor furniture: its durable, rust-proof properties make it ideal for enduring all manner of weather conditions, while its manufacturing flexibility allows for versatility in color and design. Burrow’s galvanized steel is treated with a matte powder coat, which not only reinforces its durability but also adds an extra dimension of style.

While galvanized steel may be big on versatility, it’s very small on maintenance. In fact, it doesn’t take much to keep it in great shape at all. So how do you clean outdoor furniture made from galvanized steel? Simply use mild soap, water, and a soft cloth to wipe it down. And you’re done.

What if we told you the easiest way to clean the cushions on your outdoor furniture is to simply flip them over? We know it’s not cleaning per se, but when friends, family, or the sunshine are waiting and your cushion is covered in pollen, it’s the easiest way to get situated on your furniture fast.

While our quick-drying, all-weather cushions repel liquids, dirt, and even UV rays, the occasional spill is bound to happen. To clean stains, use a towel to absorb initial spills then spot clean with a mild detergent. A solution of dish soap and warm, filtered water works best (avoid bleach as this can affect the cushion’s water-resistant qualities). A soft nylon brush or lint roller can be used to remove hair or debris and excess water can be soaked up with a microfiber or lint-free cloth.

Your best bet for maintaining the aesthetic of your outdoor furniture is to store it away from the elements. All Burrow outdoor furniture can be easily disassembled into a low profile for off-season storage. Avoid storing teak by a direct heat source as it can dry out the wood.

That being said, the materials used in our designs are known for their weather-ready qualities. If limited storage space is a factor, we strongly recommend using our custom-fit outdoor covers to protect furniture from the elements.