How to Remove Mold From Teak
Teak is a popular choice for outdoor furniture and boats because of its durability and resistance to termites. Unlike other woods, it will not rot in moist conditions. It is, however, susceptible to mold and mildew. All it takes is a little bit of elbow grease to remove the tell-tale green and black mold stains.
What You'll Need:
- Laundry detergent
- Soft bristle brush
- Bronze wool pad
- Water
- Bucket
- Teak oil (optional)
- Teak sealer (optional)
- Mix two parts laundry detergent with one part water in a large bucket. Make enough solution to thoroughly saturate the surface of the wood. Steer clear of products that contain bleach, which may chemically damage the integrity of the teak.
- Pour a liberal amount of detergent solution on the teak. Using circular motions, scrub the wood with the soft bristle brush. This will loosen and remove any debris or mold that has accumulated on the surface. Allow the detergent to sit on the teak for another 15 minutes after scrubbing.
- Rinse the teak with copious amounts of fresh water to remove any detergent residue. Rub the teak with the bronze wool pad in the direction of the wood grain. This ensures that no detergent is left behind by opening up the pores. Let the teak dry for several hours.
- Apply teak oil to the wood, if desired. This product replaces any oils that were lost in the cleaning process. It also preserves the color and glow of the teak. To protect the wood from mold and mildew in the future, a teak sealer is recommended. It forms a barrier against the elements and gives the wood a glossy look.