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Teak, a tropical hardwood found mainly in Southeast Asia, is extremely popular both for its natural beauty and its ease of maintenance. It is a naturally oily and very dense wood, making it highly weather resistant and, therefore, perfect for outdoor furniture.

With just a little care and attention you will extend the life of your furniture ten-fold. Teak furniture can be washed with a mild mixture of soap and water and it is recommended that a soft utility brush be used to remove surface dirt and dust. The furniture must be rinsed thoroughly after cleaning and be allowed to dry completely.

It is not necessary to heavily scrub or polish teak furniture ' you should be able to clean a chair, for example, in half an hour. Teak furniture does not require the application of wood sprays, preservatives or oils as it is naturally high in oil content. However, for some tastes, the slivery-grey colour that teak furniture develops as it weathers, may be too rustic and oil can be applied to create a full, rich surface sheen.

Here are some tips for applying teak furniture oil:

' Ensure the surface is clean and free from dust

' Use true teak oil

' You must apply teak oil before your patio furniture begins to weather. If it has begun to weather, scrub your furniture with a stiff bristled brush and soapy water. Rinse as you go then allow the furniture to dry fully

' Your furniture must be completely dry, otherwise moisture trapped within the wood may cause black mildew spots to appear after oiling. Your furniture may take up to 48 hours to fully dry out after a rain

' Follow the instructions on the teak oil packaging for application. Generally, this would be to apply a light coating with a clean, lint free rag or paint brush. One coat should be sufficient