How to Clean Teak Shower Bench

Teak shower benches are a great way to enhance comfort and safety in your bathroom. In contrast to bamboo and other types of wood, teak has natural oils that help make it resistant to moisture and fungus, thus making it suitable to use in your bathroom.  Although these benches are low maintenance, they still need cleaning and refinishing every now and then. Do you own a teak shower bench and need tips on how best to clean it? You’ve come to the right place. Below are several steps on how to clean a teak shower bench.

Cleaning Tips

Cleaning a teak bench is a relatively simple process, and you already have what you need with you.

1. Purchase a teak cleaner. You can easily find these cleaners at a supermarket, hardware store, or online. If you do not have the time or the funds to purchase a teak cleaner, you’ll be happy to know that you can make your own from the comfort of home. All you need is to mix half a cup of water with half a cup of vinegar and add a few drops of dishwashing soap.
2. Shake the mixture well and apply it all over your teak bench. Apply the solution to sit for at least five minutes, as this will give it time to break down the accumulated scum and dirt.
3. Use a brush with very soft bristles to scrub away in the corners, underneath the bench, and other hard-to-reach grooves.
4. Once done, use warm water to thoroughly rinse away the solution, dirt, and suds. If you notice your bench isn’t clean enough, you can repeat the above process till you’re satisfied.
5. Lastly, you need to allow the bench to dry thoroughly. If you have teak oil on hand, apply it all over the bench. The oil will help maintain the bench’s luster and shine.

Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

As you clean your teak bench, there are several mistakes you should avoid making.

1. Do not use power washers. You may be tempted to use power washers because of how convenient they are, but you want to steer of them in this case. These washers operate at high pressure, which can end up damaging the wood. The high pressure can cause cracks in the wood, leading to water seeping through. With time, this will weaken the wood.
2. Another mistake you should avoid is waiting for cleaning day to clean the bench. Instead, you need to ensure that you rinse off the teak shower bench after every use. This helps keep the bench clean, as well as prevents the need for rigorous cleaning later.
3. Do not avoid applying teak oil after thorough cleansing and drying. Teak oil helps preserve the wood, and it also helps maintain its shine. Teak does not have a natural stain, so over time, the artificial pigment fades away. Frequent application of teak oil helps prevent the color from fading.

With these tips, you can easily clean and maintain your teak shower bench.