How to Clean Teak Shower Bench

Introduction

One piece of furniture that is frequently used in bathrooms is a teak shower bench. This type of shower bench was manufactured from high-quality, water-resistant wood. Teak shower seats, however, can turn into a haven for bacteria and fungi because of their constant exposure to moisture and humidity.

The benefits of purchasing a teak wood shower bench will be covered in this article, along with instructions on how to perform routine maintenance. These instructions include the cleaning supplies needed, the right techniques, steps, and advice that will unquestionably help you maintain the good looks of your lovely teak wood shower bench. 

The Benefits and Versatility of Teak Shower Bench

As a piece of bathroom furniture, teak wood shower benches provide a number of benefits. From its robust and long-lasting qualities, the beauty of its natural state, up to simplicity in shaping, thus enhancing its maximum function. These are the benefits you’ll get after purchasing a teak shower bench:

Highly durable and long-lasting

The most compelling benefit to choosing a teak shower bench over those made of other materials is that teak is highly durable and long-lasting. Teak is recognized for aging well and can handle dampness better than most other types of wood. Teak wood is naturally water-resistant, thus making it an excellent choice for usage in moist areas like the bathroom.

Teak wood is a perfect material for shower benches because of its outstanding longevity and resistance to water deterioration. As a result, teak wood shower seats are normally not a source of concern for early breakage, bending, or splitting.

As it ages, its aesthetic look becomes more apparent

In addition to being incredibly durable, teak wood is also aesthetically attractive, bringing the design of your bathroom completed with a warm and luxurious touch. The wood has beautiful looks and may be utilized unpainted or painted to match the décor of your home design.

Function and comfort at the same time

Besides visual perks, using a teak shower bench has other benefits. For greater comfort, these benches can be molded to follow the contours of the body. Those who can’t stand for lengthy periods of time could be more relaxed (Hill, 2023). Wooden benches can offer painting and other décor possibilities that other benches may not allow, and they are often stronger and less prone to fracture or fall over time.

Shine On: Understanding the Importance of Regular Cleaning to Maintain Appearance and Longevity

Because of their sturdiness and classic charm, teak wood shower benches are a preferred option for many homeowners. But even the most durable materials require regular attention and treatment to keep looking nice and last longer. Herein lies the value of routine cleaning.

Cleaning your teak wood shower bench on a regular basis will help get rid of dirt, grime, and other impurities that can accumulate over time. These contaminants can weaken the integrity of the wood by causing stains, discoloration, and even mold development.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that the teak shower bench is situated in the bathroom, which has a high humidity level. Because mold thrives in environments with high humidity, routine cleaning is a must if you want to keep your asset looking in its best appearance and maintain its longevity.

Cleaning Essentials for Your Lovely Teak Shower Bench

The teak shower bench should always be cleaned regularly to preserve the bathroom sanitary and healthy. To avoid harming the wood material, however, cleaning a teak shower bench requires the proper materials. Before you start the cleaning process, nonetheless, it’s important to gather the necessary supplies. The supplies you’ll need to clean your teak shower seat are listed below.

Recommended Cleaning Materials 

• Soft-bristled brush: To clean teak wood without scratching or causing damage, use a soft-bristled brush. Choose a brush with soft bristles so it won’t harm the wood’s finish.

• Cleaning solution: Teak cleaners are widely available on the market, but making your own is a quick remedy. Above all, it’s rather easy to make and only requires materials that are present in every home. Simply mix together one cup of water, one cup of vinegar, and two tablespoons of dish soap. The homemade teak cleaner is now ready for use after thorough mixing.
• Warm water bucket: To mix your detergent and soak your brush, you’ll need a warm water bucket. Warm water should be used instead of hot water because this may cause the wood to expand and possibly distort.
• Microfiber cloth: After cleaning, you’ll need clean towels to dry your teak shower bench. To avoid leaving lint or other debris behind, choose soft, absorbent microfiber towels.
• Teak wood sealer (optional): After cleaning, you can use a teak wood sealer to shield your teak shower bench from moisture and potential damage. Choose a sealant that is intended especially for use on teak wood.

Cleaning Techniques

You’re ready to begin cleaning your teak shower bench once you have gathered all of your materials. The term cleaning technique refers to the exact procedure or approach utilized to care for and maintain a certain object or surface. While maintaining the quality and beauty of teak shower benches, it involved the use of a variety of equipment, materials, and cleaning chemicals to remove dirt, stains, and other undesirable things from the furniture (Teakcraft US, 2021).

In addition to the general cleaning technique mentioned in the previous article, there are two types of cleaning steps that can be used to clean and maintain teak shower benches: the basic and the deeper cleaning.

Basic Cleaning Steps

To maintain and clean the bench on a regular basis, utilize the basic cleaning method. It entails cleaning the bench with a soft, damp cloth and then giving it a good rinse with clean water. You can also use the non-abrasive cleaning solution made with vinegar and other ingredients that were previously suggested. Here are the actions you must follow to undertake basic cleaning on your teak shower bench.

Step 1: Preparing the Homemade Cleaning Mixture

This cleaning solution cleans the wood without harming the surface and gently eliminates dirt and grime. Here are some of the ingredients that you need:

• Vinegar 
• Mild dish soap
• Clean microfiber cloth or sponge
• A clean bucket 

In a 1:1 ratio, combine all the ingredients with the water (Home Viable & Michael, n.d.). Once all the ingredients have been combined and blended, you are prepared to move on to the wiping stage. However, there are a number of branded teak cleaner products accessible in the market if you don’t want to go through the bother of producing your own cleaning solution. You’re welcome to buy one of them.

Step 2: Applying the Cleaning Solution

Start this step by using a soft microfiber cloth or sponge to apply the cleaning solution on the teak shower bench. Wait a considerable time for the solution to settle. Don’t overlook the corners and gaps.

Step 3: Rinsing the Cleaner Off

Rinse the bench with clean water. Use the sweeper to get rid of any solution traces you see. Rinse the cleaning solution many times until it is thoroughly cleaned.

Deeper Cleaning Steps

For tough stains, discoloration, and grime accumulation on the teak shower bench, consider the deeper cleaning procedure, which is a more thorough cleaning technique. It is crucial to remember that the deeper cleaning method should only be applied when necessary and not as part of a regular maintenance schedule. The teak’s surface might become damaged if cleaners or brighteners are used excessively. The deeper cleaning procedure has three steps, which are:

Step 1: Get the bleach solution ready

Teak bench cleaning with vinegar helps best for basic cleaning. Yet bleach might be a definite solution if the growth of mold is causing issues. Here are the ingredients to be gathered: 

• Bleach solution, you can utilize the bleach solution that you typically use to remove stubborn stains from clothes at home.
• Soft-bristle brushes like paintbrush and toothbrush, if you only require a microfiber cloth for basic cleaning, a soft-bristle brush is a piece of equipment you should look into.
• Clean container or bucket

Get bleach solution in the desired amount. It should be combined at a 1:4 ratio with water. To do this, mix 4 liters of water with 1 liter of bleaching solution. With the proper mixing equipment, thoroughly combine it. Then, your homemade bleach solution is ready.

Step 2: Proceed to apply it over the teak shower bench

Apply the mixture evenly to the teak shower bench. Apply it with a paintbrush to surfaces that will be seen. Get a toothbrush and reach into the nooks and crannies. Give it some time to settle down.

Step 3: Rinse it off and let it dry 

Now thoroughly clean the teak shower bench with water. Rinse it completely to eliminate the solution from the bench’s teak surface. Afterward, wipe the corners and gaps of the solution. Be sure that your furniture remains without any bleach on it. The teak shower bench should be allowed to dry. It is advised that you wait until your furniture has dried completely before using it again.

Finishing Touch Steps

You can add one more step to give your teak shower bench a final touch after washing it. By taking this action, you can protect the wood and keep it looking excellent for an extended period of time. Applying a teak oil or sealer to the bench is the final touch. On the other side, sealants offer a barrier that protects the wood from moisture and stains. The steps you need to perform for the finishing touches are listed below.

Step 1: Pick your sealant

Choose a teak oil or sealant specially designed to be applied to teak wood. Before applying, make sure to carefully read the instructions.

Step 2: Apply it evenly

With a clean cloth or brush, apply a thin layer of teak oil or sealer to the bench’s surface. Apply the oil or sealant evenly, covering the bench’s whole surface. Let the wood 10 to 15 minutes to soak up the oil.

Step 3: Wipe it off and let it shimmer

Using a clean towel, remove any extra sealant or oil. Before utilizing the bench, let it dry completely.

Maintenance on Teak Shower Bench

Cleaning, both casually and deeply, is generally the important key to maintenance. Only perform the deeper cleaning if it is required. Using a sealer to protect your furniture is a good idea at all times. You can maintain the cleanliness and beauty of your teak shower bench by following the easy instructions mentioned above. To keep your teak shower bench looking good and lasting a long time, use this cleaning method every 1 – 2 weeks. Your teak shower bench will be better protected from moisture and stains if you apply teak oil or sealer to it. Based on usage and exposure to moisture, it is advised to apply teak oil or sealer every 6 to 12 months. These easy procedures will help you keep your teak shower bench a stylish and useful addition to your bathroom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, preserving the beauty and durability of your teak shower bench is essential to guarantee that it continues to be a useful and gorgeous asset to your bathroom. You may maintain your bench looking brand-new for many years by using the basic and deep cleaning methods described in this article, as well as by using a teak oil or sealer. 

Tips to keep in mind: Always use gentle cleaning solutions and avoid abrasive tools that can damage the wood, use sealant as a protector!

Investing in a teak shower bench is a wise decision that provides both functionality and style to your bathroom. If you’re looking for a teak shower bench, be sure to browse our product section, where you’ll find a number of top-notch choices.

Thus, why wait? Get the ideal teak shower bench for your needs by browsing our product sections now!

References

Hill, E. J. (2023, Ferbuary 14). What are The Advantages of Teak Shower Bench? https://www.wise-geek.com/what-are-the-advantages-of-a-teak-shower-bench.htm

Home Viable & Michael, A. (n.d.). How to Clean a Teak Shower Bench. HomeViable. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://homeviable.com/how-to-clean-teak-shower-bench/

Teakcraft US. (2021, August 6). Complete Guide to Clean Teak Shower Benches and Furniture. Teak Shower Bench. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://www.teakcraftus.com/complete-guide-to-clean-teak-shower-benches-and-furniture/