How to Clean and Treat a Teak Shower Bench (Full Guide)

Teak is a fantastic wood to use in many products, but especially in locations that see a lot of moisture. That’s why you may have seen teak benches and stools used in spas or showers, or perhaps you have already invested in some teak furniture for your own home. But how can you keep this material clean and beautiful, year after year?

You can clean and treat a teak shower bench through regular, routine cleaning, removing water from the surface of your bench, and you can even purchase teak cleaning products or teak oils to further extend the beauty and life of your teak furniture.

But how do you clean a teak shower bench, step by step? And how long should you expect your new piece of furniture to last with routine care and maintenance? In this article, we will endeavor to answer all of these questions and more. Let’s get started.

Do Teak Shower Benches Require Regular Cleaning?

Yes, teak benches do require regular cleaning. This is likely something that you should do weekly, if not after every single time you use the shower. However, you don’t need to do much to maintain these pieces if you do so consistently.

All you need to do is wipe down your teak shower bench with a clean and dry cloth; it is often more important to keep your teak bench dry rather than clean, as mold and mildew can develop if water is left sitting atop your teak wood.

You should take the time to wipe down your teak bench using a basic cleaning product and a soft cloth. Soap scum and buildup happens quickly in a shower situation, so your teak bench could end up much dirtier than you expect, and much sooner than you expect!

How to Clean a Teak Shower Bench

If you are looking for a more in-depth guide for how to clean your teak shower bench, you’re in the right place. Let’s go over how you can accomplish this, step by step, so that your teak furniture can continue to flourish!:

1. Wipe Down Your Teak Shower Bench

Removing any standing water or moisture should always be step one when it comes time to clean your teak products. While teak is prized for its water resistance, no wood is waterproof on its own. Given how much action your teak shower bench sees in terms of moisture, wiping it down should always be something that you keep in mind!

2. Make a Cleaning Solution

You should create a cleaning solution to use on your teak bench, and thankfully, it doesn’t have to be very complicated. Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with two cups of warm water and add it to a spray bottle, or simply leave it in a bowl with a clean rag.

3. Gently Scrub Your Teak Bench with the Cleaning Solution

You can use a soft bristled brush or a rag to do this; you will need to use a bit of force to ensure that you scrub the soap scum and grime away. However, be sure not to use anything too coarse, as you risk damaging the natural wood and sheen of the teak bench.

4. Wipe Away Any Residue From the Cleaning Solution

The last thing you need is to leave any residue from your cleaning solution on your teak bench. Take a moment to rinse the bench with clean water, or wipe the bench down with a clean and damp rag. Be sure to touch upon every part of the bench, including underneath, as this section tends to get neglected when it comes to cleaning.

Your teak shower bench should feel cleaner to the touch after this process, and it may even look better overall. However, if you are curious how you might be able to treat your teak bench so that it maintains its natural glow and shine, read on to learn more!

How to Treat a Teak Shower Bench

There are many different ways that you can treat your teak shower bench. I highly recommend this teak cleaner, brightener, and oil kit from AquaTeak- you can check it out on Amazon by clicking here. Let’s discuss how you can treat your teak furniture using this product:

• Clean your teak bench using the cleaning steps above. You don’t have to wait for your teak shower bench to dry if you plan on using AquaTeak’s brightener and cleaner, as they recommend working with damp wood.
• Make sure your bench is damp, then apply AquaTeak to all visible teak surfaces. Spread the product using a soft bristled brush, and scrub any visible stains or scum away using the cleaner.
• Rinse the brightener away. You can simply rinse the bench off in your shower, or wipe away excess cleaner using a dampened cloth.
• Allow the bench to dry completely before continuing. Working with a dry bench is key to applying an oil-based finish.
• Apply teak oil. Using a clean sponge or cloth, apply AquaTeak’s teak oil over the entirety of your teak bench. You should work the oil into the wood in the same direction as the grain, and allow the oil to set for roughly 5 minutes.
• Remove any excess oil. You don’t ever want your teak to remain oily- this can potentially damage your teak further. Using another clean and dry cloth, remove any excess oil that might be lingering on the surface. You can always reapply a second coat of oil if you think your teak needs it or if it looks dry, but always be sure to wipe it down afterward.

You should clean your teak shower bench more than you treat it with oil. However, if you take the time to care for your teak furniture, it can remain a stunning piece in your shower for years to come.

How Long Should a Teak Shower Bench Last if Properly Maintained?

A teak shower bench can last a decade or more if properly maintained. It likely will last multiple decades if it is consistently cleaned and cared for. Teak is designed to resist water damage, and it thrives when routinely cleaned and maintained. Using teak oil and gentle scrub brushes will only continue to benefit your teak furniture in the long run!

Teak Shower Bench Cleaning FAQs

Still have questions regarding how to best clean and treat your teak shower bench? We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions here so that you can get the answers you need. Read on to learn more!

What to Do if Your Teak Shower Bench has Mold and/or Mildew?

If your teak shower bench has mold or mildew, there are a few steps that you can take. You can follow the cleaning instructions listed in this guide, or you can replace the soap solution with a chlorine bleach dilution. Just make sure that your teak bench has adequate time to dry in between cleaning and oil treatments.

You can also treat your teak wood with many varnish or linseed oil products- there are even some with included anti-fungal properties, and this is most likely your best bet. However, cleaning always comes first, and this may be enough to remove any mold or mildew from your teak, given that it is naturally mold resistant.

Can You Pressure Wash Your Teak Shower Bench?

It is not recommended that you pressure wash your teak shower bench. The combined force and fine grain used by most pressure washers is enough to damage the surface of most teak products, which can lead to an erosion of your furniture over time. Teak is capable of producing its valuable oils naturally, but you run the risk of removing this natural production through power washing.

Can You Clean a Teak Shower Bench with Vinegar and Soap?

Yes, you can clean a teak shower bench with vinegar and soap. Always be sure to dilute whatever mixture you plan on using with plenty of water. Another recommendation for cleaning your teak furniture is to always move in the same direction as the woodgrain. This improves your cleaning ability as well as the overall quality of the wood.

Can You Clean a Teak Shower Bench with Bleach?

You can clean a teak shower bench with bleach, though you should use bleach sparingly. Bleach can dry out most wood furniture with frequent uses, and you should only use bleach if you notice mold or mildew on your teak bench. Using soap as part of your weekly cleaning is recommended over bleach.

Can a Shower Bench Damage My Shower Flooring?

Yes, a shower bench can potentially damage your shower flooring. You may want to place protection down on your shower floor or underneath your teak bench, such as rubber feet or a shower mat. You could even try out a teak floor mat if you have a large open shower space. While it may be another teak furniture item for you to care for, it may be just the thing you need to complete your shower area!

Final Thoughts

Cleaning and treating teak can be more daunting than you first expect, given the steps and products involved. However, with some practice and dedication, you can keep your teak shower bench glowing and clean for decades to come!