Teak shower benches are a luxurious and practical addition to any bathroom, offering a spa-like feel and a convenient place to sit or store toiletries. Known for its durability and water resistance, teak wood is an excellent choice for the humid environment of a shower. However, even teak requires proper care to maintain its beauty and longevity. If you’ve noticed your teak shower bench losing its rich color or developing soap scum buildup, you might be wondering how to best care for it. Understanding simple maintenance methods can keep your teak shower bench looking as good as new for years to come.
Simple Steps to Maintain Your Teak Shower Bench
Caring for your teak shower bench doesn’t require harsh chemicals or complicated procedures. In fact, a few straightforward techniques are often all you need to keep it in top condition. Here are three easy yet effective methods to ensure your teak bench remains a beautiful and functional element in your bathroom:
1. Gentle Cleaning with Dish Soap
It might seem too simple, but dish soap is a surprisingly effective cleaner for teak shower benches. Soap scum, a common issue in showers, can dull the natural luster of teak wood. Fortunately, a mild solution of dish soap and warm water can easily tackle this problem.
To clean your teak shower bench with dish soap:
- Prepare the solution: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water.
- Apply and scrub: Using a soft cloth or sponge, apply the soapy water to the surface of the teak bench. For a deeper clean, especially in the grain of the wood, use a soft-bristle brush. Gently scrub the affected areas to loosen and remove soap scum and grime.
- Rinse thoroughly: It’s crucial to rinse the teak bench thoroughly with warm water to eliminate all soap residue. Any remaining soap can attract dirt and potentially damage the wood finish over time.
- Dry completely: Allow the teak shower bench to air dry completely. You can also use a clean, dry cloth to help speed up the drying process. Ensuring the wood is fully dry helps prevent water spots and mildew.
Regular cleaning with dish soap, even as a preventative measure, can significantly extend the beauty and life of your teak shower bench.
2. Revitalizing with Teak Oil
Teak wood is naturally rich in oils, which contribute to its water resistance and warm color. However, over time and with frequent exposure to water, the surface oils can diminish, causing the wood to appear dry or lose its original finish. Applying teak oil is a simple way to replenish these oils and restore the rich color and luster of your shower bench.
Here’s how to use teak oil effectively:
- Ensure the bench is clean and dry: Before applying teak oil, make sure your shower bench is thoroughly clean and completely dry. Cleaning with dish soap as described above is a good preparatory step.
- Apply teak oil sparingly: Teak oil is potent, so a little goes a long way. Apply a small amount of teak oil to a clean cloth.
- Rub in with a buffing motion: Using the cloth, apply the oil to the teak wood in a circular, buffing motion. Focus on applying the oil evenly across the surface. You will notice the wood absorbing the oil and the color starting to deepen and revive.
- Allow absorption time: Let the teak oil absorb into the wood for the time recommended on the product instructions, typically about 15-20 minutes.
- Wipe off excess oil: After the absorption time, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess oil from the surface. This prevents the surface from becoming sticky and ensures a smooth, even finish.
Applying teak oil periodically, depending on usage and environmental conditions, will help maintain the protective qualities and aesthetic appeal of your teak shower bench. Teak oil is readily available at most hardware stores for a reasonable price, making it an accessible maintenance solution.
3. Daily Rinse: A Preventative Habit
Prevention is always better than cure, and this holds true for teak shower bench care as well. Establishing a simple daily habit of rinsing your teak bench after each shower can significantly minimize soap scum buildup and maintain its cleanliness.
The daily rinse is incredibly easy to incorporate into your routine:
- Rinse after showering: After each shower, simply use the showerhead to rinse the entire surface of your teak bench with warm water.
- Focus on soap residue: Pay particular attention to rinsing away any visible soap or shampoo residue.
- Allow to air dry: Let the teak bench air dry. The warm, ventilated environment of your bathroom after a shower usually promotes quick drying.
This quick rinse effectively washes away most soap and prevents it from hardening and adhering to the wood surface, reducing the need for deep cleaning and preserving the beauty of your teak shower bench for longer.
Alt text: Teak wood cleaning do-not infographic illustrating actions to avoid such as using bleach, abrasive cleaners, steel wool, and excessive scrubbing.
Keeping Your Teak Shower Bench Beautiful
While there are numerous methods for maintaining teak wood, these three simple practices – dish soap cleaning, teak oil application, and daily rinsing – are highly effective and easy to integrate into your routine. By consistently applying these care techniques, you can ensure your teak shower bench remains a beautiful, durable, and inviting feature in your bathroom for years of enjoyment. Regular care not only preserves the aesthetic appeal but also protects the wood, enhancing its longevity and value.
