How to Clean a Teak Shower Bench

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Teak shower benches are usually slip-resistant, but soap-residues and other build-ups might affect them badly. To ensure that the teak shower bench in your bathroom remains new for a long time, you must clean it once every two months. You can also clean it more than once in 90 days, depending upon the usage.

How to Clean a Teak Shower Bench

Teak is resistant to mildew and bacteria. But minerals, soap residue, and other such impurities from water can result in accumulated dirt.

Therefore, you need to plan out routine cleaning every time you notice a little build-up. These methods and steps will educate you on how to clean teak shower bench effectively.

Method 1: Vinegar & Dish Soap Cleaning Solution

Using a homemade teak cleaner is the easiest and most effective way of cleaning the shower benches.

Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Cleaner Solution

  1. Take a half cup of vinegar in a bowl.
  2. Add a half cup of warm water to it.
  3. Add two tablespoons of dish soap to the solution.
  4. Mix it well to get the solution ready.

Your cleaning solution is ready. But, if you don’t want to undergo this hassle of making your DIY cleaning solution, there are several branded teak cleaner solutions available in the online and offline market. You can go ahead and purchase one of them.

Step 2: Apply the Solution to the Teak Shower Bench

  1. Apply the cleaning solution onto the teak shower bench.
  2. Use a brush to apply it thoroughly on all of its surfaces.
  3. Let the solution settle down for quite a few minutes.
  4. Now, get a soft scrubber that has soft bristles.
  5. Use that scrubber for brushing the solution over the bench thoroughly yet again.
  6. Do not miss out on the corners and gaps.

Step 3: Rinsing the Solution off Teak Shower Bench

  1. Use clean water for rinsing the bench.
  2. If you see any solution remnants, then use the scrubber to remove them.
  3. Repeat the rinsing process multiple times until the cleaning solution is washed properly.

Step 4: Dry & Apply Teak Oil

  • Let the teak shower bench dry completely. (It might take few hours)
  • Once dry, apply teak oil onto it. (For nourishment & protection).

Get a visual demonstration of how you need to scrub and clean the teak shower bench in this video.

Method 2: Cleaning Teak Shower Bench by Using Bleach

Vinegar is ideal for light cleaning of teak benches. But, if the growth of mold is creating trouble, then bleach can be a definite solution. So, follow these steps to clean your teak shower bench with bleach:

Step 1: Prepare the Bleach Solution

  • Get bleach solution as per desirable quantity.
  • Mix it up with water at a ratio of 1:4. (It means that add 1 liter of bleaching solution to 4 liters of water)
  • Mix it well with the use of the respective mixing tool.

Step 2: Apply It Over the Teak Shower Bench

  • Apply the mixture thoroughly on the teak shower bench.
  • Use a paintbrush to apply it on visible surfaces.
  • Use a toothbrush to reach out for the corners and gaps.
  • Let it settle down for a few minutes.
A teak shower bench with white towels

Step 3: Scrub the Solution and Rinse It Off

  • Use a soft scrubber for this purpose.
  • Scrub the solution over the bench properly.
  • It will clean the tough stains and build-up.
  • Now rinse the teak shower bench with clean water.
  • Rinse it properly to eradicate the solution from the surface of the teak bench.
  • Clean the solution off the corners and gaps.

Step 4: Let It Dry and Apply Teak Oil

  • Leave the teak shower bench to dry.
  • Apply teak oil to the bench when dry. (For added protection)
  • Let the oil settle down before you can use the bench again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can One Use Oxalic Acid & Trisodium Phosphate for Cleaning the Teak Shower Bench?

Oxalic acid is also a form of bleach. Therefore, the answer to this question is specified in Method 2 of this article. Moreover, trisodium phosphate is counted as an aggressive solution. Consequently, you can only use it for cleaning heavy-duty teak wood. It is not recommended for household teak shower benches.

What Mistakes Do I Need to Avoid While Cleaning My Teak Shower Bench?

Some common mistakes that might ruin the teak shower bench are using power washers, irregular cleaning, and steel wood scrubbers. You can, in one way, pressure-wash your teak shower bench only if you follow these crucial instructions for careful execution.

Can I Use Only Dishwashing Liquid With Water for Regular Rinsing?

Yes, you can use a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water for regular cleaning when the build-up or stain is light. But, for robust and periodic cleaning, you need to use strong cleaning methods, as stated above. Irrespective of the cleaning process, make sure to rinse the solution on priority.

How Long Does Teak Oil Protection Lasts?

Teak oil protection lasts for around 4 to 8 weeks on teak products. After this period, the teak will start to turn grey. And, this is a sign that indicates you should clean it yet again and reapply the teak oil. To know more about teak, follow this link.

Conclusion

Follow these methods, and you will get your teak shower bench shining just like new and keeps your house look clean even when you’re busy. There is no necessity of obtaining any unique materials from stores for periodic cleaning sessions of your teak shower bench. You can use the products, most probably available at your home, to maintain the shower bench.

Allen Michael is the Founder and Editor of Home Viable, a website that he started to provide readers with tips on home efficiency and automation. He draws on his engineering background combined with his family-of-four experiences for his articles.