A favorite outdoor setting holds more than furniture: the meals that linger, the conversations after dinner and the quiet mornings before everyone wakes. A little preparation at the end of the season helps you care for that place.
This fall teak furniture care checklist focuses on routine cleaning and winter storage for Anderson Teak outdoor furniture. Start with your exact model and finish. Wood, cushions and other materials each need their own care instructions.
1. Identify your model and finish
Keep the model name, purchase details and any care instructions together. Note whether the teak is natural, sealed or previously treated. If the piece includes aluminum, woven material or upholstery, check those instructions separately.
Unsure what was applied to the wood? Ask before adding a cleaner or treatment. A general teak checklist cannot establish which products are suitable for an unknown finish.
2. Clean the wood gently
Anderson's outdoor care guidance recommends removing dust, leaves and mud with a soft brush or damp cloth.
For routine wood cleaning, its Care & Maintenance instructions recommend mild detergent diluted in water, a soft-bristle plastic brush, a clear-water rinse and drying. Mix the solution before applying it; do not put concentrated detergent directly onto the wood.
Confirm that this method applies to your finish, then work through cleaning, rinsing and drying before arranging winter protection.
3. Plan winter protection
Anderson recommends covering teak furniture or moving it to a sheltered area during winter. It also advises against leaving furniture in puddles or on wet ground for extended periods, which can cause damage and discoloration.
Choose the protection plan for the space you actually have. Before moving a set, measure the storage area and route, decide which pieces will go where and arrange the help needed to move them. If using a cover, check its fit and care directions for your furniture.
Planning a new dining set around your storage space? Compare extendable, folding and fixed teak dining sets before choosing.
4. Care for cushions separately
Identify the cushion fabric and construction before choosing a cleaning method. Keep the wood-cleaning solution and fabric instructions separate; permission to use a product on teak does not establish that it is suitable for upholstery.
Follow the instructions supplied for your exact cushions, including drying and storage. Do not assume that a removable cover can go into a washing machine. If the fabric or instructions are unclear, ask us to review the information available for your selection.
5. Ask before changing the finish
Untreated outdoor teak naturally develops a silver-gray patina, as Anderson explains in its outdoor care guidance. That expected color change is different from diagnosing an unfamiliar stain, damaged joint or unknown coating.
Before sanding, oiling, sealing or trying a stain-removal recipe, confirm the right instructions for the model, current finish and result you want. For a care question, send the model, a clear photo and a description of any previous treatment through our Contact page.
Your end-of-season checklist
- Identify the model, finish and cushion fabric.
- Remove loose debris and confirm the appropriate wood-cleaning method.
- Rinse and dry after routine cleaning.
- Plan winter cover or sheltered storage; check for standing water.
- Care for cushions according to their own instructions.
- Ask about uncertain finishes, stains or damage before treating them.
Planning how the setting will work next season? Our Anderson Teak Outdoor Furniture Guide helps you compare dining, bar and conversation arrangements by the way you gather.
Care sources reviewed October 5, 2026: Anderson Teak's Care & Maintenance and How to Care for Teak Furniture pages, linked above. Follow the instructions for your exact product and materials.