A wooden garden table is a beautiful addition to your garden or patio. Wood radiates warmth and atmosphere, but needs a bit of love and attention to stay looking good. In this step-by-step guide you'll learn exactly how to clean and protect your wooden garden table against green algae and stains, so you can enjoy it for years.
Step-by-step: cleaning a wooden garden table
Brush or sweep away dust, sand and leaves with a soft brush or dry cloth. This prevents dirt from rubbing further into the wood while cleaning.
Mix lukewarm water with green soap or a special wood cleaner. Mild products clean without drying out or discolouring the wood.
Scrub with a soft brush or sponge, always following the grain. This prevents scratches and damage to the wood fibres.
Rinse well with clean water and let it dry fully. Damp wood can develop mould more quickly.
Treat the dry table with oil or stain (see below). This extends its lifespan and prevents new stains.
Note: don't use aggressive cleaning products like chlorine or all-purpose cleaner — they can dry out or discolour the wood. Stubborn dirt? Let the soapy water soak in and try again.
Don't feel like mixing your own soapy water? A dedicated wood cleaner works just as well and is even milder on the wood:
Most damage to a wooden garden table doesn't come from the weather, but from cleaning it with the wrong products. Gentle and patient always beats hard scrubbing with something aggressive.
Do you have a teak table specifically? Teak requires a slightly different approach than other wood types — read our detailed guide treating a teak wooden table for outdoor use.
Video: cleaning and treating teak wood
Prefer to watch rather than read? In this video you'll see in practice how to clean teak outdoor furniture and prepare it for a new coat of oil or sealer.
Extra protection: oil or stain?
Want to protect your wooden garden table extra against dirt and weather? After cleaning, treat it with oil or stain:
| Oil | Stain | |
|---|---|---|
| Effect | Soaks into the wood, keeps it supple and water-repellent | Forms a protective layer on the wood |
| Look | Natural, keeps the grain visible | Nice even colour, grain partly visible |
| Best suited for | Hardwood, such as teak | Softer wood types, such as pine or spruce |
Teak & Hardwood Oil (1 litre)
Always apply oil or stain to a clean, dry table and work in thin layers. Want to know the best approach per wood type (including acacia)? Read our detailed article treating wooden garden furniture: staining, oiling or varnishing.
Cleaning and protecting are two separate steps — cleaning a table without oiling or staining it afterwards means it will look dirty and dull again much sooner.
Preventing green algae and stains
- Place your table under a protective cover or in a dry spot during winter.
- Use coasters and placemats to prevent rings and grease stains.
- Clean the table regularly to prevent dirt build-up — that's easier than removing stubborn algae afterwards.
Already dealing with green algae? Read how to remove green algae.
Tip: a good protective cover is at least as important as oil or cleaner — it stops rain, UV and frost from doing damage in the first place. Browse our full range of garden furniture covers by Platinum, sized for almost every table, set or bench.
AeroCover Garden Table Cover (220x110xH70)
Video: how a good garden furniture cover works
Watch this video to see how a breathable protective cover keeps your garden furniture protected against the weather all year round.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning a wooden garden table
How do I clean an oiled garden table?
Use a gentle mix of lukewarm water with green soap and a soft cloth, always following the grain. Avoid scouring pads, as they can damage the oil layer.
Can I clean my wooden garden table with vinegar?
Better not as a regular habit. Cleaning vinegar is acidic and can affect the wood fibres and any oil or stain layer with frequent use.
My table looks neglected, grey and dull — can it still be saved?
Usually, yes. Clean the table thoroughly, lightly sand any grey weathered patches, then treat it with oil or stain to bring back the colour.
How often should I clean my wooden garden table?
Thoroughly at least twice a year, at the start and end of the outdoor season. Also wipe it down regularly with a dry cloth.
Enjoy your wooden garden table for longer
With a bit of attention, your wooden garden table will stay beautiful for years. Regular cleaning following these steps and the occasional protective coat work wonders. Grab that brush and enjoy a sparkling clean table!
Looking for a new wooden garden table? Browse our full range of garden tables or all wooden garden furniture at Boender Outdoor.
Browse our full range of maintenance products and protective covers at Boender Outdoor.
Also read: Treating wooden garden furniture: staining, oiling or varnishing — Treating a teak wooden table for outdoor use
