Cleaning teak decks?

[gbanker]

Other than the old standbys, has anyone found any new ways to clean teak decks that clean, whiten, and do not remove teak material? Thanks

[seacap]

What we use to do for dirty teak decks was a mild pressure wash with simple green. On a regular basis we used a little Joy and salt water scrubing across the grain with a soft deck brush. If you wash your decks on a regular basis they will look great. This is the way the crews on the 90 million dollar yachts do it.
Do not use any chemicals, and no there is nothing new out there that I have heard of.

[Hampus]

I use boric acid (white powder). First, wetten the deck, then spread the powder across the deck and very softly rub it out across the deck with a soft brush or even a rag. Let it sit for a while, but don't let the deck dry. then wash it of gently scrubbing it.

[CarlF]

I would never use a pressure washer on my deck - not even a strong spray from a hose sprayer. I use a chamois headed mop and then for tough spots a very soft brush. And I always wipe across the grain to avoid eroding the softer wood that runs between the grain.

I have used Joy but for the last several years I've been using the cleaner from Teak Decking Systems in Florida. These guys build teak decks for superyachts and cruise ships. The cleaner does just what you are looking for - it makes the teak whiter not browner by pulling all of the black mildew and dirt out of the grain. Their description says:

Teak Cleaner Liquid is designed to be gentle to your teak, caulking, hardware or paint. Teak Cleaner Liquid is water-based, contains no acids and is designed not to harm the environment.

I don't wear gloves. It also doesn't seem to hurt stainless, aluminum or plexi.

They have a powder and a liquid. The powder is designed to be used weekly! (I guess that's an advantage of having a cruise ship crew). The liquid is supposed to be used monthly but I get by with twice a year. I also keep some premixed in a little spray bottle for the occasional spot. I buy mine at Jamestown Distributors.

Carl