Space solves: My teak table is swamped in lichen

The solution is in the solution, says Stephanie Zia
'Don't be tempted to use solvent wood cleaners.' Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian Linda Nylind/Guardian

My teak garden table spent the winter outside uncovered and now has lichen-like growth on the top. How do I remove and clean it?
Our cleaning guru Stephanie Zia says, "Sodium percarbonate (pure oxygen bleach, £15.40/kilo, inc VAT/p&p, from releases oxygen through the formation of hydrogen peroxide, which pierces the cell walls of fungi, bacteria, moss, lichen, etc and destroys the cells. Dissolve 70-80g in warm/hot water (30-60C), apply to the surface and leave for 30 minutes to one hour. Agitate with a soft brush and rinse well. The solution will remain active for five to six hours, after which it should be discarded. Unused material may be poured down the drain or into a septic tank. It's nontoxic and non-polluting. Don't be tempted to use solvent wood cleaners such as oxalic acid and trisodium phosphate, because these can discolour teak."