How to Take Care of Teak Furniture: Care and Maintenance

How to Take Care of Teak Patio Furniture: a guide on Care and Maintenance. Splash image depicts man applying teak oil to teak tabletop with a standard brush.

How to Take Care of Teak 101

Teak patio furniture is unique because it produces its own natural oil that makes it very low maintenance in comparison to other types of outdoor wood furniture. Furthermore, teak oil prevents water and moisture from sinking into the wood that can cause dry rot. Check out some high quality outdoor furniture options made with all natural teak wood from Patio Productions.

If you don’t mind the grayish patina that teak will get over time, it doesn’t need much maintenance and can be left on the patio with just an occasional dusting to keep it in great shape.  Below I will show you how to clean and care for you teak furniture as well as how to remove the silvery patina.

teak furniture before and after
(Left-right) Sealed Teak, Teak after Cleaning, and Teak with a Grayish Patina.  Click the link to browse teak patio dining chairs like these for you patio!

What You Need to Know About Teak

Teak is a dense, hard deciduous tree found in tropical regions of the world like Burma and Thailand. Tectona Grandis (the real name for teak) is one of the most valuable timbers in the world and unmatched in durability and beauty.

  • Teak wood is dense so it is not inclined to bend, warp, or crack over time.
  • Natural oils prevent teak furniture from dry rot.
  • Teak contains a natural resin that is a rubber-like substance. This resin acts as a natural repellent against insects and termites. Although it’s said that termites won’t eat teak, the truth is they will. Read this to learn more about teak and termites.
  • Because of its inherent protective qualities, teak furniture costs more than other types of wood or metal furnishings.

Cleaning Teak Furniture

Teak is easy to clean. You can do so using a brush and mild dish soap. You can also add a splash of vinegar to take care of the stubborn grime. Don’t worry—the vinegar won’t damage the wood at all as long as it’s diluted. 

Always scrub with the grain for best results. You can do this before the outdoor summer season begins. After this, you can just dust off your furniture with a soft cloth.

As you clean the furniture, make sure to use a soft cloth or a soft plastic brush. Don’t use metal brushes or steel wool as you’ll scratch and damage the wood’s finish. 

After you’re done scrubbing, you can wipe the soap residues off with a clean cloth or hose down the furniture. Just don’t use pressure washing tools as the heat from the friction of the water hitting the furniture may damage and stain the teak.

Did You Know: Teak is an eco-friendly option. Learn how by reading this short article.

Removing Stains

To remove heavy stains, you can lightly sand away these areas with fine-grit sandpaper. Refer to the section below to learn how to sand teak furniture. An easy trick that I learned to remove water stains is by using an clothing iron. It’s quick and easy and it really works.

Grease stains are another beast but you can still get them out. You will need a commercial grade teak cleaner that can be purchased online or at a local hardware store.

These are products specifically designed for cleaning teak wood decks and furniture. Obviously, they’re more effective at cleaning teak wood than soap and water. As such, they’ll have an easier time getting rid of any grease or grime without damaging or corroding your furniture. 

To use a teak cleaner, simply apply the product to moistened furniture. Let it sit for about three minutes, then start brushing the wood with a soft scrubbing pad. 

If you have some tough water stains on your teak furniture, don’t worry, we wrote a full guide on how to remove water stains from teak furniture.

Golden Care EcoSafe Teak Protector
Golden Care makes a water-based EcoSafe Teak Protector that is free of hazardous VOCs and is a better alternative to teak sealers like SEMCO. There’s a reason why it is used by all of the top teak furniture brands in including Gloster, Barlow, & Tyrie. Image courtesy © Golden Care

Note: Don’t use teak cleaners or any harsh cleaner on oyster teak furniture. Oyster teak has an oil-based finish that gives the aged-teak look. As such, any harsh cleaner will strip away the finish, ruining the wood’s appearance. Only use mild soap and dish water to clean this type of wood. 

Sanding Teak Wood

Lightly sanding teak wood will reveal a fresh, glowing finish below the surface. This will restore the original honey brown glow. Sanding can be a bit more difficult on furniture that has hard to reach areas so you have to work around these spots by hand. Once you’re finished sanding and removing dust, you can move on to seal the wood to preserve the hues of the wood.

Note: Don’t use power sanding tools as the produced heat may leave dark marks on the teak’s surface.

Did You Know: The deck of the Titanic was covered in teak wood?

Preservation of Color

Removing Gray Patina from Teak Furniture
The grayish patina that outdoor teak furniture develops can be removed with a little cleaning, sealant, and a clear coat! Image from The Spruce.

Teak Oil vs Sealer

Sometimes you’ll hear that all you have to do is lightly oil teak furniture once a year. This is untrue because teak oil will not prevent fading and it can cause mildew. Remember, teak already produces a natural oil. It’s better to use teak sealers because they will protect furniture from losing the original golden hues.

So, where did the teak oil tip come from? Well, you can oil teak furniture, but only if it’s indoors. The oil will maintain the wood’s shine and preserve its appearance for a long time. 

However, when using it on outdoor furniture, you’ll do more harm than good. You see, in the outside environment, the applied teak oil will start evaporating after a few weeks, taking with it a little bit of the wood’s natural oils. Hence, the wood will become drier, weaker, and more susceptible to damage as time goes on. 

Also, oiling will also mess up the wood’s inherent mold resistance, leading to mildew growth on your furniture. 

And get this—the oil won’t even help with the weathering process. Since the oil doesn’t affect the wood’s chemistry, your teak furniture will continue graying. 

So, you shouldn’t ever oil your outdoor teak furniture. If you like to protect your teak furniture, you’d do well to apply a sealer. 

Unlike teak oils, they don’t add any resins or oils to the wood. They simply lock in the teak’s natural oils. They also offer protection from sunlight, humidity, and mold. As such, they’ll minimize the weathering process and help maintain the teaks’s golden color. 

How to Apply Teak Sealant

  1. Leave furniture in the sun for 2 weeks to open up the grain
  2. Spray the area with sealer
  3. Rub sealer into wood using lint-free cloth

Teak sealant will typically last you a full year. You can find protective sealant to lessen the effects of the sun’s rays on your furniture. To apply teak sealant, leave your furniture out in the sun for 2 weeks to open up the grain. This will help the sealer adhere correctly. Then, spray the area with sealer using a steady hand. Next, rub the sealer into the wood using a lint-free cloth. Apply an additional coat of sealant for a optimum finish.

It’s important to keep in mind that once you apply a teak sealer, your furniture will hold the color that it has at the time of sealing. This means that if you seal your teak when it still has the original golden color, it will not age to the silver-gray look. To preserve the antiquated aesthetic, you can seal your teak furniture once it develops the grayish patina.

How to Apply a Clear Coat to Teak

You can apply a clear coat once the sealant cures to give it an amazing sheen. You will need to use a type of clear coat that is specially designed for teak furniture. To apply:

  1. Lightly sand the surface and then apply 2 coats of clear coat with a clean rag.
  2. Let the first coat dry before applying the second coat. Clear coat should always be added after sealant and not the other way around.

What Not to Use on Teak Furniture

  • Teak oil shouldn’t be used because the oil can lead to mold and mildew. It also won’t do much in the way of preventing the graying patina from developing. In this case, you must keep sanding your furniture down to keep the honey brown finish.
  • Varnish can chip the wood and cause it to flake. Applications for teak wood should never be all-purpose wood cleaners. Teak is a special type of wood and requires teak cleaners, oils, clear coating, etc.
  • Water repellents/sealers aren’t necessary because teak is naturally resistant to water.
  • Pressure washing is good for wood decks but not teak furniture. It can cause discoloration and damage to the wood surface. The surface will become coarse and splintered.
  • Don’t use steel wool or brass wool on teak. These brushes are too abrasive. A simple Scotch Brite Cleaning pad (used in the kitchen) will work.
Stained Teak Furniture Table Before and After
Before and after pictures of a stained teak table via Irene Conforti.

Preventative Measures You Can Take

Caring for Teak in the Winter

Because of high moisture levels, it’s best to bring teak indoors during the winter. Using outdoor furniture indoors isn’t such a bad idea either! If this is impossible, at least ensure that water isn’t standing on your teak furniture and that the legs aren’t sitting in puddles. This can cause your furniture to deteriorate quickly. You can tell if mildew is present because the wood will begin to turn black.

But, don’t worry. Mildew can easily be removed with a thorough cleaning. 

So, if you ever find any black areas, clean your teak furniture at once. 

Note: Some people mistakenly think that black spots on outdoor teak furniture are harmful black mold. However, those blackened areas are just natural wood mold spores that can easily be removed.

You can also use furniture covers to keep your teak protected during the cold winter months. Furniture covers are a great investment that will help you get the most out of your teak set. These ones also have breathable air vents that promote air flow to prevent mildew.

TIP: Keep teak furniture away from damp and shaded areas to prevent mold and mildew!

Bird Droppings

Bird droppings can stain wood very easily. It’s best to remove bird droppings immediately to prevent any damage to your outdoor furniture. This is another reason why it may be a good idea to invest in patio covers.  They protect it from bird droppings, UV rays, and extend the life of your outdoor furniture.

Removing the Silver Patina from Teak Furniture

Sometimes you can get the original glow back after you’re teak has turned gray. You can use a caustic acid cleaner or lightly sand the surface to remove the grayish layer and reveal the golden tone beneath.

The gray patina is actually a natural defense against the weather. It is purely cosmetic and does not have any effect on the structural integrity of the wood. It develops as a result of oxidation caused by the sun. Golden Care products have proven to best protect teak furniture from UV rays and mildew.  They can also be used to remove oil, food, stains, and varnish residue.

Find a Replacement Teak Set

Patio Productions is an online e-tailer of upscale home goods. While we pride ourselves on carrying the top brands, we also guarantee the lowest prices! How is this possible? All items ship directly from the warehouse and straight to your home.

The Tango teak sofa by Harmonia Living is one of our favorite teak furnishings

Teak Tango Sofa

If you’re looking for some patio furniture options other than Teak, Patio Productions offers a great selection of outdoor wicker furniture and cast aluminum outdoor furniture as well.

Additional Resources:

  1. How to Protect Patio Furniture from Freeze Damage
  2. Proper Furniture Maintenance
  3. How to Clean and Care for Resin Wicker Furniture

Here is just a sample of our teak furniture for sale at Patio Productions:

41 thoughts on “How to Take Care of Teak Furniture: Care and Maintenance”

  1. I didn’t know that teak furniture is so unique compared to other materials. It is so interesting that it turns silver over time because of this. I do like the aged look of it, but I am also surprised what a difference cleaning and sealing the wood can make. It looks like new again. The next patio set I buy should be teak.

    1. Absolutely! The aged patina look gives the furniture a classic and sophisticated quality. The natural warm color is also very aesthetically pleasing. Let us know if we can help find the right teak patio set for you!

    1. Dear Bob,

      It is a clear mistake to try and seal your teak furniture with marmalade. I find peri-peri marinade lightly applied not only preserves the honeyed colour of your teak but also its spicy flavour deters wasps and other insects too!

  2. I really like what was said about outdoor teak furniture because my wife and I have some on our porch. The reason I really like them is because they can stay on the porch and go through all this weather, and then work good as new when all this weather is over. I really like how this article mentioned to look out for termites. This is a real threat to teak furniture.

  3. Hi, I have some outdoor teak furniture on a roof top garden at my workplace. Beautiful pieces. However, over time, seagulls have brutally pooed all over the furniture. I do try to wipe it off immediately but over time, the seagull poo has stained it. I know seagulls have acid in the faeces which could be the reason why it leaves a white stain on the wood. Could you recommend a solution for protecting the wood, or maybe a coat of something to at least disguise the stains. Thanks.

    1. For bird stains, you can lightly sand away these areas with fine-grit sandpaper. Another option is commercial grade teak cleaner, which can be found online or at a local hardware store.

      To minimize the amount of exposure, you can try using an outdoor furniture cover for when the pieces are not being used.

  4. Someone pressure washed my teak porch chair
    Grain is slightly raised
    Scotch bright pad or fine grit sandpaper??
    Do I need to oil or what
    I had a grey patina which I loved
    Thanks

    1. Definitely go with a fine grit sandpaper when working with teak furniture. If you want to maintain the grey patina oiling is not necessary.

      To allow the furniture to age gracefully, we do recommend cleaning it with a plastic brush to remove dust and pollen that gets trapped between the grain over time.

      1. Can you clarify what you mean by a plastic brush? I am buying a teak bench today and do not want much maintenance so I plan to just let it turn its silvery color. It will be exposed to the elements in all seasons except winter I’ll put it in the garage. Thanks!!

        1. Thank you for your comment.

          To clarify, I am referring specifically to a soft plastic bristle brush. The kind you would feel comfortable using to wash your car and won’t leave any scratch marks.

          If you’re too aggressive with the scrubbing process it can damage the surface of the wood.

  5. Paul Wadsworth

    If a sealer has been applied to teak do you don’t have to apply the sealer every year there after? If you apply the sealer once and then choose not to apply sealer after that and leave the teak outside what will happen?

    1. To maintain the natural color, teak should be maintained every 6 months. That consists of cleaning the wood and applying a sealer or teak oil.

      If you leave the teak outside without any maintenance, it will start to grey and develop a silver patina. Some people like this look. The good thing is that even though the teak will turn grey over time, you can always restore it to its former glory by re-applying a sealer or teak oil.

  6. I have several teak pieces from my years teaching in the Philippines..Purchased from

    Ricardo Lynn in Taiwan. I have only used lemon oil on my pieces. Is that the best thing to do?

    I want to put some of the pieces outside on the patio. So there will be some morning sun exposure.

    Thanks for any suggestions.

  7. I have a pair of beautiful outdoor aged chairs and an indoor table (I assume it was sealed originally, it is exactly as it was 20 years ago!) that I would like to move outside. Will the table ever get to be silver, like the chairs?

    1. Teak will age naturally when left outdoors. But you still want to keep an eye on the table to make sure it ages gracefully. It’s important to clean it once a year to remove dust and pollen that can gather in the grain of the wood.

      If the table was originally sealed, you may need to give it a thorough sanding before placing it outside to remove any residual sealant. This will allow the table to patina evenly. Be sure to take good care of the chairs as well.

  8. I love the light grey our teak table has turned. Now I would like to clean it and seal it. The cleaning is the easy part BUT all the sealer is find seem to color the teak back to the golden brown whereas I would like to keep it grayish!
    What brand or suggestion do you have to keep it as it is, clean and grey??

    1. Thank you for your comment.

      To allow your teak to age naturally and beautifully, all that is recommended is a good thorough cleaning at least once a year (every 6 months). The cleaning process helps remove any dust and pollen in the grain of the wood. Dust and pollen can accumulate over time and lead to mildew growth (dark/black discoloration) and can even cause the wood to crack.

      Other than that you don’t need to apply a sealer. A sealer would be more useful for protecting and preserving the natural blonde color and to slow down the greying process.

  9. I was not aware of the difference between Teak Oil and Teak Sealer. I have just cleaned our teak garden table and applied two coats of teak oil to restore the lovely golden colour. Can I now apply a teak sealer to help retain the colour and prevent mildew growth or is it now too late because of applying the teak oil first?

    1. Thank you for your comment.

      Unfortunately it seems like you will have to wait a few months before you can apply the sealer. You don’t want to seal after applying teak oil because you have to allow the teak oil to breath and evaporate naturally over time. Otherwise the oil can cause the type of problem you’re trying to prevent, which is the growth of mold and mildew. Teak oil isn’t actual teak oil. The reason it is called teak oil is because it is meant to be used on teak, but it is generally made of either linseed or tung oil. If you were to oil your teak and then seal it, you would be creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.

      Next time, you only need to go with the sealer. Clean the furniture first using a teak cleaner and then apply the sealer. The sealer will help protect against UV rays and preserve the golden color for a longer period of time than teak oil.

  10. This whole page is misleading about teak. Don’t know where you get your information but it’s wrong.

    1. Thank you for your comment.

      We research these topics as best we can. We also provide advice based on our personal experience.

      What information did you find wrong or misleading? We are always willing to update the information provided in our blog posts.

  11. Hi, I sanded and sealed my outdoor teal table with Semco sealer then had a family dinner resulting in kids greasy finger prints all over the table. I tried light sanding and a reapplication of semco sealer but it seems the stains are very deep. Is there a way to remove and prevent greasy finger stains on sealed teak tables?

    1. Thank you for your comment. That is a good question.

      After searching online, I see there are several recommended methods for removing grease stains from wooden furniture. Some methods include using baking soda and others include using an hot iron to steam the grease out of the wood. We recommend searching for and using the method that works best for you. We also recommend testing the method out first before applying it to the entire table to make sure it works and will not cause any further damage.

  12. I am completely making new furniture and cupboards with teak wood. I have observed their wood treatment during the course of work.

    1. First they filling the holes with Janata paste
    2. Sanding with no. 60 and 80
    3. Wood filler application
    4. Sanding with no. 120
    5. applying spirit
    6. sanding with 120
    7. applying spirit
    8. sanding with 420 paper
    9. applying sealer.
    10. sanding with 420 paper
    11. finally applying ONE COAT OF EMPORIUM PU
    12. ANOTHER COAT GLOSSY

    is it correct method

  13. My teak table has lost its patina colour over winter and it doesn’t look great. It has been covered. Any suggestions. If I just leave it will it turn silver again in the areas where it has gone back to it natural honey colour?

  14. I have a Teak table that was sealed with Cetol (Gloss) One board needed re-finishing due to damage. I sanded it to bare wood and re-applied the sealer. It turned very dark and unacceptable. I sanded it off to start over. Now I notice that any sanding results in the Teak turning a darker shade. Why? If I let it sit a few days, it turns yellow again. I want to re-apply the sealer, but I don’t want this one board to turn out darker than the others. Bleaching doesn’t seem to help. Help!!!

    1. Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, we have never come across a problem like this. We are not familiar with Cetol gloss either. Perhaps it would be a good idea to reach out to the manufacturer of the Cetol gloss and ask them what they recommend for your situation.

  15. Debbie J. Hamby

    I over applied Danish oil on new teak patio set. What problem does this cause? I now know how to apply and remove excess oil in a timely manner.
    Instead of trying to remove the shiny surface, I am thinking to allow it to deteriorate over time considering oil is recommended to be applied every 6 months to maintain the wood.

  16. Richard Marseglia

    I just purchased a new Teak Grade A Patio Set, I also purchased Teak Oil to keep it fresh. Would it be recommended to apply Teak Oil on the new furniture immediately, or let the natural oils do their job for a few weeks prior to applying?

    Thanks!

    1. It is best to wait until the furniture needs to have the oil applied, meaning it is starting to show fading in the color tone of the wood. Most people recommend applying a teak oil once a year or every 6 months.

  17. For water stains on teak, is it best to remove them right away or is it OK to just remove the water and try either the salt/acid or the iron solution at a later time?

  18. Cristina Pamplona

    The problem is that I have two little children and I use the table daily but greasy stains and water stains appear almost every time we use the table and the only solution I find is to cover the table with unsightly acrylic resin tablecloths.

    Which product is best to apply to a teak table for indoors so that greasy finger stains do not appear? Do you know any commercial product for this porpouse?

    1. Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, that is the price of owning teak furniture, it requires more attention to prevent staining and maintenance to keep it clean and hold that beautiful blonde color. There is teak sealer, but that is for protection against the sun and helps maintain the teak’s natural color tones. The best way to prevent grease stains is exactly what you are doing, use a tablecloth and make sure to keep it clean. I have heard of baking soda used to remove grease stains but have never tried it personally.

  19. The above information is great and really helping for those who love teak. Much of the Information was still new to me and i appreciate the effort taken. Great Work!!!

  20. I have an indoor teak dinner table that is a rich reddish brown colour but i want it to be grey, how would i achieve this?

    1. That is a great question. Teak is not a natural reddish brown so the table must have had some sort of finish applied to give it that color tone. In cases such as this, you will need to let the finish wear off over time. As the finish fades, the table will also begin to take on a grey/silver patina. The important thing is to make sure to clean the table every few months to remove any dust and pollen that can settle in the grain of the wood.

  21. Hi Cheryl, I’d like to thank you for posting this article with us. I’d like to know what are the best alternatives for these products you recommend in case of their unavailability? Thank you!

  22. My wife and I recently bought a round mid-century modern Ricardo Lynn teak dining room table. We tested it for lead (3M Lead testing kit) and it reveled a presence of lead on the surface. What advise do you have? We have WATCO Teak Oil (one step finish)

    Thank you

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