Although teak outdoor furniture requires little maintenance, regular cleanings and treatments are still necessary to keep the wood looking its best. Learn the basics of oiling teak as well as how to clean teakwood furniture by following our guide.

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Oiling Teak Furniture
How to Clean Teak Furniture
How to Oil Teak Furniture
How to Seal Teak Furniture

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Oiling Teak Furniture

Teak furniture is typically sold in one of two ways: either finely sanded and unfinished or treated with teak oil. You will find that unfinished teak is naturally a light golden color, while finished teak tends to be a darker honey gold. Unfinished teak will eventually develop a silvery-gray patina, which doesn’t affect the durability of the wood and some even prefer the appearance of.

If you’d prefer your teak furniture gold rather than gray, you can oil it or sand it and seal it with teak sealant. However, while finishing oil allows teak to retain color, it can dry out your teak's natural oils and lead to quicker deterioration. Instead, we recommend sanding and sealing to maintain your teak furniture in the long term. Whether you choose to oil or seal teak furniture, you need to start from a clean slate – learn how to clean teak furniture below.

How to Clean Teak Furniture

Teakwood has a natural resistance to mold and rot. However, unsightly mold and mildew can still form on the surface of the wood over time. To remove mildew and other natural stains from your teak, follow these easy steps.

What You Will Need

• Bucket
• Dish detergent
• 1 cup bleach or 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 gallon water
• Soft, plastic brush
• Teak cleaner (optional)

Step 1: Clear a Space

Set aside anything you don't want to get wet. If you are cleaning interior teak furniture, lay down a drop cloth and make sure your space is well ventilated.

Step 2: Rinse the Teak Furniture

Using your hose or a bucket of water and a sponge, rinse your furniture. Don’t power-wash – it’s a little too harsh.

Step 3: Use a Cleaning Solution

Gently scrub your furniture with a mild cleaning solution made by adding a small amount of dish detergent to a mixture of 1 cup bleach or white vinegar and 1 gallon of water. You can also use a store-bought teak cleaner, which can be useful for taking out deep stains caused by grease, but be mindful that these chemical cleaners can be harsh on your furniture and your skin. Be sure to use a soft plastic brush, as metal brushes can damage the wood’s surface.

Step 4: Let the Furniture Sit

Leave the furniture to sit for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Use water to rinse the furniture.

Step 6: Let It Dry

Put it in a sunny spot where it can dry out completely.

Tip!

Because sunlight prevents the growth of mold and mildew, be sure to place your outdoor teak furniture where the sun can reach it.

How to Oil Teak Furniture

Teak oil treatments typically consist of tung or linseed oil and solvents. There are also specialized teak oils that protect against UV rays and mildew to prevent patina.

What You Will Need

• Sandpaper
• Teak oil
• Bristle brush
• Clean lint-free cloth

Step 1: Clean Your Furniture Thoroughly & Let It Dry

Follow the steps in the How to Clean Teak Furniture section above.

Step 2: Remove Prior Treatments

Use fine-grit sand paper to gently sand the surface of your teak furniture. Follow the direction of the wood grain.

Step 3: Apply a First Coat of Teak Oil

Use a natural bristle brush or lint-free cloth to apply the first coat.

Step 4: Wipe Off All Excess Oil

Use a clean lint-free cloth to remove the excess oil on the surface. Too much oil can create a sticky surface.

Step 5: Let It Dry Completely

This can take two to four hours.

Step 6: Add More Coats of Oil

Do this until the oil is no longer absorbed into the teak wood. Depending on the condition of your furniture, you may need four to five coats of oil.

Step 7: Repeat When Your Furniture Dries Out or Grays

Usually, oil should be reapplied every two to three months. Before each application, your teak furniture should be thoroughly cleaned and allowed to dry completely.

How to Seal Teak Furniture

Teakwood is full of natural oils that keep it strong and durable. To restore its color without using oil, follow these steps.

What You Will Need

• Sandpaper
• Teak sealer/protector
• Spray bottle, foam brush, or clean lint-free cloth

Step 1: Clean Your Furniture Thoroughly & Let It Dry

Follow the steps in the How to Clean Teak Furniture section above.

Step 2: Leave Your Furniture In the Sun for Two Weeks

This step allows the grain to open up, which will help the sealant adhere properly.

Step 3: Sand Your Furniture Gently

Gently sand until you expose the honey color beneath the gray.

Step 4: Apply the First Coat of Teak Sealer

Use a spray bottle, foam brush, or lint-free cloth.

Step 5: Let It Dry Completely

This should take about an hour.

Step 6: Apply a Second Coat of Teak Sealer

Let this dry thoroughly.

Step 7: Repeat This Process Seasonally

Try to seal your teak furniture once a year.

Tip!

If you’d like to learn about patio furniture materials other than teak, including types of metal, plastic, and wood, check out our Outdoor Furniture Materials Guide.

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