Photo c/o Kingsley Bate
As one of the strongest and most durable hardwoods available, teakwood is an excellent material for porches, decks, and outdoor patio furniture. Because it is weather- and age-resistant, teak outdoor patio furniture naturally requires minimal maintenance. Over time, however, mildew can form and the teak finish may discolor, so regular cleanings and treatments are necessary to keep your teak looking its best. Learn the basics of oiling teak as well as how to clean teakwood furniture by following our guide.

Oiling Teak Furniture

Teak is typically available either finely sanded and unfinished or treated with teak oil. Unfinished teak is naturally a light golden color and finished teak tends to be a darker honey gold. Unfinished teak will eventually weather to a silver-gray tone – this process is called patination.

If you’d prefer your teak furniture gold rather than gray, you can oil it or sand it and seal it with teak sealant. While finishing oil will retain color, it actually dries out your teak's natural oils and can lead to quicker deterioration. We recommend sanding and sealing it instead. 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
1 gal. water
Soft plastic brush

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 furniture.
Using your hose, 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. You can make your own 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, but be mindful that store-bought chemical cleaners can be harsh on your furniture and your skin. Use a soft plastic brush, as metal brushes can damage the wood’s surface.

Step 4: Let the furniture sit for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly with water.

Step 6: Let it dry.

Pro Tip:

Place your outdoor teak furniture where the sun can reach it – sunlight prevents the growth of mold and mildew.

How to Oil Teak Furniture

Teak oil treatments are typically comprised 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 and let it dry.
Follow the steps in the How to Clean Teak Furniture section above.

Step 2: Remove prior treatments.
This will require sanding.

Step 3: Apply a first coat of teak oil.
Use a natural bristle brush or lint-free cloth.

Step 4: Wipe off all excess oil.
Use a clean, lint-free cloth.

Step 5: Let it dry completely.
This can take 2–4 hours.

Step 6: Add more coats until the oil is no longer absorbed into the 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 2–3 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 sealant
Clean, lint-free cloth

Step 1: Clean your furniture thoroughly and let it dry.
Follow the steps in the How to Clean Teak Furniture section above.

Step 2: Leave your furniture exposed 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 sealant.
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 sealant and let it dry.

Step 7: Repeat this process seasonally.