How to Care for Teak Furniture: A Complete Guide
Teak furniture is timeless, durable, and the cornerstone of many iconic mid-century modern interiors. Known for its rich, golden-brown tones and natural oils, teak is both beautiful and practical, but it still needs proper care to age gracefully.
Whether you’ve just welcomed a vintage piece into your home or you're preserving a long-time favourite, this guide will walk you through the essentials of teak furniture care.
1. Understand Teak's Natural Qualities
Teak is naturally high in oil and silica, making it resistant to moisture, insects, and decay. Over time, untreated teak develops a silver-grey patina - a look some adore and others prefer to avoid. Knowing this helps you decide whether to preserve the original colour or let it age naturally.
2. Cleaning Teak Furniture: Do's and Don’ts
Do:
- Use a soft, damp cloth for regular dusting
- Clean with a mild soap-and-water solution as needed
- Gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush if dirt builds up in the grain
Don’t:
- Use harsh cleaners, bleach, or steel wool
- Let water sit on the surface—always dry thoroughly
- Pressure-wash (it can raise the grain and cause damage)
3. Oil or Not to Oil?
Oiling teak isn’t necessary, but it’s an option if you want to maintain that deep honey tone. Use only pure teak oil and apply every 6–12 months. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying, and always buff out excess oil to avoid stickiness or buildup.
Pro Tip: Once you start oiling teak, you’ll need to continue regularly to prevent blotchy fading.
4. Dealing With Stains and Water Rings
For water rings, try gently rubbing with a paste of baking soda and water or a mix of toothpaste and lemon juice. For deeper stains, you may need to lightly sand with very fine-grit paper (always in the direction of the grain) and re-oil if needed.
5. Preventive Care for Long-Term Beauty
- Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent uneven fading
- Use coasters, placemats, and trivets for protection
- Maintain stable humidity to avoid cracking or warping
- Store away or cover if not in use for long periods
Final Thoughts
Caring for teak furniture is all about consistency and understanding the material’s nature. With a little love and the right maintenance, your teak pieces will last for generations, growing more beautiful with time.
Explore our teak furniture here.
Want help restoring a vintage piece? Our restoration team can assist you with that. Please reach out to info@vintique.ca