Teak is one of the strongest woods and does not require special care to maintain its strength. However, if left alone, the color of the teak furniture will fade to light brown. Oiling the teak regularly will maintain its golden brown appearance. Note that the oil is not recommended for teak furniture outdoors or in damp environments as it supports mold growth.
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Method 1 of 2: Oiling Teak Furniture Indoors
Step 1. Understand the pluses and minuses of teak oiling before starting
Oiling the teak will keep its tan and shiny appearance, and can disguise blemishes such as scratches because the surface will be similar to the inside of the wood. If the furniture has never been oiled, the wood will stay strong for decades. However, once oiled, the furniture will depend on it and must be oiled regularly, at least once every three months to maintain its appearance.
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Warning:
Teak furniture manufacturers strongly recommend against oiling outdoor furniture or those in humid environments. This is because teak oil will increase the chances of fungal growth in the environment.
Step 2. Prepare the tools
Place a cloth or newspaper under the teak furniture to catch the spill. Wear gloves so that the oil doesn't get on your hands, which can cause skin irritation. Although most teak oil is non-toxic, long-term exposure can cause health problems, so it's best to work in an area with good airflow. Keep teak oil away from heat sources as it is highly flammable. Choose several clean, disposable rags to grease the furniture.
Step 3. Clean the furniture and let it dry if needed
If the furniture is cleaned regularly, sweep it thoroughly. If it looks dirty, feels sticky, or has dirt deposits, clean it with water and mild soap, or use a special “teak cleaner”. Read the care section for more details.
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Warning:
Dry the furniture after cleaning and let it sit for 24–36 hours to dry off any moisture before oiling the furniture. Even if the surface of the furniture is dry, the moisture inside can be trapped by the oil so that the color and service life can change.
Step 4. Choose the product " teak oil " or " teak sealer"
The " teak oil " products used for this purpose are not actually made from the teak tree, and the composition of each may vary. Of the commonly used ingredients, tung oil can be more effective than linseed oil. Teak oil is sometimes available with a mixture of artificial coloring or additional sealant products so read the composition label carefully before choosing. Teak sealers usually don't need to be used as often as teak oil, but they work in a similar way.
Step 5. Use a brush to apply the oil
Use a wide brush to apply the oil evenly. Continue rubbing the oil until the furniture is opaque and can no longer absorb the oil.
Step 6. Wait for 15 minutes, then wipe with a cloth
Let the oil penetrate the wood. You can see the surface of the oil turning sticky when it is absorbed by the wood. If this happens, or 15 minutes have passed, wipe the furniture with a clean rag to remove most of the oil residue. A second rag can be used to buff the surface when it's dry.
Step 7. Wipe up spills with mineral oil
Dampen a clean cloth with mineral oil to remove any excess oil and drips. Teak oil can stain other furniture or floors if not cleaned immediately.
Step 8. Apply regularly
The color of the furniture will now fade if it is not oiled. Apply oil every few weeks or months, when the color or shine of the furniture appears to be fading. You can apply an additional coat to deepen the color, but only apply a new coat when the furniture surface is completely dry to the touch.
Method 2 of 2: Caring for Teak Wood Furniture
Step 1. Clean the dust on the furniture regularly if you like natural colors
The furniture will not be damaged if you allow it to fade to a bright brown, eventually becoming a aged silvery color. If you like this look or don't want to take too much care of your furniture, simply clean the dust on the teak furniture regularly and wash it occasionally if dirt or moss builds up.
During the initial weathering process, the color of the teak furniture may appear uneven or slightly cracked. Over time, the color of the furniture will even out
Step 2. Clean the teak furniture if you want to restore the color
You can scrub the furniture with a soft bristle brush and warm soapy water to bring back some of the brightness. Do not use a hard brush or high pressure hose as this can damage the teak.
Step 3. Use teak cleaner for more significant results
A teak cleaning product called teak cleaner can be used if soap and water alone are not enough to remove dirt and brighten the color of the furniture. There are two main types of teak cleaners available:
- One piece teak cleaner is safe and easy to use. Scrub with a soft bristle brush for at least 15 minutes. Rinse gently with clean water, and use an abrasive cleaning pad or bronze wool to open the wood pores and remove the cleaner. Stay away from steel wool, which can change the color of teak wood.
- The two-part teak cleaner is tougher on the texture and life of teak furniture, but works faster and can dissolve stubborn dirt. Apply the first part with acid, and wait according to the instructions for use. Rub the second part, which neutralizes the acid, and ensures that it coats the entire piece of furniture.
Step 4. Apply a clear protective layer to prevent damage
If teak furniture is used very often or is in an active room, you should protect it from stains. Clear protective sealant can be used when the teak is dry, creating a hard layer on the teak surface. The name and method of application of this product varies by brand. Look for " teak protector " or " clear coat " for teak, and follow the instructions on the product packaging.
The use of sealant and oil together is still debated because some people believe the combination of the two has a negative effect, but some cleaning products actually suggest both
Step 5. Consider covering teak when not in use
One of the advantages of teak is that it is very strong so it does not need to be protected. However, pore covers such as canvas can make cleaning easier. Never use plastic or vinyl covers, which hold moisture in the furniture.
Step 6. Gently sand the stain
Some stains, such as red wine or coffee, can be difficult to remove with just a wash. Instead, remove the outer layer of wood with medium grit sandpaper, then smooth the surface with fine grit sandpaper once the stain is gone. This step will brighten the look of the furniture in the sanded area because the interior of the teak is coated with natural oil.
Warning
- Teak oil can stain patios, clothing, etc. so take precautions, for example by spreading a sheet of cardboard under the furniture before oiling, and wearing an apron and gloves to protect yourself.
- Teak oil is highly flammable. Throw the rags that touch the teak oil in the trash and away from sources of ignition.
