Teak is one of the most durable woods there is, and does not need any special treatment to maintain its strength. However, if left untreated, teak furniture will fade to a light brown and then a silvery grey appearance. Oiling teak regularly will preserve its original golden brown appearance instead. Note that oil is not recommended for outdoor teak furniture or furniture in damp environments, as the oil often encourages mildew growth.
Steps
Oiling Indoor Teak Furniture
- Understand the costs and benefits of oiling. Applying teak oil maintains the furniture's glossy, brown appearance, and may make scratches and other damage less visible if it occurs, since the surface will have a similar appearance as the inner wood.[1] However, once oiled, the furniture may become dependent on repeated oiling, at least once every three months, to maintain its appearance. If the furniture has never been oiled, it can remain sturdy for decades.
- Warning: Teak furniture manufacturers strongly recommend avoiding oil for outdoor furniture, or furniture kept in damp environments, due to the increased chance of mildew.
- Prepare your tools. Place a cloth or newspaper underneath the teak furniture to catch spills. Put on gloves to avoid getting oil on your hand, which may cause skin irritation. While most teak oils are not notably toxic, long-term exposure may cause health problems, so Working in a well-ventilated area is recommended.[2] Keep teak oil away from heat sources, as it can be highly flammable. Select several clean, disposable rags to use for oiling your furniture.
- Clean the furniture and let dry if necessary. If the furniture is cleaned regularly, dust it thoroughly. If it appears dirty, feels sticky, or has grime buildup, wash with water and mild soap, or use a specialized "teak cleaner." See the care section for more detail.
- Warning: Dry the furniture after cleaning and leave it for 24–36 hours to remove all moisture before applying the oil. Even if the surface moisture has dried, moisture just below the surface could be trapped by the oil, altering color and longevity.[3]
- Select a "teak oil" or "teak sealer" product. The "teak oil" products used for this purpose are not actually made from the teak tree, and composition can vary between them. Of the common ingredients, tung oil may be more effective than linseed oil.[4] Teak oil sometimes comes with an artificial color or an additional sealant product mixed in, so read the label carefully before selecting. Teak sealer typically requires less frequent application than teak oil, but otherwise operates in a similar fashion.[5]
- Use a paint brush to apply teak oil. Cover the teak in even strokes with a wide brush. Continue to apply the oil until the furniture has a matte appearance and cannot absorb any more.
- Wait fifteen minutes, then wipe down with a cloth. Allow the oil to penetrate the wood. You may notice the surface oil changing to a tacky consistency as the wood beneath it is absorbed. Once this occurs, or after fifteen minutes, wipe the furniture with a clean rag, taking care to remove all excess oil.[6] A second clean rag can be used to buff the surface once it is dry.
- Wipe up spills and drips with mineral oil. Moisten a clean cloth with mineral oil to pick up excess oil and drips. Teak oil may stain other furniture or floors if not removed immediately.
- Reapply regularly. Your furniture will now fade in color if oil is not reapplied. Reapply oil once every few weeks or months, whenever the color and sheen fades. You may apply an additional coat to deepen the color, but only apply a new layer once the furniture surface is completely dry to the touch.
Caring for Teak Furniture
- Simply dust occasionally if you enjoy the natural color. There is no harm done to your furniture if you let it fade to a light brown, and eventually to an aged silvery color. If you enjoy this appearance or the low maintenance, just dust your teak furniture regularly, and wash it occasionally if dirt or moss builds up.
- During the initial weathering, your teak furniture may look uneven in color or slightly cracked. This should even out over time.[7]
- Clean the teak furniture instead if you would like to restore its color. You may scrub the furniture with a soft-bristled brush and warm soapy water to temporarily restore a slightly brighter color.[8] Avoid hard bristles or high-pressure hoses, which may damage the teak.
- Use teak cleaner for more significant cleaning. A specialized cleaning product, called teak cleaner, can be used if soap and water is not enough to remove dirt or brighten the furniture's color. There are two major types of teak cleaner available:[9]
- One part teak cleaner is safe and easy to apply. Scrub it in with a soft-bristled brush, for approximately 15 minutes. Gently rinse with clean water, using an abrasive cleaning pad or bronze wool to open up the pores of the wood and remove the cleaner. Avoid steel wool, which may discolor the teak.
- Two part teak cleaners are harsher on your teak's lifespan and texture, but operate faster and may dissolve tough grime. Apply the first part, an acid, and wait according to the instructions on the packaging. Scrub in the second part, which neutralizes the acid, making sure to cover the furniture thoroughly.
- Apply a clear protective coat to avoid damage. If your teak furniture is heavily used or kept in an area with energetic activity, you may wish to protect it from stains in advance. A clear, protective sealant can be applied anytime the teak is dry to form a hard layer over the teak's surface. The name and application method of these products vary between brands. Look for "teak protectors" or "clear coat" for teak, and follow the instructions on the packaging.
- The use of a sealant and oil at the same time is controversial, as some believe them to have negative effects in combination. Some cleaning product manufacturers, however, recommend both.
- Consider covering the teak when not in use. One of teak's attractions is its extreme durability, which makes protection usually unnecessary. However, a porous cover such as canvas may make cleaning easier. Never use a plastic or vinyl cover, which traps moisture on the furniture.[10]
- Lightly sand off stains. Some stains, such as red wine or coffee, may be difficult to remove by washing. Remove the top layer of wood instead with medium-grain sandpaper, then create a smooth surface with fine-grain sandpaper once the stain is gone.[11] This will likely brighten the furniture's appearance where sanded, as the interior of the teak still contains natural oils.
Warnings
- Teak oil may stain patios, clothes etc. Take measures to protect your things, such as cardboard under furniture before teak oiling, and an apron + gloves to protect yourself.
- Teak oil is highly flammable. Dispose of rags that came into contact with teak oil in a trash can kept away from heat sources.
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Sources and Citations
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