Teak Wood›Care Guide
Teak care —
the complete guide
Basic care, oiling, stains, greying, winter storage — everything you need to know to keep your teak furniture beautiful for good.
Jump to the care stepsWhy care pays off
Teak is robust —
with care it becomes immortal
Teak is one of the lowest-maintenance woods there is. Its natural oil content makes it resistant to moisture, mould, and insects — without any chemical treatment.
Still: caring for your furniture regularly and correctly extends its beauty considerably. Garden furniture in particular benefits from an annual oil treatment that preserves the warm honey colour.
This guide distils 30 years of experience with teak — from our team in Munich and our factory in Java.
30+
Years of teak expertise
1–2×
Oil per year (outdoors)
∞
Lifespan with proper care
0
Chemical treatment needed
Step by step
The 5 Care Steps
Basic Care — Indoor Use
Daily & weekly
Teak furniture used indoors is easy to care for: regular dusting and the occasional wipe with a lightly damp cloth are all it needs.
Avoid harsh cleaners, abrasives and solvent-based products, as they can damage the wood’s natural oils.
For stubborn marks on untreated teak, use a mild soft-soap solution with warm water. Gently clean the affected area with a soft brush, working in the direction of the grain. Then wipe with a clean, lightly damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Always test the cleaning method first on an inconspicuous area.
Do
- Soft, damp cloth
- pH-neutral soap if needed
- Wipe along the grain
Don't
- Dishwashing liquid or chemicals
- Abrasive sponges
- Leaving water to stand
Oiling — enhancing the wood’s warm tone while caring for it
Optional — depending on the look you want
Thanks to its natural durability, teak generally does not need to be oiled. When left untreated outdoors, it gradually develops a silvery-grey patina. This natural change in colour does not affect the wood’s durability.
If you prefer the warm tone of the wood, you can use a suitable teak oil. An oil treatment deepens the colour and enhances the grain.
Before oiling, remove dirt and grease with a degreasing wood cleaner suitable for teak. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test the product first in an inconspicuous area. Rinse away any cleaning residue thoroughly with clean water and allow the wood to dry completely.
Apply the oil sparingly, following the direction of the grain. After the application time specified by the manufacturer, remove any excess oil with a clean cloth. Test the colour effect first in an inconspicuous area.
Do
- Choose a product suitable for teak and the intended application
- Remove dirt, grease and cleaning residues before oiling
- Only oil wood once it is completely dry
- Apply sparingly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Don't
- Applying too much oil or leaving excess oil on the surface
- Oiling in direct sunlight or on damp wood
- Oiling lacquered or waxed surfaces without testing first
Removing Stains
If required — matched to the surface
Immediately blot fresh stains from coffee, red wine or grease with an absorbent cloth. Do not rub. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to remove any residue.
Raw, untreated teak: Carefully treat soiling with warm water, soft soap or wood soap and a soft brush, working in the direction of the grain. For grease stains, use a degreasing wood cleaner suitable for teak. Remove cleaning residues with clean water according to the manufacturer’s instructions and allow the wood to dry completely. Oiling afterwards is not recommended, as it changes the tone of the wood. Leave the wood untreated. Teak has a natural protection against stains. Liquids do not penetrate deeply.
Oiled teak: Use a cleaner suitable for oiled wood surfaces. If cleaning has affected the oil treatment, treat the dry surface with a compatible care oil as needed. A colourless hardwax oil is recommended.
Waxed teak: Use a cleaner suitable for waxed wood surfaces. If necessary, replenish the wax layer with a suitable furniture wax. Do not apply oil to a waxed surface.
Always test cleaning products first in an inconspicuous area and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. We are happy to advise you on the appropriate treatment for deeply absorbed stains.
Do
- DO’S
- Wipe up spills immediately
- Match the cleaning method to the existing surface finish
- Use as little moisture as possible
- Test cleaning products on an inconspicuous area
Don't
- DON’TS
- Rub stains in or scrub aggressively
- Use chlorine-based cleaners or unsuitable bleaching agents
- Automatically oil untreated wood after every cleaning
- Apply oil to waxed surfaces
Greying — Silver Patina or Refresh
Seasonal care
Outdoors, teak greys due to UV exposure — a natural process that is structurally completely harmless. Many appreciate the silver-grey look as an elegant patina.
To bring back the warm wood tone: sand the surface with fine sandpaper (grit 180–240) along the grain, remove the sanding dust, then re-treat with teak oil.
Alternatively: a special teak brightener (teak cleaner) without sanding — sufficient for lightly greyed areas.
Do
- Grit 180–240 for sanding
- Always work along the grain
- Oil after sanding
Don't
- Coarse sandpaper
- Sanding against the grain
- Sanding wet wood
Winter Storage for Garden Furniture
October – March
Teak is naturally winter-proof and can stay outdoors over winter — especially when well cared for.
To protect your furniture and maximise its lifespan: clean, dry, and treat with teak oil before storing.
Store in a dry, ventilated room (cellar, garage). If kept outside: use breathable protective covers — never plastic film, as condensation and mould can result.
Do
- Clean & oil before storage
- Breathable protective covers
- Store dry and ventilated
Don't
- Airtight plastic film
- Storing while damp
- Placing on damp ground
All year round
Seasonal Care at a Glance
March – May
Spring
- Clean furniture after winter
- Treat with teak oil
- Remove & wash protective covers
- Check for cracks or damage
June – August
Summer
- Remove fresh stains immediately
- Let dry after heavy rain
- Wipe down lightly if needed
- Mind direct sunlight
Sept – Nov
Autumn
- Clean thoroughly and let dry
- Second oil treatment (if needed)
- Get protective covers ready
- Prepare a storage spot
Dec – Feb
Winter
- Store furniture dry and ventilated
- Use breathable covers
- Never use plastic film
- Keep using indoor furniture as usual
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Teak Care
Do I need to oil my teak furniture regularly?
No. High-quality teak is naturally durable and generally does not require regular oiling. Oil primarily affects the surface: it enhances the colour and grain, and can make it less prone to staining. Furniture that has already been oiled can be treated as needed with a suitable care product. There is no fixed schedule that applies to every piece of furniture.
What should I do if my teak table has turned grey?
Outdoors, untreated teak develops a silvery-grey patina through exposure to sun and the elements. This natural greying is not in itself a sign of decay or inadequate care. If you appreciate the patina, simply leave the wood untreated and clean it as needed. If you would like to restore its warm natural tone, the surface can be treated with a suitable teak cleaner or grey-weathering remover. Whether additional sanding is advisable depends on the condition and nature of the piece of furniture. Oiling afterwards is optional.
Can my teak furniture stay outdoors over the winter?
Teak furniture suitable for outdoor use can be left outside over winter. In addition to the wood itself, the construction, fittings and other materials are also important. Avoid standing water and direct contact with damp ground. Only place breathable protective covers over dry furniture, and ensure adequate air circulation. Alternatively, a dry, well-ventilated, unheated storage area is suitable. Oiling is not necessary for winter storage.
Which oil is best for teak wood?
Use a furniture oil specifically suited to teak and to the intended application. On surfaces that have already been oiled, it must be compatible with the existing treatment. The term “teak oil” alone reveals little about its composition. We do not recommend pure linseed oil or cooking oils as a general alternative. Waxed or lacquered furniture should not simply be treated with oil. We will be happy to help you choose the right product.
How do I remove white salt film (limescale marks) from teak wood?
White marks can have a variety of causes, such as limescale deposits, moisture in waxed surfaces or in the surface finish, or residues from care products. The first step is therefore to identify the cause and the existing finish. Start with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then dry the surface thoroughly. If the residue remains, use a cleaner suitable for the surface. Do not use vinegar or descaling products without testing first. We will be happy to advise you. If you are unsure, a photo and details of the care products used so far will help us.
Can scratches in teak wood be repaired?
Many signs of wear on solid teak can be repaired. The right method depends on the depth of the scratch and the surface finish. Untreated wood requires different care than oiled, waxed or lacquered wood. Sanding can alter the colour, grain and sheen, and may create visible transitions. For deeper scratches or if you are unsure, we will be happy to advise you on professional repair options.
How do I properly care for raw, oiled and waxed teak?
In everyday use, raw teak generally only requires a soft, dry or lightly damp cloth. For more stubborn dirt, use cleaning products designed for untreated wood. For oiled teak, use a product suitable for oiled wooden surfaces. Refresh the finish as needed with a compatible care oil. Waxed teak requires a suitable cleaner and, where necessary, an additional layer of wax. Oil must not be applied directly to a waxed surface. Always test any product first in an inconspicuous area.
Are small cracks in teak wood normal?
Teak is a natural material and responds to changes in temperature and humidity. Especially outdoors, small surface cracks may appear. These do not necessarily affect the furniture’s stability and cannot be reliably prevented by oiling. However, larger or widening cracks, as well as loose joints, should be inspected. Indoors, keeping the room climate as consistent as possible and maintaining distance from radiators will help.
Can I clean teak furniture with a pressure washer?
We recommend gentle cleaning with a soft brush and a suitable cleaning product. Pressure washers can roughen the wood fibres, wash away softer areas of the wood and put stress on joints. Wire brushes and harsh abrasive cleaners are also unsuitable. Work carefully in the direction of the grain, then allow the furniture to dry thoroughly.
Recommended care products
Everything for care — directly from us
Teak oil, cleaner and accessories from this guide can be requested directly from us — matched to our furniture and personally recommended.
MK-PF-002
Teak Cleaner 500 ml
Special cleaner for stubborn stains and greying. Apply with a soft brush along the grain, then re-treat with teak oil.
MK-PF-003
Sanding Paper Set (Grit 180–240)
Fine sanding paper set for refreshing greyed teak surfaces and repairing light scratches. Always sand along the grain, then oil.
Still have questions about care?
We’re happy to advise you — on care, care products, or repairing your teak furniture. In person at the showroom or by phone.