How to treat your teak furniture the right way

In this guide, we will walk you through how to care for teak, repair minor damage, and give you simple tips to help preserve your teak furniture for many years to come.

Quick guide to treating teak furniture

• Use lukewarm water and mild soap to clean your teak furniture. Always dry the surface immediately afterward.
  
• Oil previously oiled teak around 1–2 times per year using teak oil. Lacquered furniture should only be cleaned with furniture polish.
• Apply a thin layer of teak oil with a cloth to nourish the wood. Let it absorb for 20 minutes, then wipe away all excess oil.
  
• Avoid direct sunlight and placing your teak furniture too close to radiators. Always use coasters on teak tables to prevent white water rings.
  

Understanding your teak furniture

Before treating your teak furniture, it’s important to know what type of finish it has. Vintage teak is usually treated in one of two ways:

• Oiled Finish: Teak chairs are often treated with oil. The wood feels “alive” and has a matte to satin sheen. Water will soak into the wood if left on the surface.
• Lacquered or Polyurethane Finish: Some teak furniture has a harder surface coating that provides more shine and stronger protection against moisture. Water beads up on the surface instead of soaking in.

Test it yourself: Try the “water test.” Place a small drop of water on a hidden area. If the wood absorbs the water within a minute, the surface is most likely oiled.

How to care for your teak furniture

To help your teak furniture maintain its warm honey tone and avoid cracking:

1. Wipe spills immediately: If liquid is spilled on the wood, dry it straight away with a clean cloth.
2. Always use coasters and placemats: They are your furniture’s best friend.
3. Protect from heat: Never place hot pots or coffee cups directly on the wood.
4. Avoid direct sunlight: Strong sunlight can bleach teak and make it turn gray over time.
5. Maintain stable humidity: Teak thrives in a stable indoor climate. Avoid placing furniture directly next to radiators.

Cleaning teak furniture step-by-step

A clean piece of furniture is a long-lasting one. Here’s how to clean teak indoors gently but thoroughly:

• Tools: Use a soft cloth, lukewarm water, and a small amount of mild soap or dishwashing liquid.
• Instructions:

1. Dampen the cloth (it should not be soaking wet).
2. Wipe along the wood grain.
3. Dry immediately with a clean, lint-free cloth.

• Avoid: Never use harsh chemicals, glass cleaner, or abrasive sponges that may scratch the surface.
  

Maintenance and restoration of teak furniture

When the furniture starts looking dull or dry, it’s time to give it some care.

Oiled Surfaces

• Refreshing the finish: Apply a thin layer of high-quality teak oil such as MP52 with a cloth. Let it absorb for 20 minutes, then wipe away all excess oil.
• Light scratches: Sand gently using very fine sandpaper (320 grit or finer) along the wood grain before re-oiling.
• Candle wax: Allow the wax to harden completely, scrape it off carefully using a plastic card, then wipe with a cloth dampened in a very mild soap solution.
• Ink stains: First, carefully try using an eraser. If that doesn’t work, light sanding and re-oiling are often required.

Keep in mind that vintage teak furniture is often veneered. This means the real teak layer is thin. Sanding too aggressively may sand through the veneer to the core beneath, which cannot be repaired.

Read more about how to care for your furniture after purchasing from Beyo Vintage.

Lacquered Surfaces

• Care instructions: Use a furniture polish designed for lacquered surfaces. Never apply oil to a lacquered surface, as it creates a sticky film that attracts dirt.

Beyo Vintage’s household tips for accidents

Had a small accident? Try these tips before calling a professional:

• White Water Rings: Place a dry cotton towel over the mark and gently iron it using low heat for a few seconds. The moisture trapped in the wood may lift out.
• Stubborn Stains: Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Rub gently on the stain and wipe clean.
• Dark Marks:These may require treatment with oxalic acid and should be handled carefully. Feel free to contact us for advice.

Need Help? We’re Here

Every vintage piece has a story. By caring for your teak furniture properly, you help that story continue for many years to come. Unsure about a specific type of damage? Send us a photo and we’ll gladly help assess it.

All maintenance is performed at your own risk. For valuable collector’s items, we always recommend consulting a professional furniture restorer.

Thinking about buying vintage furniture? Read more about why we believe vintage is always a good idea.

FAQ

How often should you oil teak furniture?

Indoor teak furniture usually only needs oiling 1–2 times per year, or whenever the surface feels dry or “thirsty.”

What oil is best for teak furniture?

We recommend a quality teak oil, such as MP52, for a classic vintage appearance. Avoid cooking oils, as they can become rancid and develop unpleasant odors.

Can I sand my teak furniture?

Yes, but be careful. Many vintage furniture pieces have a thin teak veneer over a different wood core. Sanding too deeply may damage the veneer permanently.

Can I leave indoor teak furniture untreated?

We do not recommend leaving indoor teak furniture completely untreated. Unlike outdoor teak furniture, which is often left unfinished to develop a silver-gray patina, indoor teak furniture benefits from a protective finish.

Untreated teak is very porous and “thirsty,” meaning grease from hands, water splashes, and dust can soak directly into the wood fibers and create permanent stains. Applying a good teak oil nourishes the wood, preserves its golden color, and creates a protective barrier against daily wear and tear.