A 5-minute care guide for teak furniture
Ravi, Workshop Lead · 3 min read
Teak is low maintenance, not no maintenance. Here's what actually matters over 20 years.
The only care routine you need
Teak has natural oils that resist water and insects. That doesn't mean you should ignore it. A little care adds decades.
Daily
- Dust with a soft dry microfibre — no chemical sprays.
- Wipe spills immediately with a damp cloth.
Yearly
Rub in teak oil (not polish, not lacquer) once a year. Apply along the grain, let sit 15 minutes, buff off. Skip if you like a weathered silver-grey patina — that's fine too, it's a finish choice.
Never do this
- Ammonia cleaners. They pull the natural oil out and leave the wood brittle.
- Direct sun for hours. Some sun is fine. Eight hours a day will dry and crack.
- Wet rings from hot dishes. Use coasters or a cloth runner.