Caring for Teak Outdoor Furniture

The definitive guide on how to clean and care for teak outdoor furniture. In this guide we will go over the different finishes for outdoor teak furniture, how to take care of them, and tips and tricks to keep that furniture with you forever.

Updated August 2025

A little background about teak wood

Teak is one of the world’s most durable and weather-resistant hardwoods. Rich in natural oils and dense in grain. It is one of the most sought after wood when it comes to outdoor furniture. Premium Adirondacks, sunbeds, outdoor dining tables and outdoor chairs are typically made using mature teak.

We make our outdoor furniture from sustainable, FSC-certified Grade A teak that we grow in our reforestation projects.

Whether you choose to let your teak weather naturally or prefer to preserve its golden color with occasional oiling, this guide outlines how to care for your furniture. Season after season.

Understanding Unfinished vs. Oiled Teak

All of our teak outdoor furniture is delivered oiled, allowing you the freedom to let it develop a soft silver patina over time, or to maintain its rich honey tone with oil treatments. Outdoor teak furniture generally comes in two finishes:

Unfinished Teak
For those who prefer low-maintenance care and appreciate the organic aging process of natural wood.
Oiled Teak
For those who prefer to preserve the teak’s original warm, honey tones and extend its lifetime with minimal maintanance.

Routine Cleaning for All Teak Furniture

Outdoor furniture is exposed to dust, rain, sun, and everyday messes. Regular cleaning helps preserve the beauty of your teak.

Before starting the cleaning process, make sure you pick a sunny day and a clean area to clean your outdoor teak furniture.

Cleaning the pieces will be easy and only take around an hour depending on the size of your teak patio furniture.

Here are 4 easy steps:

Step 1
Mix mild dish soap with warm (not boiling) water.
Step 2
Scrub gently using a soft sponge or natural bristle brush.
Step 3
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
Step 4
Let the furniture dry completely in the sun before placing back.

Preventing Stains (Optional Protection)

While unfinished teak will resist rot and moisture thanks to its natural oils, it can still absorb surface stains from food, drink, or plant matter. If you’d like to reduce the risk of marks, especially on dining tables or lounge arms, we recommend applying a water-based teak shield.

This protective treatment doesn’t alter the color or texture of the wood but adds a light, invisible barrier to help repel spills. Apply only after cleaning and drying the surface thoroughly. Reapply every few months if desired.

Teak Shield is safe to use on both natural and finished teak. It will minimize but not completely eliminate the movement of teak oil from the wood surface to the cushions.

Stain, Mold, and Mildew Removal

Teak is naturally resistant to mold, but build-up of organic matter, like fallen leaves, pollen, or standing water, can lead to surface discoloration, especially in humid or shaded environments.

If mold does happen you can do the following to treat the teak and remove the mold.

You will need

Mild dish soap
Absence of harsh chemicals like sulfates
Soft sponge or natural brush
Soft, porous material like foam, cellulose, or microfiber.
Teak oil (optional)
High-quality ingredients like tung oil and linseed oil.
Water-based teak shield (optional)
Makes it water and stain-repellent while also guarding against mold and mildew.
Teak cleaner (for annual deep cleaning or mildew)
Organic acids or otheroxygen-based cleaners to clean without stripping natural oils.
Fine Grit Sandpaper
120-150 for initial sanding, 220-320 grit for finish

How to remove the mold or stain

Removing mold can be tricky and it is best to try a mild approach before going for stronger measures:

Try first
Mix mild dish soap with warm (not boiling) water and clean with soapy water and a soft brush.
Deeper stains
For tougher stains or mildew, use a teak cleaner or a vinegar-and-water solution and a soft brush.
Didn't work?
Lightly sand stained or rough areas with fine-grit sandpaper, following the direction of the grain and re-apply a teak oil if needed.
Important
Avoid applying oil or using covers until the furniture is fully dry.

Seasonal Storage & Protection

Teak doesn’t need to be brought indoors in winter, but a few extra steps can really extend its life and keep it looking at its best. Some of our best tips:

Covers
Use a waterproof, breathable cover with vent panels and straps to secure during high wind.
Rain
Place the furniture under a covered area when it rains for multiple days.
Fully dry
Always allow the furniture to dry fully before covering to avoid mold.
Raise off the ground
In snow-prone or damp climates, raise the furniture slightly off the ground to avoid standing water.

Seasonal Storage & Protection

All MasayaCo teak furniture is made using Grade A, FSC-Certified teak, that we grow ourselves and is carefully selected for density, strength, and oil content. All our teak is kiln-dried for stability, and each piece is designed to accommodate seasonal changes in humidity and temperature.

We believe in the beauty of both new and weathered teak. Whether you choose to maintain its golden hue with oil, or allow it to grey naturally over time, your furniture will age with grace, adding character to your outdoor space.

With just occasional care, and a little patience as the wood acclimates to your environment, MasayaCo teak will become a fixture of your home’s outdoor life for generations to come.