Teak Table Cleaning
This post will help you understand how to clean your teak table. Below is a basic method that has effective and lasting results. Wether it’s your home teak dining table, or your boats teak table, we have vast experience in restoring and cleaning teak tables for superyachts so we hope this blog post will help you with cleaning your teak table.
This post is all about teak table cleaning!
How to clean a teak table using a two-part cleaner
Materials Needed:
Teak Part 1 Cleaner (removes dirt and old finishes)
Teak Part 2 Cleaner (brightens and neutralizes)
Soft-bristle brush or scrubbing pad. (Brown or softer white scrubbing pads from shurhold do the job well) https://shurhold.com/products/scrubber-pads?variant=12428055445578
Rubber gloves
Protective eyewear
A bucket
Hose and lots of water
Microfiber cloth or sponge
Step 1: Preparation
Choose a well-ventilated area or work outdoors.
Wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear.
If the table has loose dirt or debris, rinse it off with water.
Step 2: Apply Part 1 Cleaner
Wet the teak surface with water.
Apply Part 1 Cleaner using a brush or sponge, scrubbing against the wood grain.
Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
Scrub again to lift deep-set dirt.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water, until the water runs clean off the wood.
Step 3: Apply Part 2 Cleaner
While the wood is still wet, apply Part 2 Cleaner evenly over the surface.
Use a fresh brush or sponge and gently scrub to brighten the wood.
Let it sit for a few minutes to neutralize any remaining residue.
Rinse thoroughly with water until no cleaner remains.
Step 4: Drying & Maintenance
Allow the table to air dry completely in a shaded area. (Dry to wipe or blade the wood before to minmize water marks)
Once dry, you can leave it as is or apply teak oil/sealer to maintain the wood’s natural color.
Teak table before & after clean. With 3 coats of semco teak sealer.
Well known brands for teak part 1 & 2 cleaners.
Snappy Teak
Teak Wonder
King & King
Starbrite
Semco
ONGOING TEAK TABLE MAINTENANCE
Oil or seal every 6-12 weeks depending on the product used.
Try to only scrub it once a year using the acid. This is because using the part 1 and 2 teak cleaners often can weaken the grain and make the wood very soft.
The grain get deeper over the time, espcially after wear and tear, and using scrubbing pads. To help maintain this every 2-4 years sand the grain down to give a better finish.
In the winter months watch out for mould and keep the table as dry as possible. Having a cover made for your table when its not in use will help maintain it for as long as possible.
TIPS AND TRICKS
Always try to scrub against the grain, or in circles. This will help reduce the grain becoming deeper over time.
Let the cleaners do the work. Once you have spread the part 1 ensure to let it soak for 5-10 miniutes to ensure the wood becomes softer and releases the dirt.
Always use the same ratios of part 2 brighter. This will help to keep the colour afterwards consistent.
Sanding before had can give a better finish. If your table is old and has not been touched for a few years. Give it a sand with 120-200 grit sand paper. This will give it that nice golden colour without needing to much a clean.
Hopfully this post has helped you to understand teak table cleaning and the dos and donts around it. Feel free to check out are other posts on related topics!
