Check whether your table is indoor or outdoor, and what finish it has
Teak tables fall into two broad groups, and the right approach differs.
- Outdoor or patio tables are usually bare teak or treated with a sealer. They weather to a silvery gray, and they tolerate more water and scrubbing.
- Indoor tables are often oiled, lacquered or varnished, and many are veneer over another material. They need a damp (not wet) cloth and a lighter touch.
If you have a care label, follow it first. If your table is indoors and you are unsure about the finish, our guide to cleaning teak indoor furniture explains a simple way to check.
What you need
- Mild liquid dish soap
- A bucket or bowl of warm water
- A soft nylon brush or soft sponge (for outdoor or bare teak); microfiber cloths (for indoor tables)
- Clean towels
- A garden hose (outdoor tables)
- Gloves; eye protection if you use any stronger product
- A tarp or drop cloth under outdoor tables
Skip steel wool, wire brushes and stiff metal bristles. Metal fragments can stay in the grain and rust, and the wire can scratch the wood.
Step-by-step: everyday cleaning
- Clear and dust. Remove items, then brush or wipe off dry dirt, crumbs and leaves.
- Mix a gentle solution. A common ratio from teak suppliers is around two tablespoons of mild dish soap per gallon of water for outdoor tables. For indoor tables, use less, just a few drops in a bowl of warm water.
- Test a hidden area. The underside of the top is a good spot.
- Wash with the grain. Outdoor bare teak: scrub gently with a soft nylon brush along the grain. Indoor tables: wipe with a well-wrung damp cloth, working in sections.
- Rinse. Outdoors, rinse with a garden hose on a normal setting. Indoors, wipe with a second cloth dampened in plain water to remove soap.
- Dry. Pat or wipe dry. Let outdoor tables air-dry fully in the shade before sealing or using covers.
Deep cleaning a grimy or weathered table
For an outdoor table with built-up dirt or green growth:
- Wet the table, scrub with the soapy solution and a soft brush along the grain, and rinse well.
- Some teak care brands sell dedicated teak cleaners for heavier cleaning. These can be strong, so follow the label, wear gloves and eye protection, protect nearby plants and lawn, and rinse thoroughly.
- If the surface feels rough afterward, light sanding along the grain with fine paper (around 220 grit is commonly recommended) may smooth it. Never sand against the grain.
Do not use a pressure washer on teak. It can strip the soft wood between the harder grain lines and leave a rough, furrowed surface that collects dirt.
Can you use Dawn or Murphy’s oil soap?
Dawn or similar dish soap: Yes, in small amounts. A mild dish soap diluted in warm water is the standard starting point, with thorough rinsing so no film is left behind.
Murphy’s oil soap: It is designed for wood, but on teak it is a judgment call. Some people use it on sealed teak, while others find it can leave a residue on oily or bare teak, and teak-care brands tend to recommend plain mild soap. If you try it, dilute as the label says, test a hidden spot, and rinse-wipe afterward. Avoid it on veneer if you cannot keep the surface from getting wet.
Spots: rings, grease, mildew
- Water rings (indoor): Try a very light rub with a soft cloth and a little baking soda paste or non-gel white toothpaste, then wipe and dry. Test first, since these can dull some finishes.
- Grease or food spots: Blot, then wash with the soapy solution and dry.
- Mildew (mainly outdoor tables): Start with soap and water and a soft brush. Some sources suggest diluted white vinegar. Others suggest diluted bleach, but bleach can lighten and weaken wood and harm surrounding plants and surfaces, so treat it as a last resort and use only as the product label allows.
Making teak look new again
Weathered gray teak is a natural color change, not damage. If you like the gray, a gentle wash is enough. To bring back the golden tone on an outdoor table:
- Clean thoroughly and let the wood dry completely.
- Lightly sand with the grain if rough.
- Wipe away dust.
- Apply a teak sealer or protector made for your table’s use, following the label. Many teak sellers advise water-based sealers for outdoor furniture and caution against heavy “teak oil,” which can leave a sticky surface that attracts dirt and mildew in humid conditions.
For an indoor oiled table, a thin coat of oil applied with a lint-free cloth and fully buffed off can refresh dull wood. Sealed (lacquered or varnished) indoor tables should not be oiled; clean them with a damp cloth and use a polish made for that finish.
Oily rags can heat up as the oil cures. Lay them flat outdoors to dry or follow the product label for disposal.
Safety around chemicals, pets and children
- Do not mix cleaning products. Bleach and ammonia produce toxic vapors; bleach and vinegar release chlorine gas. Never combine them, and rinse and ventilate between products.
- Ventilate when using any cleaner, oil or sealer indoors.
- Keep pets and children away while you clean and until the table is dry. Runoff from strong cleaners or sealers should not reach areas where pets drink or play.
- Store soaps, cleaners, oils and used rags out of reach. If a child or pet may have swallowed something, contact poison control or a veterinarian.
- Protect yourself: gloves and eye protection when using anything stronger than dish soap.
Keeping it clean
- Use coasters, placemats and trivets.
- Wipe spills immediately.
- Dust or brush regularly; rinse outdoor tables occasionally, and in spring rinse pollen off patio furniture before it bakes on.
- Cover or store outdoor tables during harsh weather if practical.
For other wood surfaces in your home, see how to clean a reclaimed wood table.
FAQ
What is a good cleaner for teak wood furniture? Mild dish soap and warm water work for most routine cleaning. Teak-specific cleaners exist for heavy weathering; follow their label.
Can I use a pressure washer? It is generally not recommended because it can damage the wood surface.
Why is my teak turning gray? Untreated outdoor teak weathers naturally to silvery gray over time.