How to Remove Water Rings and Stains From Teak Furniture

Teak garden furniture and wooden decking by crinklecankle.com is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Teak is susceptible to stains and discoloration from spills and moisture. Even the condensation from your glass of iced tea resting on your teak patio table can leave a water ring. This staining occurs because the moisture is trapped between the finish and the wood, creating a hazy discoloration.

You chose teak wood for its beauty and durability, making it ideal for furniture. Like most woods, you can use it indoors or outside. Teak furniture can help turn your Los Angeles yoga studio into a calm space for focus and serenity or your Huntington Beach ocean view patio into an exotic oasis.

With the proper care, your teak furniture will provide decades of enjoyment. Some teak owners like a natural, weathered look and leave it untreated, allowing it to gray and oxidize. Other people prefer to stain or varnish their teak wood for maximum protection and enhancement of the wood’s natural beauty. Even still, stains happen. We asked our Teak Master experts to explain how to remove stains from teak furniture.

Identifying Different Types of Stains on Teak

Many liquids stain teak. The common culprits are water, soft drinks, wine, and cocktails. If you serve these drinks at your Long Beach pool party, you can expect a guest to leave their cold glass on your teak table for too long.

Knowing what caused the stain will determine how you remove it. Water typically leaves a white haze. The condensation on your glass leaves a hazy circle where the moisture contacted the wood.

Red wine will leave a noticeable dark red or purple stain, which can be difficult to remove because of the way wine bonds with wood. Coffee will also significantly darken teak when spilled. Cola leaves a reddish-brown, almost amber color on teak. If you need help identifying a stain on your teak, we recommend you contact a Teak Master expert.

Household Methods for Light Water Rings

You can remove light water rings on untreated surfaces by rubbing a solution of water and mild soap. If the stain has lingered for a day or longer, it might require a more thorough cleaning with a coarse sponge.

Rubbing a small amount of mayonnaise in a circular pattern on stains adds oils to the surface. Wipe the mayonnaise away with a damp cloth and then dry the surface with a clean cloth. If the stain proves stubborn, try leaving the mayonnaise on for a few hours before cleaning.

A surface treated with oils or varnishes requires a different approach. Start with warm, soapy water and a cloth or sponge. If this doesn’t work well, you’ll need to use fine sandpaper and then treat the wood with oil. You might have to repeat this process to get the desired look.

Deeper Cleaning Techniques for Stubborn Stains

Your teak patio at your Laguna Beach house is ideal for entertaining, but cooking can lead to unsightly oil stains. Oil soaks into the teak’s surface, and you need to remove the oil quickly. Use a towel to soak up the oil, and then rub a mixture of mild soap and water into the wood using a soft brush. Rinse the spot with fresh water and then dry it.

The teak pergola you installed in your Los Angeles yard creates a stylish outdoor retreat with excellent shade. Moisture and shade also create optimal conditions for moss and green algae to thrive. Cleaning teak wood stains from moss and green algae requires soapy water mixed with four to six tablespoons of baking soda. Allow this solution to soak into the wood for ten minutes and then remove it with a sponge. Rinse with clean water and then dry the area.

You can use mineral spirits, like paint thinner, to help remove deeper stains. Rub the stain with a towel moistened with mineral spirits, being careful not to let the spirit saturate the surface. Work in small areas and repeat as needed. Once you have removed the stain, use warm, soapy water to remove the solution, then rinse and pat dry.

Oxygenated bleach is a powerful cleanser you can use as an alternative. Oxygenated bleach comes in a powder that you mix with warm water. Make sure you use gloves for protection. Apply a small amount of this solution using the corner of a clean towel or a soft brush and follow the grain of the wood.

Ammonia is another alternative for cleaning teak wood stains, but you must use it carefully, or it could discolor some wood surfaces. Mix one part ammonia with four parts water and rub it into the stain. Two tablespoons of gum turpentine and four tablespoons of boiled linseed oil mixed with a gallon of warm water is another alternative.

When Professional Restoration Is the Best Option

The teak furniture restoration tips we’ve provided can be done by you at home. In most cases, you’ll get excellent results. Not every stain is created equal, and it may take a Teak Master professional to find the right solution.

If you’ve tried our cleaning tips without the desired effect, contact our team for help. Many customers return to us every few years to have us refinish large teak structures, such as a deck or siding. Even small stains require some time and effort, and we realize some people don’t have the time or inclination to clean and maintain their teak furniture and decor. That’s why we’re here.

Keeping Teak Furniture Looking Its Best

You’ve invested in the beauty of teak to enhance your interior and exterior aesthetics. You should protect that investment with proper cleaning and maintenance to keep your teak looking its best. We recommend you send us an email if you need help with stubborn stains or restorative work. Include a brief description of what care you need. One of our friendly, knowledgeable staff will contact you to explain your options and create a plan to care for or restore your teak furniture.