A 5-minute care guide for teak furniture

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.