How to care for teak or solid wood furniture?

Updated July 2026.

To maintain teak or solid wood furniture, dust it frequently in the direction of the grain, clean with a barely damp cloth, and wipe dry immediately. Avoid standing water, direct sunlight, and abrasive products. Depending on the finish, nourish oiled wood once or twice a year; varnished wood only requires gentle maintenance.

Teak and solid wood: what sets them apart

Teak is a dense wood, naturally rich in oils, which makes it resistant to moisture and insects. This is why it is found in living rooms as well as in bathrooms or on terraces. Other solid woods, such as oak, mango, or acacia, are just as solid but more sensitive to water and variations in ambient conditions.

In both cases, solid wood is a living material: it works slightly with the humidity of the room, develops a patina, and improves with age. Well-maintained, a piece of furniture made of solid wood can last for decades.

Daily maintenance tips

Routine maintenance involves a few simple habits, valid for both teak and all solid woods:

1. Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth, always in the direction of the wood grain.
2. Clean with a slightly damp cloth: a microfiber cloth lightly moistened, without excess water, then wipe immediately to avoid leaving water marks.
3. Use coasters and placemats: the heat and moisture from a cup or vase can mark the surface.
4. Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight, which can dry out the wood and cause uneven discoloration.
5. Avoid abrasive products and alcohol: a mild soap or a special wood cleaner is more than sufficient.

How to nourish and revive wood

Over time, solid wood can dry out and lose its luster. Nourishing it restores its depth. The ideal frequency depends on the finish, but once or twice a year is suitable for most indoor furniture.

• Wood oil or teak oil: it penetrates the fiber, revives the color, and deeply nourishes. Apply a thin layer with a cloth, let it penetrate, then wipe off any excess.
• Wax: it deposits a satin protective film on the surface, ideal for already oiled or raw wood.
• Preliminary test: always test on a hidden area to check the resulting color.

Oiled, varnished, or waxed: adapt according to the finish

Before oiling, identify the finish of your furniture: the maintenance steps are not the same.

The case of teak: should it be allowed to gray?

Untreated teak, especially outdoors, develops a beautiful silvery gray patina over time due to UV exposure. This is purely aesthetic: the wood remains sound and solid. It's up to you to choose your preference.

• If you like the gray patina: do nothing, a simple annual cleaning with soapy water is sufficient.
• If you prefer the honey tone: apply a teak oil once or twice a year to revive the original color.

Repairing minor accidents

Solid wood has a great advantage over veneered materials: it can be repaired. Here are the most common cases:

• White water ring: gently rub in the direction of the grain with a cloth barely moistened with oil; the mark often fades.
• Light scratch: a little oil or wax blends the line into the material; for a more pronounced scratch, light fine sanding followed by re-oiling will make the defect disappear.
• Grease stain: blot without rubbing, then clean with mild soap.

Fenalor's tip: maintain an indoor environment that is neither too dry nor too humid, around 40-60% humidity. This prevents solid wood from cracking in winter, when heating dries out the air. A bowl of water near a radiator or a few green plants helps maintain this balance.

How to revive already grayed teak?

Teak that has turned gray can be restored to its honey color, provided it is cleaned before being nourished: applying oil to a grayed surface would only set the patina. Start by brushing the dry wood, always in the direction of the grain, with a soft-bristled brush; a wire brush would tear out the soft fibers. Then apply a wood brightener, a product based on oxalic acid that dissolves the gray layer in a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clear water. The wood will come out slightly fuzzy: very light sanding with 180-grit sandpaper will smooth it again. Finally, let it dry for 48 hours in the shade, away from humidity, before applying teak oil. This is the most often neglected step: oiling wood that is still damp traps water and causes the surface to whiten. Aim for two thin coats spaced 6 to 8 hours apart rather than a single thick coat. For outdoor furniture, repeat the operation every spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should teak furniture be oiled?

For indoor teak furniture, one to two applications of oil per year are sufficient to nourish the wood and maintain its warm color. Outdoors, where sun and rain have a greater effect, plan for two to three times a year if you want to keep the honey color.

How do I remove a water stain from solid wood?

A white ring often remains on the surface. Gently rub in the direction of the grain with a slightly oiled cloth, or a mild mixture of oil and wax. For a stubborn mark on oiled wood, very fine localized sanding followed by re-oiling will erase the defect.

Can teak furniture be placed in a bathroom?

Yes, this is even one of teak's strengths: its natural oils make it very tolerant to humidity. Ventilate the room and wipe away standing water occasionally. Occasional teak oil will prolong its beauty in this humid environment.

Should varnished wood be oiled?

No. Varnished or lacquered wood is protected by a surface film that oil cannot penetrate: it would remain greasy. Simply use a soft, barely damp cloth. Oil is reserved for oiled, waxed, or raw woods.

To create a lasting wooden interior, discover our furniture and tables. And to choose a wooden piece well, also read how to choose an entrance console.