How to Clean Teak Floors

Teak Flooring

Teak is a tropical hardwood used to make furnishings and flooring. It is prized for its rich natural color, as well as for its strength and durability. Teak wood contains natural oils that help protect it from sun and water damage and also keep the material looking fresh. These oils make this material very easy to maintain. Teak floors can be cleaned much the same as other hardwood surfaces and will last for decades with proper maintenance.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner
• Dry cloths
• Water
• Ammonia
• Fine steel wool
• Mop
• Hardwood floor cleaner
• Bucket
• Polishing cloths
• Teak oil

1. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and debris. These materials are the No.1 culprit when it comes to making your floor look dull and damaged. Dirt is tracked in on the shoes of visitors, then ground into the floor through foot traffic. By removing dirt daily with a vacuum, you'll be able to protect the look of your floors. Use a brush attachment to ensure you penetrate the wood grain and joints.

2. Clean up spills as soon as they occur. While teak has naturally protective oils, long-term exposure to moisture will cause the material to swell and distort. Use a dry cloth to clean water and other liquids as soon as possible.

3. Remove stains using a blend of water and ammonia. Apply this mixture to a dry cloth and blot at the stain. If this doesn't work, try gently rubbing the stain with a fine piece of steel wool. The room should be well-ventilated when using ammonia.

4. Mop your floors weekly using a damp mop. This will pick up the smaller dust particles that the vacuum can't get to. If the floor is particularly dirty, mix a hardwood flooring cleaner with water and use this to clean with. Do not over-wet your mop or the floor.

5. Buff the surface of the floor to restore its sheen and luster. Work in small areas at a time using a soft microfiber cloth. Rub the cloth on the teak in a circular pattern to buff away surface film and bring out the natural beauty of the wood.

6. Treat your floors with teak oil every few years to refresh their appearance. Apply a small bit of teak oil to a clean dry rag, and rub it into the floor in the same direction as the wood grain. Wipe away any excess. The floor should be vacuumed and mopped before you start.

References

• Cleaning Teak Floors