Maintaining a boats wood finish is a love/hate affair for most owners, but fortunately it is something that teak lends itself to easily. You can clean and oil or varnish it, or take the more laid- back approach, and let it weather to its natural, silver-gray color.
Regardless of a boat owners maintenance philosophy, most teak will eventually need a thorough cleaning-be it in preparation for fall layup, spring commissioning, or when readying the wood for oiling or varnishing. For regular washing of teak decks, we recommend using a sponte, a soft-bristled brush or scrubbing pad and a mild detergent-or none at all-scrubbing or sponging gently across the grain of the wood, rather than with it (to avoid removal of the softer wood). Use the softest approach first; the less abrasion on your teak the better.
For less frequent, more intense cleaning, or for areas being prepped for a wood finish, a teak cleaner can be the solution.
For more specific advice, Practical Sailor solicited teak care tips from a few industry veterans, and we found that maintenance methods are like snowflakes: No two are alike.
John Neal-captain of Mahina Tiare, a Hallberg-Rassy 46 sail-training ship that has seen more than 117,000 miles-said that once a year, he washes the decks with a very soft, fluffy brush and a solution of fresh water, dish soap, and a little bleach. He lets it sit for 5 minutes or less, and then rinses the deck. Once or twice a year, he uses Boracal, a clear, odorless anti-fungal that doesn’t bleach the wood but keeps mold at bay.
Teak-deck manufacturer Teak Decking Systems cautions against using bleach on decks, as does Star brite Vice President Jeff Tieger. Bleach, harsh laundry detergents, or other harsh household products can wear away teak, Tieger said. For regular maintenance, he suggests washing down the decks with fresh water and a mild boat soap. For bigger jobs, he recommends a teak cleaner or brightener. According to Tieger, even decks should be sealed with an oil or sealer to prolong the life of the teak and to protect the wood from getting the washboard look caused when the soft wood wears away.
For more on cleaning decks of all types, purchase and download Practical Sailors ebook, Essential Marine Cleaners today!
To read even more about the cleaning and maintenance of all your boating surfaces, buy the entire three-part series for the price of two! Available for purchase and download is Practical Sailor’s ebook series, MARINE CLEANERS. This three volume set contains the ebooks GELCOAT MAINTENANCE AND RESTORATION, ESSENTIAL MARINE CLEANERS and SPECIALTY MARINE CLEANERS.
You’ll get one complete ebook FREE.
