- Clean across the grain with a soft brush and mild teak cleaner; never pressure-wash.
- Grey teak is not damaged teak; oiling is a choice, not a requirement.
- Lifting or cracked caulking lets water under the deck and needs attention.
- Sanding removes wood that will not come back: do it sparingly.
Cleaning
Use plenty of water, a mild teak cleaner and a soft brush, working across the grain. Hard brushes and pressure washers remove the soft wood between the grain, leaving a ridged surface and a thinner deck. Rinse thoroughly, especially salt water, and let the deck dry naturally.
Oil, sealer or nothing?
- Left natural: teak turns silver-grey and stays non-slip. It needs only regular gentle cleaning.
- Oiled: looks golden but needs frequent reapplication and can turn dark or blotchy in strong sun.
- Sealed: modern sealers last longer than oil and protect against stains, but need regular maintenance coats.
Whatever you choose, do not mix products without checking compatibility.
Two-part cleaners
Two-part cleaners restore colour quickly but are aggressive. Used too often they remove wood and attack caulking. Keep them for occasional restoration rather than routine cleaning.
Pour a bucket of water on the deck on a hot day and watch how it dries. Lines that stay wet along the seams can point to failing caulking.
Caulking and fastenings
The black seams between planks are flexible caulking. When it lifts, cracks or comes away from the plank edges, water can get under the deck. On older decks, plugs can pop out over screws. Small areas can be re-caulked; larger problems need a specialist assessment.
When to call a professional
- Planks so thin that plugs or screw heads show.
- Widespread lifting caulking.
- Leaks below the deck or soft areas underfoot.
- You want the deck restored before a sale.
Krautic can arrange teak cleaning, treatment and repairs at your marina through vetted local professionals, with a fixed written quote.