Old Secrets of Modern Sailors: How to Take Care of Teak on Yachts

The truth is that while innovations in cleaning products have transformed many aspects of yacht maintenance, they may not always be for the better—especially when it comes to caring for teak.

In fact, experienced captains and old-school sailors argue that traditional methods of teak care, rooted in centuries of maritime practice, often outperform modern techniques. Let us explore how sailors of the past maintained teak, why modern methods might be causing more harm than good, and how yacht owners today can benefit from returning to these tried-and-true practices.

The Timeless Appeal of Teak

Teak wood, a material often used in yacht decks and outdoor furnishings, is popular for its resilience to moisture, its natural oils that act as a weather-resistant barrier, and its visually striking honey-brown color.

This unique hardwood comes from the teak tree (Tectona grandis), which thrives in tropical regions.

Despite its ruggedness, teak requires consistent and careful upkeep to preserve its looks and functionality. Over time, the golden sheen of a new teak deck can fade into a weathered gray, which some sailors find charming and others wish to avoid. Either way, the correct maintenance routine is essential to keeping teak in good condition and extending its lifespan.

Old vs. New: The Battle of Teak Care Methods

Teak care has seen a divergence in practice over the past century. On the one hand, there’s the old school of sailors who use minimal, simple, and effective methods to maintain their wooden decks. On the other hand, we now have modern practices that are heavily reliant on specialized products, each claiming to be the best solution for protecting and restoring teak. The question is, which approach is better?

Long before modern yachts sailed the oceans, sailors maintained their teak decks using the most basic of ingredients—seawater. Teak would be scrubbed using natural brushes or soft scrubbing pads, with the motion running horizontally along the vertical grain of the wood.

This technique was key because it preserved the structural integrity of the teak fibers while preventing damage to the wood’s top layers.

These historic practices were based on centuries of experience. Sailors understood the nuances of teak, recognizing that scrubbing too aggressively or in the wrong direction could degrade the surface over time. They also knew that simple seawater was a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner, and that regular cleaning helped keep salt from building up and forming deposits on the wood.

Teak Care Modern Practices: Overcomplicated and Overhyped?

The rise of modern yachting has brought a flood of cleaning products specifically targeted at teak maintenance. From chemical polishes to oil-based sealants, the market is flooded with expensive products claiming to clean, protect, and restore teak to its original lustre.

However, as more and more products hit the shelves, concerns are emerging about the long-term effects of these modern methods.
Many of these products contain abrasive chemical compounds that may produce short-term results—such as a bright, clean deck—but cause long-term damage by eroding the wood’s natural protective layer.

Moreover, the water used in modern teak cleaning methods often comes from onboard water tanks, not directly from the sea. This water has typically passed through several filtration stages before it even touches the teak, using expensive yacht water pumps in the process.

Regular use of these pumps for non-essential cleaning can lead to unnecessary wear-and-tear on yacht equipment, raising maintenance costs without offering better results than traditional seawater scrubbing.

The Risks of Modern Overcleaning

A striking example of how modern methods might be failing teak can be seen at yacht shows around the world. Recently, several high-profile yacht shows displayed brand-new yachts that already showed signs of distress on their teak decks.

Despite being fresh off the production line, the teak on many of these yachts appeared stained, graying, or uneven in texture—symptoms of over-cleaning and overuse of modern products.

There’s a growing consensus among experienced yacht captains and deckhands that we should return to the simple, effective practices of the past. In the words of one seasoned captain, “People have forgotten the old ways, which function much better than the new, untested methods that only have pseudo-luxury science behind them.”

This isn’t just a matter of nostalgia. Older methods, including using lard-based soap or seawater, avoid the harsh chemicals present in modern products, which erode teak over time.

Lard-based soap, once a staple in ship maintenance, provides a gentle clean while keeping the wood’s natural oils intact. It’s a sustainable, biodegradable solution that aligns with growing environmental consciousness in the yachting industry.

Making the Transition Back

For yacht owners and captains interested in transitioning back to traditional methods of teak maintenance, it’s essential to begin with education. Many modern deckhands and crew members have only ever known how to use the latest chemical cleaners and power tools, so it may take time to retrain staff on the old-school methods of scrubbing with seawater and soap.

Furthermore, resisting the temptation to use flashy new products can be difficult in an industry that prioritizes novelty and innovation.

But as more and more yacht owners see the long-term benefits of traditional teak care, there’s hope that these methods will regain their rightful place in the yachting world.

As sustainability and ecological consciousness become increasingly important in the yachting industry, the old-school methods of teak care are more relevant than ever.

With their low environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and proven results, traditional teak maintenance practices offer a way forward for yacht owners who want to care for their vessels without causing unnecessary harm—both to their teak decks and to the planet.

Ultimately, it’s time to rediscover the secrets of the sailors who came before us. By embracing these age-old practices, we can not only maintain the beauty and durability of our teak decks but also preserve the rich heritage of maritime craftsmanship for future generations.