Teak decks are a beautiful sight to behold… when they’re clean. Without proper cleaning and maintenance, your teak turns from golden to weathered and grimy over time. The good news? It’s easy to renew your teak decks in just a few simple steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your teak without damaging it using one of DiTEC’s two trusted teak cleaning systems:
Teak Magic is ideal for:
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Severely weathered, grey, or neglected teak
- Teak in sensitive or areas near finished metals
- Teak that hasn’t been cleaned in 6+ months
Teak Clean is ideal for:
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Routine maintenance
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Lightly soiled or newer teak
- Follow-up cleanings after a Teak Magic treatment
Pro Tips to Know Before You Begin:
- Work from top to bottom if your boat has multiple levels, allowing the product to drip to the lower decks
- Dampen your teak first to make the process even easier
- Teak Magic and Teak Clean are eco friendly and readily biodegradable, so you can keep your boat in the water while cleaning your decks without harming the marine environment
- Wear proper safety gear, including nitrile gloves.
Method 1: Full Restoration with Teak Magic 1 & 2 + Triton 2.0
Use this method if your teak needs a serious refresher or is in an area near finished metals.
You’ll Need:
- Teak Magic Part 1
- Teak Magic Part 2
- Clean Bucket
- Foam brush, deck brush, or polypropylene scrub pad
- Hose or fresh water
- Clean cloths or microfiber towels
- Triton 2.0 Teak Shield
Step-by-Step:
Teak Magic: Part 1 (Cleaner)
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Prepare the Solution: In a clean bucket, mix one part Teak Magic Part 1 with four parts fresh water (1:4).
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Apply Evenly: Use a foam brush, deck brush, or polypropylene scrub pad to spread Teak Magic Part 1 evenly onto the damp teak surface.
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Dwell Time: Allow Part 1 to dwell on the surface for 3-5 minutes.
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Scrub Gently: With a medium polypropylene scrub pad, scrub the teak with and against the wood grain using medium pressure to loosen dirt or contaminants.
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Thorough Rinse: Rinse off dirt and product with fresh water, paying attention to areas like cleats or scuppers. Proceed to Teak Magic Part 2 (Brightener).
Teak Magic: Part 2 (Brightener)
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Prepare the Solution: After rinsing off Teak Magic Part 1, dampen the surface. In a clean bucket, mix one part Teak Magic Part 2 with four parts fresh water (1:4).
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Even Application: Spread Teak Magic Part 2 evenly onto the surface using a foam brush, soft bristle deck brush, or medium polypropylene scrub pad. No scrubbing is needed; let the product do the work.
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Dwell Time: Allow Part 2 to dwell on the surface for 3-5 minutes.
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Thorough Rinse: After teak brightens, thoroughly rinse the surface with fresh water, especially in areas where dirty water/product may accumulate.
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Drying: Remove excess water and allow the teak to dry completely. When dry, apply DiTEC Triton 2.0 for extended protection against various elements.
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Seal with Triton 2.0 Teak Shield: Once dry, apply Triton to protect your teak from the elements. Reapply every few months for best results.
Need more help? Watch this video about how to use Teak Magic.
Method 2: Routine Maintenance with Teak Clean + Triton
Use this method for regular upkeep or after a Teak Magic treatment to keep your teak looking its best.
You’ll Need:
- Teak Clean
- Deck brush or doodle pad
- Clean cloth, applicator pad, or pump sprayer
- Hose or fresh water
- Triton 2.0 Teak Shield
Step-by-Step:
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Apply Teak Clean: Distribute Teak Clean over the damp surface and let sit from 30 seconds to 5 minutes to lift light stains and contaminants.
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Gently Scrub: Use a deck brush or scrubbing pad (3M medium blue Doodlebug pad or similar) with the grain. No need to overdo it—this cleaner is gentle but effective. Frequently inspect and rinse your brush or scrubbing pad to remove embedded wood fibers. Continue this process until no wood fibers are embedded after scrubbing.
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Rinse and Dry: Rinse the deck thoroughly and allow it to dry.
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Seal with Triton 2.0 Teak Shield: Once dry, apply Triton 2.0 to protect your teak from the elements. Reapply every few months for best results.
Need more help? Watch this video about how to use Teak Clean.
With the right cleaning system and Triton 2.0, your teak deck can look stunning season after season. Whether it needs a full reset or just some light maintenance, DiTEC’s pro-grade products make teak care easy and effective.
