teak cleaning

[Brodie]

The interior of my "new" boat is entirely oiled teak. Most of it is in very good shape, but it all needs a good cleaning. Some areas, particularly the companionway ladder and the trim just inside the companionway, are discolored. What would be the best thing to use to clean the discolored areas, and also to just give the rest of the interior a good cleaning before putting on some teak oil?

[Duncan]

There is quite a good guide to oil finishes here. There's also a good one in The Hinckley Guide to Yacht Care (which is a much more down-to-earth and practical book than the snooty title might suggest).

I would sand down the discoloured areas, and rebuild the finish as described. A lot of people just wipe on some new oil every season, but I think this ends up being more work for less results in the long run.

[Hirilondë]

I would sand down the discoloured areas, and rebuild the finish as described.

That's fine on solid teak, but be very careful on the plywood. The veneer is not very thick.

Lemon juice is a good oil cleaner. Make sure it is not sweetened though.

[Duncan]

I would sand down the discoloured areas, and rebuild the finish as described.

That's fine on solid teak, but be very careful on the plywood. The veneer is not very thick.

Lemon juice is a good oil cleaner. Make sure it is not sweetened though.

Thanks, good point, although I imagine the pieces mentioned would be solid.
Even so, some lemon juice first would probably be a great idea.