Does Teak Oil Stain Shower Tile?

Teak Oil

• Don't confuse teak oil with teak wood. Teak wood is a naturally oily wood that develops a pleasant silvery-gray color as it ages. The durable teak wood is commonly used for exterior furniture; it will last a lifetime with the proper care. Teak oil, available from various manufacturers, protects dense hardwoods as it brings out the natural grain and color of the wood.

Does Teak Oil Stain?

• Teak oil can stain a number of surfaces, including wood, if applied correctly. If teak oil comes in contact with your shower tile, it can leave a permanent discoloration on the surface. The quicker you deal with the spilled teak oil the less likely a stain or discoloration will remain.

Cleaning Up Teak Oil

• When cleaning spilled teak oil, take the proper safety precautions to keep yourself safe. Cover the spilled liquid with earth or sand and let it sit for several minutes. The earth or sand is a nonflammable material that will absorb the teak oil. After the allotted time has passed, scoop the earth or sand into a heavy-duty garbage bag. Once you have removed the absorbent material, dampen a rag in mineral spirits or paint thinner. Wipe the location where the teak oil spilled with the rag and rinse the tiles clean with cool water. This will remove any remaining teak oil on the shower tile.

Considerations

• Always follow the usage instructions as well as the clean-up directions for the specific brand of teak oil that spilled on the shower tile. In addition, wear chemical-resistant gloves when cleaning teak oil to prevent possible irritation to your hands. Furthermore, open windows or turn on the vent in the bathroom to remove the fumes caused by the spilled teak oil.