Choosing the right pads for teak, marble and technical floors

Why does the pad matter more than the machine?

The machine supplies the movement; the pad decides how much it cleans and how much wood it takes.

The JÖST Teak Scrubber, Cleaner & Sander and the Deckie are oscillating machines: the pad moves in short, fast strokes rather than spinning. That keeps the work even and controlled along the grain. But fit the wrong pad and even a gentle machine will do the wrong job. A pad that is too aggressive wears soft grain down and leaves the caulking proud. A pad that is too mild just moves grey dirt around.

Pads are sold separately from the rental, and one machine can do several different jobs depending on the pad you fit. Get the pad right first and the rest of the job follows.

Which pad should I use on my teak?

Judge the wood first: how much teak is left above the caulking, and how grey is the surface?

• Abraflex® Superpad GREEN (medium abrasiveness): for weathered teak that still has enough wood. It lifts grey oxidation, salt, algae and mould without damaging the wood fibres. JÖST €14.89 / Deckie €5.49.
• Abraflex® Superpad RED (slight abrasiveness): for routine cleaning of teak in good condition, such as a weekly wash or a refresh between charters. JÖST €14.89 / Deckie €5.49.
• Jöst Grey Microfiber Pad (water only): for new or pristine teak, delicate areas and very thin old teak, plus scuffs and shoe marks. Washable and reusable. JÖST €34.99 / Deckie €19.89.

If you are not sure, start one step gentler than you think, then move up only where you need to. You cannot put wood back once it has been removed.

Which machine fits which job?

Use the JÖST for open deck areas and the Deckie for detail work. Most crews use both.

• JÖST Teak Scrubber, Cleaner & Sander, €150/day: oscillating, with a 190 × 340 mm pad. Built for open aft decks, sundecks and long side decks where you want to cover a lot of area quickly and evenly.
• The Deckie, €100/day: compact, with a 120 × 250 mm pad. For steps, the passarella, the swim platform, around fittings and anywhere the JÖST will not reach.
• Santoemma Sabrina-HOT and Sabrina-Foam, €150/day each, −30% from 3 days: extraction cleaners for cushions, upholstery, carpets and mattresses. The Sabrina-Foam adds a disinfecting attachment. Pair them with a deck clean to finish exterior seating.

For marble and stone, JÖST Diamond pads polish the surface. For non-skid surfaces, use TURF pads. The FAQ covers the full pad range.

How do I clean a teak deck step by step?

Wet the deck, work in sections along the grain, rinse often, and let it dry before you judge the result.

1. Inspect the deck. Check wood depth above the caulking, loose plugs and any lifted seams, then choose GREEN, RED or Grey for each area.
2. Clear and protect. Remove furniture and cover nearby stainless steel and paintwork from spray.
3. Wet the teak thoroughly. Never scrub dry teak: water lubricates the pad and carries the dirt away.
4. Work one section at a time with the JÖST, moving along the grain with steady, overlapping passes. Let the machine do the work and do not press down.
5. Detail the edges, steps and corners with the Deckie and the same pad type.
6. Rinse each section with fresh water before it dries, so the lifted dirt does not settle back into the grain.
7. Rinse the pads during the job and wash them afterwards. A clogged pad smears instead of cleaning.
8. Let the deck dry fully, then check the colour. Treat any remaining grey patches locally instead of re-scrubbing the whole deck.

What are the most common mistakes?

Most damage comes from using a pad that is too aggressive, scrubbing dry, or pressing too hard.

• Using GREEN on thin teak. If the caulking already stands proud, switch to Grey Microfiber with water only.
• Scrubbing across the grain. This tears soft fibres and leaves visible lines.
• Pressing down on the machine. The oscillating action is enough on its own, and extra pressure just digs in.
• Using harsh acids or two-part cleaners. They strip the wood and attack caulking and nearby finishes. With the right pad, water is usually enough.
• Letting dirty water dry on the deck, which leaves streaks and redeposits grey.
• Running out of pads halfway through. For a JÖST rental on a ~50 m yacht, plan about 4 GREEN pads.

How do I get the machines and pads to the yacht?

Request a quote with your dates, port and deck condition, and we will recommend the pads and arrange delivery or pick-up.

The JÖST and the Deckie cost the same at every hub. In the South of France, delivery costs €60 between Menton, Monaco and Cannes and €120 from west of Cannes to Saint-Tropez, and pick-up in Nice is free. At the partner hubs, delivery or pick-up is arranged locally by the hub. See ports and hubs for coverage, then request a quote.