A sauna provides relaxation, detoxification, and health benefits, but maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is key to ensuring a pleasant experience. Regular cleaning not only extends the life of your sauna but also helps maintain its overall functionality. This guide will walk you through the process of effectively cleaning a sauna room.
Why Regular Cleaning Is Important
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Health and Hygiene: Poorly maintained saunas may become an environment where bacteria, mold, and mildew can grow if left unchecked. Regular cleaning helps reduce these risks.
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Preservation: Keeping your sauna clean helps preserve the wood, heating elements, and other components, preventing long-term damage.
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Aesthetic Appeal: A clean sauna looks inviting and ensures your relaxation space stays comfortable and pleasant.
What You'll Need
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Soft cloths or microfiber towels
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Sauna-specific cleaner
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Bucket of warm water
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Soft-bristle brush
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White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide (optional for deep cleaning)
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Vacuum cleaner or broom (for floors)
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Wood conditioner or oil (optional for finishing)
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Rubber gloves (for personal protection)
Step 1: Turn Off and Cool Down the Sauna
Before starting the cleaning process, ensure that the sauna is turned off and has cooled down completely. Cleaning a hot sauna could cause burns, and it’s best to work in a safe environment.
Step 2: Clear the Space
Remove any towels, accessories, and items from the sauna, such as buckets, ladles, or thermometers. If there are any removable cushions or backrests, take them out for cleaning or washing.
Step 3: Sweep or Vacuum the Floor
Dust and dirt can accumulate on the floor of your sauna. Use a broom or vacuum cleaner to remove any debris. Be careful not to damage the wood while cleaning.
Step 4: Clean the Wooden Surfaces
Wood is the most prominent material in saunas, and it deserves the greatest attention.
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Wipe down the walls and benches with a soft damp cloth. Dilute our highly-effective sauna cleaner in a bucket of warm water, before wiping to remove sweat stains and body oils. Avoid bleach and other harsh chemicals as they can damage the wood.
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Tackle difficult areas like corners or crevices with a soft-bristle brush. These areas often accumulate dust, dirt, and grime.
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Rinse with clean water to remove any soap residue and wipe down the surfaces with a dry towel.
Step 5: Clean the Sauna Heater
The sauna heater needs attention too, especially the rocks used in traditional saunas.
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Unplug or turn off the heater and allow it to cool completely.
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Clean the surface of the heater with a damp cloth to remove dust or mineral buildup.
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Check the sauna rocks for any signs of cracks and debris. If needed, gently remove loose dirt using a soft brush. You should replace your sauna stones every 1-2 years with regular home use. Using high-quality and intact stones guarantees optimal performance.
If you're using an infrared sauna, the heater panels can be wiped down with a damp cloth, but avoid excessive moisture to protect the electronics.
Step 6: Clean the Sauna Glass (If Applicable)
Many modern saunas have glass doors or panels. To keep them streak-free and crystal clear:
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Use a glass cleaner (make sure it's safe for sauna use, ideally ammonia-free) or a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water.
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Spray lightly on the glass and wipe with a clean, dry cloth or microfiber towel to remove spots and smudges.
Step 7: Remove Odors
To keep the sauna smelling fresh, you can use the following deodorizing methods:
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Sauna cleaner: Our sauna cleaner deodorizes your sauna in addition to cleaning it, leaving a fresh citric aroma.
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Baking soda: Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda on surfaces, let it sit for a while, then wipe it away.
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Vinegar: If there's an odor from mold or mildew, mix water and white vinegar (1:1 ratio) in a spray bottle and lightly mist the affected areas. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then wipe clean.
Ensure proper ventilation while cleaning to prevent any lingering odors from staying trapped inside the sauna.
Step 8: Disinfect and Deep Clean (As Needed)
If you're looking for a deep clean or have noticed any mold or mildew, you may want to disinfect the sauna:
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Use a mixture of vinegar and water (about 1 cup vinegar per gallon of water) to disinfect the walls, benches, and floors. Vinegar naturally kills many types of bacteria and mold.
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Hydrogen peroxide can also be used as an alternative disinfectant. Lightly spray it on surfaces and allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes before wiping it off.
Be sure to test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before using it throughout the entire sauna to avoid damaging the wood.
Step 9: Condition the Wood (Optional)
After cleaning, it's a good idea to condition the wood to keep it looking vibrant. You can use a special sauna wood conditioner or oil designed for sauna wood (like Nordic pine or cedar). This helps maintain the integrity of the wood and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked.
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Apply the conditioner or oil using a clean, dry cloth.
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Allow it to soak in for a few hours or as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 10: Final Check and Ventilation
Before you finish up, ensure that all surfaces are dry. Open the sauna door or windows (if applicable) to allow the sauna to air out and dry completely.
Bonus Tips for Maintenance:
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Keep the sauna ventilated: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent excess humidity from building up and to avoid mold growth. Make sure the sauna’s ventilation system is working properly and not blocked.
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Limit personal oils: Encourage sauna users to shower before entering, as this helps to reduce the amount of body oils and sweat that accumulate on the wood.
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Regular upkeep: Perform light cleaning after every few uses to avoid dirt buildup, and schedule a deeper clean every 4–6 weeks depending on usage.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to preserving your sauna’s health, aesthetic appeal, and functionality. By following these steps, you can ensure your sauna stays a relaxing, hygienic, and welcoming space for many years to come. Enjoy your clean and healthy sauna!
