If you own your sauna, you have a private place to escape and rejuvenate. However, this sanctuary should be regularly maintained to ensure it continues to serve its purpose. Cleaning the wood, heater, and airflow are simple ways to preserve your sauna and keep it fresh and cozy. No matter how often you use your sauna, this guide will keep it in excellent condition for years to come, offering you long-term access to quality relaxation and wellbeing.

How Often Should You Clean Your Sauna?

• After each use: Wipe the benches, walls, and floors with a damp cloth. Afterward, open the door or vent to air out the moisture
• Weekly: Deep clean the regular user’s available surfaces. Sweep or vacuum the floors and the benches, and scrub with gentle cleaners. Treat any stains using baking soda or light sanding.
•  Every 2-3 weeks: Clean fully every two to three weeks for one with occasional use 
•  Monthly: Check any vents, the heater parts, and door handles. Also, clean the hard-to-reach spots on the structures
•  Seasonally: The sauna should be cleaned more often in fall and winter due to the high moisture content. Conversely, the sauna should be cleaned less in spring and summer. 
•  Twice a year or annually: Deep clean using sanding. Oil wood surfaces. Also, inspect the rocks and the heater, and make repairs as necessary.

Best Practices for Cleaning Your Sauna Wood

To maintain your sauna wood in optimal condition, you need to approach its care gently and regularly. The following are crucial practices that would make your sauna keep its beauty and functionality for a long time.

Regular Cleaning

Use a damp cloth: the cloth should be damp, but not wet. Ensure to address any sweat and oils developing and staining the wood.
Avoid harsh chemicals: do not use common cleaning agents such as bleach, ammonia, or oil-based cleaners. Consider natural wood products specially formulated for sauna care. Vacuum/sweep: the floors and benches should be vacuumed or swept every week, with hair, dust, or other debris that could accumulate.

Deep Cleaning and Maintenance 

Use mild cleaners: as-needed, employ a suitable, easy-wood cleaner with a soft brush. This will help get rid of stains or dirt.
Sand and inspect: benches and wood surfaces should be lightly sanded each year. Check for humid-season warping, cracking, or mold.
Treat the wood: apply sauna-friendly wood or paraffin oil once per year. This helps maintain moisture, avoids cracking, and enhances the wood’s appearance.

Seasonal and Special Care

Ventilate: Leave vents and doors open after cleaning to ensure the sauna dries completely. Do this to avoid the growth of molds and mildew.

Avoid coatings: Paints or varnishes are harmful when heated and can cause fumes. For safety, keep them natural and free from paint.

Exterior cleaning: In the warm months, pressure wash the exterior to maintain a clean appearance. However, never spray water directly on the wood inside.

How to Maintain and Repair Sauna Heaters

Turn Off and Cool: Before using any cleaning products, switch off the heater and allow it to cool to avoid untoward injury.

Inspect the Heater: Check holes and cracks in the wood. Regularly check the fire chamber and outer surface. Observe care if you notice a part that seems worn out and ensure replacing the damaged ones to maintain heat and prevent fire accidents.

Clean or Replace Sauna Stones: Clean or replace the stones every year. Clean with a soft brush and warm water while replacing what seems cracked, crumbled, or yellow. Install stones loosely for proper circulation.

Clean the Heater Exterior: Wipe the outside with a soft cloth with water and vinegar without using other chemicals that can ruin surfaces.

Check Electrical Components: Examine wiring and connections on electrically heated saunas. For damages, seek a professional to repair it for you.

Reassemble and Test: After cleaning, rejig the stones then use and observe any unusual sounds or smell.

Professional Repairs: If major repairs emerge or sensing in oven heating, consult a technician.

Which Sauna is Right for Your Home? 

Finding the perfect sauna for your home largely depends on considering your space, budget, and personal preferences. However, finding the ideal sauna for your home can turn your relaxation routine into an entirely new, luxurious activity that increases your property’s value, so consider the following suggestions.

 Assess Your Space

First, measure the space you have available in your home or yard. Determine whether you want an indoor, outdoor, or portable sauna due to the different space opportunities available. Keep in mind, the bigger the sauna, the more people it can accommodate without feeling crowded.

Decide on the Type

Traditional Sauna: These saunas utilize heated stones and generate steam by pouring water over them. These models provide authentic sauna impressions. 

Infrared Sauna: Radiant heat directly heats the soft tissues in the body. When compared to traditional models, consumers prefer the infrared variety since they heat up faster and consume less energy. 

Determine the Size

Mid-size saunas fit 3 to 4 people comfortably and are approximately 5 to 6 feet wide and 6 to 7 feet long. Smaller saunas are ideal for 1 or 2 users, while more extensive options are perfect for families or entertainment events. 

Consider Power and Heating Options

Search for energy variants with adjustable settings. It’s essential to make sure your sauna’s heater is compatible with your home’s electrical system, particularly with a large one. 

Set a Budget

Sauna costs range from models that are less than $2,000 in price to luxury models that cost more than $10,000.

Extra Considerations

Additional functions include doors, windows, lighting, sound systems, and seating.

How to Keep Your Sauna Clean and Mold-Free

To ensure your sauna remains a safe space for relaxation, cleanliness and mold protection are your top priorities. Here are the best practices to follow:

1. Clean After Every Use

 Wipe benches, walls, and floors with a damp cloth or clean towels after each use. This keeps sweat and dirt off the seating and keeps it open to allow moisture to escape, preventing mold formation.

2. Shower Before Entering

Before entering your sauna, take a quick shower to rinse off sweat and oils. This reduces what gets left behind on the wood.

3. Use Towels

When you use towels to sit on, you can rest assured that no sweat will stain your sauna and leak moisture into the wood. 

4. Regular Deep Cleaning

Deep clean your sauna, including vacuuming, sweeping floors and benches at least once a week. Sand down affected areas of saunas with a solution of warm water and vinegar or bleach.

5. Ensure Good Ventilation

Ensure optimal ventilation by cracking open the door, window, or vent so that the air circulates the sauna shortly after use. 

6. Monitor for Mold

Always remove excess water and keep the sauna dry, as pools of water can cause damage and promote mold reformation. Lightly sand sauna benches once per year to refresh the wood from accumulating dirt. 

Finally, choose a sauna company that holds good reviews and an excellent customer service record. After purchasing your sauna, you can take good care of it by installing it properly and following a maintenance program. By following the procedures that suit your home, budget, and installation requirements, you can find a spa that fits your family and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Keeping your sauna clean and well-maintained is the key to enjoying a safe and long-lasting sauna experience. Do basic daily care, set regular cleaning, and keep the heater in good condition. You will protect it from molding and other damage and avoid spending extra money. Whether you have a small home sauna or a larger setup, following these tips will ensure it stays fresh and functional. Need help with sauna cleaning, maintenance, or repairs? Our team at All-Star Con Group is happy to help you.

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