If you’ve invested in a home outdoor sauna, then it’s safe to say you’ve been bitten by the sauna bug. It’s a joy, isn’t it? But instead of lingering on these joys, we’d like to discuss something far more practical, which really is a cornerstone of sauna culture - a robust cleaning process.
Join us as we outline a simple sauna maintenance routine that will keep your sauna in top condition for every sauna session.
Quick Overview
Sauna maintenance is crucial for keeping a sauna clean and safe. The goal is to establish a weekly, monthly and yearly routine that is simple, yet effective. This ensures the sauna is always ready for use and extends its lifespan by up to 15 years. Maintenance routines vary depending on how often a sauna is used.
Why do you need a regular cleaning routine for your sauna?
A properly maintained sauna extends its lifespan by 15-25 years. Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs, such as wood rot repair, and safety hazards, such as mould growth.
Maintenance is essential for all types of saunas, including barrel and cube saunas. In UK homes, electric saunas are more common than wood-burning stoves because they require less cleaning.
Moisture damage
Wood-burning saunas need better ventilation management than electric saunas. This is due to high temperatures and moisture variation from the sauna stones. Moisture damage should be addressed immediately to prevent wood rot and damage to the sauna’s structural integrity.
Wood treatments protect the sauna from moisture but should be applied carefully, as the interaction between high temperatures and chemicals can produce hazardous vapors. Paraffin oil and sauna wax are safer options for sauna treatments.
Mould prevention
Mould growth is one of the primary reasons for regular sauna maintenance. It grows on untreated wood because porous wood absorbs sweat and body oils more easily. A few simple steps will help you avoid mould growth in your sauna.
Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup in saunas. Encourage air circulation by opening the sauna door for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour after use, and longer in humid climates. If you notice mould growth, avoid bleach or harsh chemicals. Dilute white wine vinegar with water, then apply it to affected areas and leave it for 15-30 minutes. Wash it off with plenty of water.
10-point sauna maintenance checklist
Regular sauna cleaning is critical for a well-maintained sauna that serves you and your family. Do daily, weekly and monthly cleans, and perform full sauna checks once a year.
| Maintenance task | What it addresses |
|---|---|
| Daily (after every use) | |
| Ventilate the sauna | Prevents mould, mildew and odours. |
| Wipe sauna benches and high-contact surfaces | Maintains hygiene and prevents staining. |
| Weekly | |
| Sweep or vacuum the floor | Keeps the sauna clean and improves air quality. |
| Clean benches, floors and walls | Prevents dirt, stains and bacterial buildup. |
| Clean the heater and stones | Safe and efficient heating. |
| Monthly | |
| Scrub benches and backrests with a soft brush | Removes body oil residue. |
| Inspect door hinges | Even heating in the interior cabin. |
| Yearly | |
| Rotate or replace sauna stones | Improves heater efficiency and safety. |
| Lightly sand benches (if necessary) | Removes stubborn stains. |
| Deep inspection and wood maintenance | Extends the sauna's lifespan. |
A complete daily, weekly, monthly and yearly sauna maintenance routine
If you always want your sauna to be ready for the next sauna session, then establish a consistent maintenance routine. A simple yet effective routine will soon become second nature, preventing sauna care from becoming a big task that you dread.
1. Daily maintenance
Light cleaning should be done after every use. This includes wiping benches with a soft cloth until they are completely dry, pouring water on the floorboards to wash away dirt and ventilating the sauna. High temperatures kill many pathogenic bacteria, but good hygiene and ventilation are also effective ways to keep your sauna germ-free.
Where possible, use clean, dry towels on sauna benches. This will prevent sweat, dead skin cells and body oil from getting on wood surfaces, reducing the need for deep cleaning. The key is to be mindful about daily cleaning and make it part of the sauna process.
Wood-burning saunas require regular ash removal after each use. This will keep the sauna clean, prevent odors and improve air quality. If you’re open to a less-traditional approach, electric saunas offer a consistent, heat-controlled experience without ash or soot.
2. Weekly maintenance and monthly maintenance
Weekly cleaning is recommended for frequent users (more than 3 times a week). This involves vacuuming the interior and wiping down all the surfaces with a mild soap, cold water and a damp cloth. Use filtered or soft water to clean, as this will prevent limescale stains.
A monthly deep clean is required regardless of how many times you use the sauna per week. This cleaning of the interior surfaces is intended to increase the longevity of the sauna. Use a soft-bristle brush for scrubbing surfaces, including wall panels. By clearing away stubborn dark stains, dead skin cells, excess oil and sweat and essential oil residue, the sauna will be more hygienic. You can use a baking soda solution for this, but avoid harsh chemicals and scrub gently to prevent damage to wooden surfaces. You should also avoid using a pressure washer inside the sauna.
Check the sauna door monthly for loose screws and seals. Well-sealed doors ensure proper heating and increase energy efficiency.
Yearly maintenance
Annual deep cleaning should include sanding and oiling, as well as wood repair work to the interior and exterior of the cabin. Light sanding of heavily stained benches with fine-grit sandpaper will maintain the wood's appearance.
Sauna wood can last for decades with proper maintenance, but it should not be stained or varnished, as this can create a safety risk when chemicals break down at high heat. Applying paraffin oil every 1-3 years can act as a protective coating for wooden benches. This should be done at least 30 minutes before use.
Maintaining the sauna heaters
Regular inspections and maintenance of heaters increase the sauna’s efficiency. Stones should be cleaned every 50-100 sessions and replaced every 1-2 years. This is a best practice if you want your sauna to heat properly.
A wood-burning sauna heater requires cleaning after every use. Remove the ash drawer when the heater has cooled, then throw away the soot. Wash the sauna stones to remove dust and wipe down the exterior surface of the stove.
An electric heater is easier to maintain than a wood-burning one. Wait for it to cool and then remove and wash down the stones. Check that the heating elements are in good condition and wipe down the exterior. When your heater takes 50% longer to heat up than it used to, it's time to buy a new heater. If your heater is relatively new, get a qualified electrician to take a look at it. Trying to fix it yourself is not recommended.
Conclusion
This guide conclusively shows that maintaining a sauna doesn’t take much work if you establish a simple yet effective routine. Establishing this routine will help you get the most out of your sauna experience. It ensures your sauna is always ready for use, clean and hygienic. This makes a world of difference to anyone using it, as regular sauna bathers will tell you. In this case, a little effort goes a long way!
Perhaps you’re like us. You’ve decided to see how much work a sauna will be before you buy one. Now that you know that it will be a breeze, check out these great outdoor sauna ideas.
FAQs: Sauna Maintenance
1. What maintenance does a home sauna require?
A sauna requires basic cleaning after each session, along with weekly, monthly, and yearly deep cleanings to keep it safe and ready for use. Aerate the sauna and wipe down the benches after every use. Wash it down with sauna soap and scrub the duckboards weekly. Do monthly checks on sauna stones, heater elements, and benches. Complete the routine with yearly maintenance on the exterior, door, heater and benches. Any time you notice mould or mildew, address it immediately.
2. Are saunas high maintenance?
No, saunas are not high maintenance compared to hot tubs or pools. They do not require draining, cleaning with harsh chemicals or pH balancing. They can be kept clean and well-maintained by doing quick cleaning after every use, followed by weekly and monthly cleaning routines. They only become high-maintenance when simple maintenance is neglected, and sweat stains, mold or wood rot set in.
3. How often should a home sauna be cleaned?
How often a home sauna needs cleaning depends on how often you use it. If you use the sauna room daily, then it will require a weekly deep clean with sauna soap and water. You will also need to scrub down benches and duckboards. Ventilate the sauna after every use by leaving the door open for 30 minutes to reduce excess moisture. It is advisable to wash it weekly if used three or more times per week, and every two weeks if used fewer than three times per week.
4. Do I need to clean my sauna after every use?
You do not need to clean your sauna with soap and water after every use, but you should wipe down the benches to prevent sweat or body oil stains, and pour warm water on the floor to remove any dirt. Open the sauna door for at least 30 minutes after every sauna to reduce moisture and prevent mould and mildew.
Reviewed by the Palmako UK content team with insights from our garden building experts.
