How to Clean a Sauna

Keeping your sauna clean is key to unlocking its full potential as a luxurious haven of relaxation and wellness. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or reaping health perks like better circulation and stress relief, a well-maintained sauna elevates the experience. But without regular care, this warm, humid space can quickly become a hotspot for bacteria, mold, and mildew—threatening both your health and the sauna’s lifespan.

Why Cleaning Your Sauna Matters

After a good session, saunas remain warm and humid providing perfect breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and mildew. Sweat, body oil, and dirt from users can accumulate on benches, walls, and floors, compromising hygiene and the sauna’s longevity. A clean sauna not only enhances your experience but also preserves the wood and equipment, preventing costly repairs.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps for cleaning your sauna, from routine maintenance to deeper, more thorough cleaning. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your sauna remains a peaceful retreat for years to come.

Best Practices for a Clean Sauna

The key to a clean sauna starts before you even step inside. Showering beforehand removes dirt and oils from your skin, reducing what transfers to the wood. It is best to sit on a towel—preferably an absorbent one—to catch sweat and prevent it from seeping into benches and dripping on the floor.

After each session, always wipe down the sauna to remove standing water or sweat. Then leave the door and vents open to let the sauna breathe, allowing moisture to escape and the wood to dry naturally. These simple habits minimize cleaning frequency and keep your sauna fresh between deeper maintenance.

Sauna Wood Protection

While cleaning is necessary, protecting your saunas wood surfaces ensures that it stays beautiful and resilient while also making it easier to maintain. Untreated interior wood needs to breathe, so sauna wood oil like Sauna Seal’s Wood Oil or Wax, which is crafted to penetrate deeply and shield against moisture and dirt, can make cleaning much easier.

How to Clean Your Sauna

Follow these simple steps to keep your sauna in top condition:

Gather Your Supplies:

    • Work light: A good light or flashlight will help during inspection and cleaning
    • Soft brush or sponge: For removing loose dirt and debris.
    • Sandpaper: A fine grit sandpaper can help remove stubborn stains or rough spots
    • Vacuum: For cleaning the floor and stove
    • Sauna-specific cleaner: Use a natural and safe cleaner like Sauna Seal Sauna Cleaner for washing all surfaces, including wood, glass, metal, and plastic.
    • Warm water and bucket: For diluting the cleaner as needed and rinsing.
    • Clean, dry towels: For wiping down surfaces.
    • Sauna wood oil: High-quality wood protection, such as Sauna Seal Sauna Wood Oil or Wax, to nourish and protect the wood.

Step 1: Preparation

Make sure the fire is out or the electric stove is off and that it is completely cooled. Remove all loose items like towels, mats, or accessories that could get in the way. Then open the door and vents to improve air circulation and to keep the room cool. We have some work to do, and now is not the time for heat!  

Step 2: Cleaning the Heater and Stones

For traditional saunas, inspect the stove and stones. Remove the stones and check to make sure they are in good condition; any stones that are crumbling should be discarded. If they’re excessively dirty, rinse them with water outside the sauna and let them dry. Now is a good time to vacuum out the stone cavity as rock dust and chips can accumulate. Check the interior of the stove for any damage or rust and repair if needed. 

If you have a wood burning stove, inspect the firebox and chimney for cracks or buildup. Chimney sweeping may be necessary depending on how frequently you use the sauna, chimney fires are very dangerous, so don’t skip this step! 

While the stones are drying, you can continue cleaning.

Step 3: Inspect the Sauna

Take a moment to inspect the wood surfaces for any damage or rough spots. Saunas are typically low light or dark, so grab a light and take a close look. Slight imperfections or rough spots can be fixed with a lightly sanding, just make sure you go with the grain of the wood to avoid scratching.  

Then, check to make sure the benches and steps are sturdy and there are no loose boards or screws. Repair or reinforce as need.

Finally, It’s good practice to check areas around the stove and behind the heat shields for discoloration. If found, it may be a sign that it has been overheated, or it was not built with the proper safety clearance which is a fire hazard. Consult the manufacture if found.

Step 4: Cleaning the Interior Surfaces

Sweep or vacuum the floor to clear dust, hair, and debris. For infrared saunas, gently wipe down the heating panels with a dry cloth to remove dust before wet cleaning begins.

Then, mix a solution of warm water and sauna cleaner per the packaging instructions. Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the solution, wring it out so it’s damp (not dripping), and wipe down the walls and ceiling starting from the top down. Rinse thoroughly but avoid over-saturating the wood, as excess water can cause warping or mold growth.

Next, move on to the benches, backrests and railings. Pay special attention to high-contact areas where sweat accumulates. If needed, use a scrub brush to help deep clean these areas.  

Step 5: Tackling the Floor

The floor often collects the most grime. Use the same cleaning solution with a scrub brush to clean it thoroughly, focusing on corners and under benches. If your sauna does not have a drain, rinse with a damp cloth and dry immediately.

For saunas with a drain or where water is not a concern, a mop can make quick work of this but be careful not to splash water where the floor meets the wall. Often there is a gap, and it is best not to force water behind the wall.

Step 6: Final Touches

Wipe down the door (including glass, if applicable) with a damp cloth. Check vents for dust and clean them with a vacuum or brush. Leave the door open to air-dry the sauna completely.

Frequency and Tips

Clean your sauna weekly if used regularly, or monthly for occasional use. After each session, wipe benches with a dry cloth to remove sweat and encourage ventilation. Avoid abrasive tools or chemicals that could damage surfaces or leave harmful residues.

Conclusion

A sparkling clean sauna enhances both its lifespan and your enjoyment. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll ensure every nook and cranny is addressed, from the wood to the heater. Regular upkeep not only maintains hygiene but also keeps your sauna looking and smelling fresh—a true haven of relaxation.