How to Clean a Sauna: Easy Step-by-Step Guide for a Fresher, Healthier Space
Note: The content presented in this article is for informational purposes only. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific sauna model.
A clean sauna is a healthy sauna. Whether you use your sauna daily or just a few times a week, keeping it fresh and well-maintained is essential to protect your investment, extend its life, and support your wellness journey.
Over time, sweat, body oils, and dead skin cells can accumulate on the wood, potentially leading to bacteria growth or staining. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to clean your sauna properly—the easy, natural way.
Why Regular Sauna Cleaning Is So Important
Your sauna is exposed to high heat, moisture, and biological matter (sweat) during every session. Without regular cleaning, three things happen:
- Bacteria Build-up: Warm, dark environments can harbor mildew if not aired out.
- Wood Damage: Salt from sweat can stain and warp the grain of cedar or hemlock over time.
- Odor: Unpleasant smells can develop, ruining the aromatherapy experience.
Proper sauna maintenance keeps your space hygienic, safe, and beautiful for years to come.
What You'll Need
- Soft, clean cloths (Microfiber is great).
- Plant-based sauna cleaner (Avoid harsh chemicals that leach toxins when heated).
- Soft-bristle brush (For scrubbing stains).
- Fresh water (For rinsing).
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Your Sauna
1. Let Your Sauna Cool Completely
Never clean your sauna while it is still hot. Liquids evaporate too quickly, and you risk burning yourself. Wait until the wood returns to room temperature.
2. Vacuum or Sweep
Before wetting the wood, remove any hair, dust, or loose debris from the floor and benches.
3. Apply Your Sauna Cleaner
Spray a specialized plant-based sauna cleaner onto benches, walls, backrests, and high-touch surfaces. Ensure the wood is damp but not soaked.
4. Wipe Surfaces Gently
Use a soft cloth to wipe down all areas thoroughly, moving with the grain of the wood to capture dirt trapped in the texture.
5. Spot Clean Stubborn Areas
For sweat stains or discoloration, use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the area. Be careful not to roughen the wood fibers.
6. Air Dry Naturally
Leave the sauna door open to allow full air circulation. The wood must dry completely to prevent mold growth.
How Often Should You Clean?
- Light Home Use: Wipe down at least once per week.
- Heavy Use (Multiple users): Clean 2–3 times per week.
- Deep Cleaning: Perform a full scrub down once a month.
Choosing the Right Cleaner Matters
Not all cleaners are created equal. You should never use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners inside a sauna. When the sauna heats up, these chemicals vaporize, and you end up inhaling toxic fumes.
Harsh chemicals can also dry out the natural oils in sauna wood, leading to cracking.
Try Sven's Plant-Based Solution
That’s why we created our Plant-Based Sauna Cleaner. It is a gentle, effective solution formulated specifically for raw sauna wood, infused with eucalyptus oil and aloe vera.
- Safe for cedar, hemlock, and basswood.
- Free from artificial fragrances and dyes.
- Zero toxic fumes when heated.
- Made in the USA.
Can You Make a DIY Sauna Cleaner?
Yes! If you are in a pinch, you can make a simple solution at home.
The DIY Recipe:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil (or tea tree oil)
Instructions: Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before use. Lightly spray surfaces and wipe clean.
Caution: While vinegar is effective, it is acidic. Over time, repeated use of high-concentration vinegar can dull the appearance of soft woods. For long-term care, a pH-balanced specific cleaner is recommended.
Pro Tips for Maintenance
- Towel Off: Always sit on a towel. This prevents body oil and sweat from soaking directly into the bench in the first place.
- Ventilate: Leave the vent or door open for 20 minutes after every session to let humidity escape.
- Sand it Down: If you have a stubborn stain that won't wash off, you can lightly sand the wood with fine-grit sandpaper to restore it to new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vinegar safe for cleaning a sauna?
Vinegar can be used occasionally, but use it sparingly. It is acidic and may dry out soft woods like cedar over time. A balanced plant-based cleaner is safer for regular maintenance.
How often should I deep clean my sauna?
We recommend a deep clean about once a month, involving a full surface wipe-down and extended air drying.
Can I use essential oils to clean my sauna?
Yes! Essential oils like eucalyptus, pine, or tea tree are naturally antibacterial and smell great. However, always dilute them in water. Never apply pure essential oil directly to the wood, as it will leave a grease stain.