Why You Should Never Use Vinegar or Bleach to Clean Your Sauna
It might be tempting to grab what’s under the kitchen sink and give your sauna a quick wipe-down, but here’s the hard truth: vinegar and bleach are not safe for sauna cleaning. In fact, they could be damaging your wood, compromising air quality, and shortening your sauna’s lifespan.
Why Vinegar Is a Problem in Saunas
While vinegar is often hailed as a “natural” cleaner, it’s not ideal for the high-heat, porous surfaces inside a sauna. Here’s why:
- 🥴 Lingering Smell: Vinegar's strong odor can be absorbed into cedar, hemlock, and basswood—and reactivated when heated.
- 🪵 Wood Damage: Its acidity can degrade the natural oils in sauna wood, leading to splintering and warping.
- 🧖♀️ Skin & Eye Irritation: In a hot, enclosed space, vinegar vapor can irritate sensitive users.
Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety – Acetic Acid Profile
Why Bleach Is Even Worse
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is a powerful disinfectant—but it’s also harsh, corrosive, and dangerous in heated environments.
- ❌ Highly Corrosive: Bleach breaks down sealants and weakens sauna wood.
- ☠️ Toxic Fumes: Heat increases chlorine vapor, raising serious respiratory risks.
- 🧬 Residue Buildup: If not fully rinsed, bleach residue can reactivate under heat and be absorbed through the skin.
Source: CDC – Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home
What to Use Instead: Plant-Based Sauna Cleaner
Your sauna deserves better. Our plant-based sauna cleaner is:
- 🌿 Wood-safe: Formulated specifically for sauna wood
- 🛡 Residue-free: No sticky film or leftover scent
- 🧼 Effective but gentle: Breaks down grime and sweat naturally
- 🇺🇸 Made in the USA: Built by sauna lovers for sauna lovers
It's what we use in our own saunas—because we couldn’t find anything clean and effective enough, so we made it ourselves.
Final Thoughts
If you care about your sauna, skip the vinegar and bleach. Invest in a cleaner made for heat, wood, and wellness. It’s a small change that pays off in longevity, comfort, and air quality.