A high-quality sauna is built to last, but regular maintenance is key to ensuring it remains in peak condition for years to come. The good news? Keeping a sauna in top shape is much simpler than maintaining a swimming pool, and the health and relaxation benefits far outweigh the minimal upkeep required.
Here’s how to protect your investment and enjoy your sauna in every season.
Indoor Sauna Maintenance
While indoor saunas are not exposed to the elements, they still require routine care to keep them fresh and functional.
Routine Indoor Sauna Care
- Vacuum or sweep regularly to remove dust and debris.
- Sit on a towel during sauna use to reduce stains from sweat and dead skin cells.
- Inspect for mildew or bacteria growth and clean as needed.
- Once a year, sand down benches or any stained areas to maintain a smooth, clean surface.
Important Reminder: Never Stain or Varnish the Interior
Applying stain or varnish inside a sauna interferes with heat absorption and can release harmful vapors. If you wish to stain the exterior of an indoor sauna to match your decor, use a sauna stain may be used while ensuring proper ventilation during application and drying.
Outdoor Sauna Maintenance
Outdoor saunas are built to withstand the elements, but taking extra care ensures they last even longer.
Routine Outdoor Sauna Care
- Vacuum regularly to remove dust, dirt, or leaves.
- Always sit on a towel to reduce sweat stains.
- Check for water seepage in wet climates. If you have a barrel sauna, tighten the staves as needed to maintain a proper seal, especially after assembly, as the wood adjusts. If bands are loose, add extra staves for a tighter fit.
- Low-pressure wash the exterior periodically to remove dust, mildew, or debris.
- After every few uses, gently rinse the interior with water (no power washing) and clean with a mild solution.
What to Do If You Experience Mold in Your Outdoor Sauna
In humid climates, it’s common for mold or mildew to appear on sauna wood. While this is a natural occurrence, it’s important to address it promptly.
- Use a mild, non-bleach remover (available at grocery and hardware stores) to clean affected areas without discoloring the wood.
- If any residue remains, create a paste with baking soda and water, then scrub gently.
- For deeper stains, lightly sand the affected area with fine-grit sandpaper.
- To prevent future growth, always wipe down wet spots after use, air out the sauna, and turn the heater on after rainfall to remove excess moisture.
Mold is a product of its environment, but the good news is that it can be easily prevented with regular sauna use. Since mold and mildew spores cannot survive high temperatures, running your sauna heater at maximum heat on a regular basis is one of the most effective ways to keep your sauna clean and healthy. Staying consistent with this practice not only prevents mold growth but also ensures your sauna performs at its best.
If you suspect your sauna isn’t heating properly, check out our heater troubleshooting blog or reach out to us at Support@almostheaven.com—we’re happy to assist!
Long-Term Protection
- While Almost Heaven Saunas use high-quality, weather-resistant wood, you may choose to stain the exterior with a UV inhibitor stain to protect against sunlight fading. In sunny climates, more frequent applications may be necessary.
- Periodically check sauna stones for cracking due to heat exposure. If needed, replacement stones are available.
Sauna Maintenance Checklist
Every Few Uses:
- Wipe down perspiration spots with a water and baking soda solution.
- Vacuum to remove dust and debris.
- Rinse the interior with water and a mild cleaner as necessary.
Annually:
- Inspect sauna stones for cracking and replace if needed.
- Power wash the exterior (for outdoor saunas).
- Check outdoor saunas for loose parts or signs of wear.
- Sand down benches and any stained areas to restore smoothness.
- If your outdoor sauna is stained, inspect for fading or chipping and reapply as needed.
Enjoy Your Sauna for Years to Come
A well-maintained sauna provides years of relaxation, health benefits, and stress relief. By incorporating these simple maintenance steps, you’ll keep your sauna looking beautiful and functioning perfectly—no matter the season.
For more details on sauna care, call us at 888-355-3050 or email sales@almostheaven.com.
