How to Clean and Maintain a Sauna

A home sauna is designed to provide years of enjoyment, and with a little routine care, it can continue looking and performing its best for decades. Fortunately, sauna maintenance is relatively simple. Most homeowners find that a few minutes of cleaning after regular use and an occasional deeper cleaning are all that’s needed to keep their sauna in great condition.

Daily or After-Use Care

After each sauna session, taking a few simple steps can help keep the interior fresh. Many homeowners choose to:

• Leave the door open for a short period to allow the interior to dry.
• Wipe away any excess moisture from benches if needed.
• Remove towels or other accessories after each session.
• Keep the floor free of dirt or debris.

Allowing the sauna to air out helps reduce moisture buildup between sessions.

Weekly Cleaning

Depending on how often your sauna is used, a light weekly cleaning is usually sufficient.

Many homeowners:

• Vacuum or sweep the floor.
• Wipe benches with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Clean glass doors using a non-abrasive glass cleaner (avoiding contact with untreated wood).
• Check for dust around heaters or vents.

Simple, consistent cleaning is often more effective than occasional deep cleaning.

Deep Cleaning Every Few Months

Every few months, many homeowners perform a more thorough cleaning. This may include:

• Lightly wiping all wood surfaces with a damp cloth.
• Gently removing small stains or marks using fine-grit sandpaper if recommended by the manufacturer.
• Cleaning beneath benches.
• Inspecting hardware and door hinges.

Avoid soaking wood with excessive water, as sauna interiors are designed to stay relatively dry between uses.

Should You Use Cleaning Products?

In most cases, less is more. Many sauna manufacturers recommend avoiding harsh chemicals, bleach, or heavily scented cleaners on untreated wood. Instead, many homeowners simply use:

• Warm water
• A soft cloth
• Mild soap when appropriate for the specific surface

Always follow the cleaning recommendations provided by your sauna’s manufacturer.

Caring for the Heater

Your heater requires very little routine maintenance, but it’s still worth checking periodically. Many homeowners:

• Keep the area around the heater clean.
• Remove dust if it accumulates.
• Inspect sauna stones occasionally (for traditional models) and replace damaged stones when recommended.
• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

Never pour anything onto the heater other than what the manufacturer specifically recommends.

Protecting the Wood

The natural wood inside your sauna is designed to withstand heat, but a few habits can help keep it looking beautiful. Many homeowners choose to:

• Sit on a towel during each session.
• Wipe away perspiration after use.
• Avoid placing wet clothing directly on the benches.
• Keep sharp objects away from the wood.

These simple habits help reduce discoloration and everyday wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use household cleaners inside a sauna?

Many manufacturers recommend avoiding harsh chemicals on untreated sauna wood. Always follow the cleaning instructions for your specific model.

Should you treat the wood?

Most interior sauna wood is intended to remain untreated. Before applying any oils, sealers, or finishes, check your manufacturer’s recommendations.

How do you remove stains from sauna benches?

Minor surface stains can often be addressed with gentle cleaning or light sanding if recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid aggressive scrubbing that could damage the wood.

A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

One of the advantages of owning a home sauna is that it requires relatively little maintenance. With simple cleaning habits and occasional inspections, many homeowners enjoy beautiful, well-maintained saunas for many years.

Continue Learning

Still exploring home sauna ownership? Our Complete Sauna Buying Guide explains everything from choosing the right sauna to installation, sizing, electrical requirements, and long-term ownership.