Sauna Maintenance Made Easy

One of the things you will like about sauna maintenance is - there is none! Or at least, very little. While steam rooms and hot tubs are labor intensive, traditional hot rock saunas and home infrared saunas require very little maintenance.

The high, dry heat in the sauna has done most of the work for you, as viruses and bacteria can’t live at such temperatures.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from daily upkeep to seasonal care, troubleshooting, and tips to extend the life of your sauna.

Baby Your Sauna During and After Use

You can cut down on sauna maintenance by following a few simple steps after your session is finished. By cleaning, you shouldn’t just think of the surface areas, but the air quality as well.

To maintain your sauna in an odor-free condition, leave the heater on for an additional 15 to 20 minutes when you leave. This will allow the sauna to dry out completely. Then turn it off, but leave the door open to allow any odors to vent out quickly.

While you’re enjoying your session, you can avoid later maintenance of the sauna benches by sitting on a towel. Perspiration can penetrate the soft wood, especially if your sauna heater and rocks aren’t hot enough, in which case you’ll have heavy steam in the room and not the invisible löyly, which is the desired effect of a sauna.

Not Much More Than a Damp Cloth

The vast majority of stoves, benches and rooms require very little attention in terms of sauna maintenance and can be cleaned with a damp cloth. If you use your sauna daily, you should plan to wipe down the interior surfaces about once a week.

Sauna flooring, whether it’s made of duckboard or plastic interlocking tiles, may be your only concern, but even that is easily cleaned and maintained with any household disinfectant and warm water.

Sauna maintenance on the benches and backrests is also a simple task since they can be wiped down using mild soap and water. Just be sure you don’t soak the wood. You must never use any heavy detergent or any type of sealer or coating on any of the interior wooden parts or benches since residues from these chemicals can release toxic vapors in the high temperature of a sauna.

As for maintaining the sauna rocks, they won’t last forever, so you should plan on replacing them entirely once a year or when they become too small. On a monthly basis, it’s a good idea to take the stones out of the tray and remove any dust with a vacuum cleaner. You can also replace any crumbled rocks at this time with new ones.

Let's take a look at some daily, weekly, monthly and yearly sauna maintenance recommendations...

Daily Sauna Maintenance: Simple Steps

Even though saunas are low-maintenance, a few daily habits can help preserve the wood, keep odors at bay, and ensure a safe, comfortable experience:

1. Wipe Down Surfaces After Each Use - As we mentioned above, use a damp cloth to remove sweat and oils from benches, backrests, and walls. Avoid soaking the wood. Excess moisture can warp or stain the surface.
2. Use Towels - Sit on a towel to prevent sweat from penetrating the wood. Lay towels over benches if multiple people use the sauna consecutively.
3. Ventilate Properly- Leave the door slightly open after your session to allow heat and moisture to escape. This reduces odors, prevents mold, and keeps the wood dry.
4. Dry the Sauna Heater - If using a wet sauna or pouring water over rocks, allow 15–20 minutes for the heater to dry after use.This prevents water buildup that can damage electrical components or corrode rocks.

Weekly/Monthly Sauna Maintenance

Even though daily upkeep is minimal, a few weekly and monthly tasks can keep your sauna in pristine condition:

Weekly:

• Clean Benches and Backrests: Use mild soap and warm water to wipe down benches. Avoid heavy detergents or chemical cleaners, as residues can release toxic vapors when heated.
• Clean the Floor: Whether using duckboard, tile, or vinyl flooring, a simple mop with mild disinfectant ensures dirt and sweat do not accumulate.

Monthly:

• Check Sauna Rocks: Remove stones from the heater tray and vacuum dust or debris. Replace any crumbled or cracked stones to ensure efficient heat conduction.
• Inspect Wooden Surfaces: Look for small cracks, warping, or discoloration. Early detection helps prevent long-term damage.

Annual Sauna Maintenance

Even high-quality saunas need annual upkeep to maximize longevity:

• Replace Heater Stones: On average, stones should be fully replaced once per year, depending on frequency of use.
• Deep Clean the Wood: Gently sand rough spots or minor discoloration. This refreshes the surface and prepares the wood for another year of use.
• Professional Inspection: Consider having a technician inspect the heater, wiring, and structural components for safety and efficiency.

Start a New Sauna off Right

One maintenance task you should attend to right away, though, is preventive: once your sauna is built or newly installed, start off right by prepping and curing it before its first use.

Curing a sauna means simply operating the heater for the first time to allow the hot temperature to break in the heater and woodwork. Leave the heater on for about an hour, and keep the door ajar to allow the escape of any odor or initial smoke. That’s it for sauna maintenance!

Some Common Sauna Maintenance Mistakes To Avoid

1. Using Harsh Chemicals - Avoid bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage wood and create harmful fumes.

2. Ignoring Ventilation - Closing the door immediately after a session traps moisture, increasing the risk of mold and odors.

3. Overheating Wet Sauna Stones - Pouring excessive water on rocks not intended for wet use can damage both stones and heaters.

4. Skipping Stone Replacement - Old, cracked stones reduce heat efficiency and can break under the heater’s high temperatures.

5. Neglecting Towels - Sitting directly on the wood causes sweat stains and accelerates wood wear.

Troubleshooting & Tips

Sauna Smells Musty

• Cause: Trapped moisture or insufficient ventilation.
• Solution: Wipe surfaces with a mild solution of water and vinegar, then leave the door open to air out

Wood Cracks or Warps

• Cause: Rapid temperature changes or heavy moisture exposure.
• Solution: Light sanding and proper ventilation; avoid soaking wood.

Heater Issues

• Cause: Mineral buildup on stones or loose electrical connections.
• Solution: Replace stones, inspect wiring, and schedule professional inspection if problems persist.

Persistent Sweat Odors

• Cause: Residual oils or bacteria on benches.
• Solution: Weekly mild soap cleaning, ventilate sauna, and sit on towels.

FAQs About Sauna Maintenance

Q: How often should I clean my sauna?
A: Wipe benches and surfaces weekly, clean floors weekly or monthly depending on use, and check heater stones monthly.

Q: Can I use oils or sprays inside the sauna?
A: Only use sauna-safe essential oils. Avoid any chemical cleaners or coatings.

Q: Do infrared saunas require different maintenance than traditional saunas?
A: Similar care applies—wiping surfaces, ventilating, and keeping heaters clean. Avoid excessive moisture near electrical panels.

Q: What is the average lifespan of a well-maintained sauna?
A: With proper care, a cedar sauna can last 20+ years, while other woods may last 10–15 years.

Q: Can I clean my sauna with steam or pressure washers?
A: No. High-pressure water can damage wood and compromise heater components.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining a sauna doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple daily, weekly, and annual routines, your sauna will remain safe, clean, and enjoyable for years.

Proper care ensures that your sauna continues to deliver relaxation, health benefits, and longevity, making it one of the easiest wellness investments you can own.