Learn how to properly care for your sauna to maintain hygiene, performance, and long-lasting durability.
Proper maintenance is essential to keep your sauna clean, safe, and performing at its best. With simple and regular care, you can maintain a fresh, comfortable environment and extend the life of your sauna.
Insulated wall and ceiling systems with vapor barriers to maintain heat efficiency and prevent moisture damage.
Sauna-grade wood such as Western Red Cedar or European Alder for durability, comfort, and natural aesthetics.
Pre-fabricated benches, backrests, and trims designed for comfort, durability, and easy installation.
Reliable heaters paired with modern control systems for safe operation and consistent temperature management.
Vapor-proof lighting, thermometers, buckets, ladles, and essential accessories for a complete sauna experience.
Proper maintenance is essential to keep your sauna clean, safe, and performing at its best. With simple and regular care, you can extend the life of your sauna and maintain a fresh, comfortable environment.
Refrain from paint, varnishing or staining the interior parts of the sauna with any normal paint or varnish. The sauna wood needs to be able breathe adequately. Artificial finishes on the sauna wood can create a much hotter surface – resulting in the possibility of fumes or off-gassing from the wood treatment, which will take away some of the “softness” of the heat and steam penetrating the wood and or be unsafe.
The simplest method of sauna maintenance is to keep a hand brush near the sauna door. Polite etiquette is if the last person out dips the brush in the bucket of water, and does a quick scrubbing on the benches, walls, backrests, etc. Adding about 20-30 drops of essential oils of your choice such as eucalyptus oil to the bucket of water for brushing isn’t necessary, but keeps the sauna smelling nice and fresh. This 30-second ritual will keep your sauna looking great indefinitely and will prevent the need to use anything stronger than clean water on the wood portions in the future.
If you do not follow STEP 2 closely, consider using our sauna wood cleaning kits, Bacterinol, or paraffin oil treatment kits. Also, ONLY use fresh water in a sauna either on the rocks or to clean. NEVER use pool water in a sauna!
Once your sauna is clean, prop the duckboards off the floor. The heat that is left in the rocks and in the wood will dry the sauna completely after some time.
If dirt or sweat stains develop (if STEP 2 is not performed often enough), use a hand brush with warm water and with a mild soap without any detergents. When the wood is completely dry you can lightly sand your benches approximately once a year with a fine sandpaper to make your benches look new again. Doing so will whiten them back to their “like new” condition. If mold develops anywhere (i.e. on the duckboards), you can clean with bleach or our Bacterinol sauna cleaner. NEVER hose out a sauna!
Depending on how often you use your sauna, it may be beneficial to occasionally wet mop the floor using a liquid deodorizing cleaner.
Keep wood surfaces natural to allow proper heat absorption and airflow
Light brushing with water after use helps maintain cleanliness
Leave the door open after use to allow drying and airflow
Use mild soap and water for stains; lightly sand wood annually if required
Our sauna and steam systems are built using sauna-grade components from trusted brands under Sauna360, including Helo and Amerec. Each system is backed by manufacturer warranties to ensure long-term reliability and performance.
Find answers to common questions about sauna installation, usage, maintenance, and performance. We’ve covered everything you need to know to help you choose the right sauna solution and get the most out of your investment.
Panel-built saunas are quicker to install, while custom-cut saunas require more preparation.
Typically cedar or alder wood is used for durability and heat performance.
Yes, waterproof flooring like tile is recommended.
Light cleaning after each use and occasional deep cleaning is ideal.
Yes, proper ventilation is essential to maintain airflow, prevent moisture buildup, and ensure a comfortable experience.