Learn about how regular sauna service extends the life of your sauna. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your sauna in top condition.
Your home sauna is likely one of your favourite features of your home. But regular maintenance is required to keep it that way. If you want your sauna to continue to provide comfort and wellness benefits and increase the value of your home, you’ll need to invest in routine care.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Your Sauna's Maintenance Needs?
The specific maintenance needs of your sauna are based on its type, but in general, sauna parts that need ongoing attention include:
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Interior surfaces, including benches, walls, and flooring
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Heating system
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Sauna stones (if you have a traditional sauna)
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Ventilation and airflow system
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Electrical components and controls
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Door seals, hardware, and glass
Your attention to each of these components means the difference between having a long-lasting sauna that brings you decades of comfort versus a headache that costs more than it’s worth.
Daily Habits that Help Extend Your Sauna’s Life
One of the best ways to maintain and care for your sauna is to do little tasks daily and/or after you use your sauna. This reduces the “big maintenance” requirements and makes caring for your sauna less expensive and frustrating.
Your maintenance routine should include:
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Wiping down the benches and backrests to remove sweat
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Leaving the door open after use to air out the space
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Checking for excess moisture buildup
It’s also a good idea to sit on a towel when using your sauna to reduce the amount of cleaning that’s needed. You should also avoid using oils and lotions while in the sauna. These simple tasks prevent odours and staining. You’ll protect the wood in your sauna from bacterial growth and premature wear.
Monthly Maintenance
In addition to practicing good sauna hygiene during daily use, it’s also important to perform monthly routine maintenance. It can help to break maintenance down into parts of the sauna. For instance:
Wood Surfaces
Lightly clean wood surfaces with warm water and/or a sauna-safe cleaner. We like the Leisurecraft's Premium Sauna Room Cleaner (CLE750).
You’ll want to give high-contact areas, like seating, a bit more attention. Never use harsh chemicals or pressure washing to clean the wood surfaces of your sauna.
Floors
Sweep or vacuum any debris at least once a month. If you’ve laid down floor mats to prevent slipping (an important safety feature), this is a good time to clean these, too.
Glass and Hardware
Cleaning doors, handles, and glass surfaces is usually required about once a month. This is also a great time to inspect the hinges and latches for damage or wear.
Ventilation
Finally, you’ll want to do a ventilation check every month. Ensure your vents are unobstructed and that air can flow properly throughout the sauna.
Periodical Maintenance
In addition to routine cleaning, you’ll want to periodically assess your sauna's heating system. You can do this during your monthly maintenance or every few weeks. This process varies based on the type of sauna you have. For example:
Traditional Saunas
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Inspect heating elements periodically
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Rearrange stones to maintain airflow
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Replace cracked or crumbling stones (replacement options include Leisurecraft - HOYRYKIVET, Steam Stones [11009])
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Avoid overpacking stones
Infrared Saunas
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Keep panels clean and unobstructed
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Check for consistent heating performance
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Follow manufacturer inspection guidance
How to Protect Your Wood Sauna
Most saunas have wooden interiors and exteriors, with wooden features throughout. Caring for your wood sauna helps ensure its long-term durability.
Sauna wood is typically untreated, so it can breathe, absorb moisture, and release heat naturally without trapping chemicals. Over time, sweat, humidity, and high temperatures can cause discoloration, rough spots, or odours.
Sealants are rarely recommended for interior benches but may be suitable for some exterior surfaces. Proper ventilation, regular cleaning, and moisture control help prevent cracking, warping and lingering odours.
Preventing Moisture and Mould
Moisture is a feature of traditional saunas, but that doesn’t mean that it’s always positive. You want moisture when your traditional sauna is in use, and when it’s not, you want it to dry out as much as possible.
This means you need a ventilation system that’s in good working order. You’ll want to manage moisture and humidity while using your sauna, and keep the area around it dry.
Make sure you know the early warning signs of mould and mildew, and contact a professional cleaner if you aren’t confident you’re managing moisture effectively enough.
Caring For Your Sauna
If you have questions about maintaining your sauna or you’re in need of high-quality sauna maintenance products, visit us at Pool Products Canada.