Sauna Maintenance Guide — Cleaning | Longevity | Upkeep & Care Instructions
A sauna is one of the few wellness investments that improves with time — if it’s properly cared for. Whether you own a traditional sauna, infrared sauna, or outdoor barrel sauna, consistent maintenance directly impacts air quality, heat performance, wood longevity, and the overall experience.
This sauna maintenance guide walks you through exactly how to clean, protect, and extend the life of your sauna — without harsh chemicals, guesswork, or unnecessary replacements. If you’re still in the buying phase, start with our Best Home Sauna Buying Guide for a complete overview.
Quick question: Are you looking for the “perfect” deep clean — or a simple routine you’ll actually keep up with?
A helpful answer: Most sauna owners get the best long-term experience by focusing on small, consistent habits after each session, then scheduling deeper cleaning on a realistic cadence.
Table of Contents
- Why Sauna Maintenance Matters
- Daily & Weekly Sauna Care
- Monthly & Seasonal Deep Cleaning
- Sauna Heater Cleaning & Care
- Sauna Stones: Inspection & Replacement
- Humidity, Ventilation & Mold Prevention
- Outdoor Sauna Maintenance Considerations
- How to Extend the Life of Your Sauna
- When to Call a Professional
Why Sauna Maintenance Matters
Sauna maintenance isn’t about aesthetics — it’s about performance, safety, and longevity. Over time, heat, moisture, sweat, and oils accumulate on benches, stones, and heaters. Left unchecked, this leads to odor buildup, uneven heating, premature wood wear, and even electrical issues.
Proper care ensures:
- Clean, breathable air
- Consistent heat distribution
- Longer heater lifespan
- Preserved wood color and structure
Daily & Weekly Sauna Care
The most important maintenance happens after each session. Small habits prevent the need for aggressive cleaning later.
After Each Session
- Wipe benches lightly with a clean towel
- Leave the door open for 30–60 minutes
- Allow moisture to fully evaporate
Weekly Maintenance
- Vacuum or sweep floors and corners
- Wipe backrests and headrests with warm water
- Check for lingering odors
Quick question: After your sessions, do you let your sauna fully dry out — or do you close it up right away?
A helpful answer: Allowing airflow and drying time is one of the simplest ways to keep the interior feeling fresh and reduce the need for heavier cleaning later.
Monthly & Seasonal Deep Cleaning
Once per month — or more frequently in high-use households — your sauna benefits from a deeper refresh. This applies to both indoor saunas and outdoor saunas.
How to Clean Sauna Benches
- Use warm water with a mild, sauna-safe cleaner
- Scrub gently along the wood grain
- Never use bleach or harsh detergents
Wood Oiling & Sanding
Most sauna interiors should remain untreated. If benches become rough or stained, a light sanding with fine-grit paper restores smoothness.
Sauna Heater Cleaning & Care
Your sauna heater is the heart of the system — whether electric, wood-burning, or infrared. Maintenance varies slightly depending on heater type.
Electric Sauna Heaters
- Turn power off before inspection
- Check for dust or debris buildup
- Inspect wiring annually
If you’re selecting a heater or upgrading, our Sauna Heater Buying Guide breaks down heater types in detail.
Sauna Stones: Inspection & Replacement
Sauna stones regulate heat and steam quality. Over time, stones crack and compact, restricting airflow.
When to Replace Sauna Stones
- Every 12–24 months for frequent use
- If stones crumble or discolor
- If heat-up time increases
Humidity, Ventilation & Mold Prevention
Ventilation is essential for preventing mold and stale air. Even dry saunas need airflow to cycle oxygen and release moisture.
- Ensure intake and exhaust vents remain clear
- Never seal vents for heat retention
- Outdoor saunas require additional airflow
Outdoor Sauna Maintenance Considerations
Outdoor saunas experience greater environmental exposure. Rain, snow, and temperature swings require proactive care.
- Inspect roofing annually
- Check seals and fasteners
- Clear snow buildup around vents
Explore properly designed barrel saunas and cabin saunas built for outdoor longevity.
How to Extend the Life of Your Sauna
- Use towels to absorb sweat
- Avoid over-saturating stones
- Maintain consistent ventilation
- Schedule annual inspections
When to Call a Professional
Call a professional if you notice:
- Electrical inconsistencies
- Persistent odors
- Uneven heating
- Cracked heater elements
For questions, guidance, or replacement parts, visit our Sauna FAQ or contact our team.
Where to go next
Start with the Best Home Sauna Buying Guide
If you're still choosing between sauna types and sizes, this guide helps you narrow down what fits your space and routine.
Browse indoor sauna options designed for consistent at-home use, and compare layouts and heater formats.
See outdoor-ready sauna designs and formats built for long-term placement, including barrel and cabin styles.
Have questions before taking the next step?
Visit our Sauna FAQ for guidance on setup, care, and what to consider before and after ownership.
If you want help choosing a sauna or planning upkeep, reach out and we’ll guide you through the options.
Written by Pedram Beheshti
