There’s something sacred about stepping into a freshly heated sauna, the scent of wood, the warmth of the benches, the sense that this space is here to restore you. But over time, even the most beautiful saunas can lose their shine without regular care. Sweat stains, lingering odors and dulled wood surfaces are all signs it’s time for a little love.
Cleaning your sauna isn’t just about hygiene. It’s about preservation. At Theraluxe, we believe that every custom build should look as good in year five as it did on day one. That means caring for the materials, especially the wood, with the same intention you bring to your wellness rituals.
Whether you’re the proud owner of a traditional sauna, a dual-use design with infrared panels, or simply planning for your future Theraluxe build, this guide will walk you through exactly how to clean your sauna the right way, without damaging the wood, dulling its beauty or using harsh chemicals.
5 Signs It’s Time for a Deep Scrub
Your sauna likely sees a lot of heat, sweat and use, especially if you’re consistent (and we hope you are). But how do you know when a light wipe-down won’t cut it anymore?
Here are five clear signs your sauna is asking for more attention:
1. Persistent Odor:
If your sauna smells musty or sour, even when dry, it’s time for a deeper clean. Sweat and moisture can linger in porous wood.
2. Visible Sweat Stains or Discoloration:
Over time, bench tops, backrests and flooring may develop dark patches or uneven coloring. This is a build-up of oils, minerals and sweat.
3. Rough or Sticky Surfaces:
Wood that feels sticky, gritty or overly dry likely hasn’t been gently scrubbed in a while. This compromises both hygiene and comfort.
4. Increased Dust or Debris:
Noticing hair, dirt or sloughed skin in the corners or under the benches? A sign your regular cleaning routine isn’t reaching all the nooks.
5. You Haven’t Cleaned it in Over a Month:
If you’ve been using your sauna regularly and haven’t done more than a quick sweep, it’s time. A monthly reset supports longevity.
How Often Should You Clean Your Sauna? [And What to Use]
Think of sauna care in three layers: light daily wipe-downs, weekly refreshes and monthly deep cleans. Here’s a breakdown of how often and what to use at each stage:
Daily (or After Each Use)
- Use a clean, dry towel to wipe down benches and any areas where sweat may have dripped.
- Leave the door open after use to let heat and moisture escape.
- Remove used towels or mats immediately.
Weekly
- Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove debris.
- Use a damp cloth with warm water only (no soap) to wipe down benches, walls and headrests.
- Check for spots that need extra attention, like under benches.
Monthly (Deep Clean)
- Mix a gentle cleaning solution: warm water + baking soda or white vinegar + water (50:50). Avoid harsh detergents or anything with ammonia or bleach.
- Use a soft-bristle brush or sponge to gently scrub benches, backrests and high-contact areas.
- Rinse with a clean damp cloth to remove residue.
- Allow to fully air-dry with the door open.
What to Avoid:
Never use lacquer, varnish or sealants on interior sauna wood. It needs to breathe. And skip scented cleaners, they linger unpleasantly under heat.
The Best Way to Clean a Sauna [Step-by-Step Without Harsh Chemicals]
Let’s walk through the exact steps for a monthly sauna clean, designed to restore your space while protecting your wood:
Step 1: Prep the Space
Turn off the sauna and allow it to cool fully. Remove all towels, mats and removable accessories. Sweep or vacuum the floor.
Step 2: Mix Your Solution
In a bucket, combine one of the following:
- Option 1: 1 tbsp baking soda per 1L warm water (great for odor control)
- Option 2: Equal parts white vinegar and water (natural disinfectant)
Step 3: Wipe and Scrub
Dip a soft cloth or sponge in the solution. Gently wipe benches, walls, backrests and handles. For stains or tougher spots, use a soft bristle brush in circular motion.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Use a clean cloth dipped in plain water to wipe away any residue. Then let the sauna dry naturally, ideally with the door open or in warm air.
Step 5: Optional – Sanding Touch-Ups
For stubborn sweat stains or wear, lightly sand the affected area with fine-grit sandpaper (120–150 grit). Always sand with the grain and use a vacuum to clean up dust.
Bonus tip: Use sauna hats to reduce sweat exposure on your benches and keep the space cleaner between deep cleans. Not sure what they are? Read our guide on sauna hats and why they’re the unexpected hero of your routine.
What Most People Forget to Do
Even seasoned sauna owners miss a few crucial cleaning habits. Let’s change that:
- Cleaning Under the Bench: Dust, hair and debris often settle in hard-to-reach spaces. Lift removable bench panels and vacuum underneath monthly.
- Washing Headrests or Wooden Back Supports: These soak up sweat just like the benches and need love too.
- Checking the Heater Stones (for traditional saunas): Over time, stones can crack or degrade. Once or twice a year, remove and rinse them in warm water. Replace any that are crumbling.
- Refreshing Accessories: Wood buckets, ladles, thermometers and hourglasses should be cleaned with the same care, warm water and a cloth.
Maintaining That ‘Like-New’ Look
Beyond cleaning, there are small steps that preserve your sauna’s beauty for years:
- Always sit on a towel. This protects the bench from sweat and oils.
- Keep nails trimmed. Wood surfaces scratch easily under pressure.
- Use fragrance mindfully. Essential oils can be lovely but should never be poured directly onto wood. Use in steam or water buckets only.
- Protect from direct sunlight. If your sauna gets natural light, consider UV film on nearby windows to prevent discoloration.
Outdoor Saunas: Extra Steps You Shouldn’t Skip
If you have an outdoor sauna, cleaning needs a bit more intention. Wind, moisture, insects and falling leaves all increase wear over time.
What to prioritize:
- Exterior wood care: Wash the outside panels with gentle soap and water once a season
- Check for weather damage: Look for softening wood, discoloration or seal gaps after heavy rain or snow
- Insect prevention: Regularly dust corners and gaps, and keep exterior clean to avoid nesting
- Cold plunge upkeep: If you have a plunge tub nearby, clean it weekly with a gentle scrub and drain fully between uses unless filtered
For outdoor setups like our model Oro, these extra steps are built into the design thinking. Thoughtful construction makes routine maintenance easier, not harder.
Caring for an Indoor Sauna: Small Space, Big Impact
Indoor saunas enjoy protection from the weather, but that doesn’t make them low-maintenance. Their cozy placement within the home comes with unique care needs.
Key cleaning tips for indoor setups:
- Ventilation is essential
Leave the door slightly open after each session to release built-up moisture. This simple step prevents excess humidity from lingering in tight corners. - Wipe down frequently
Use a soft, dry cloth after each session to remove sweat and moisture from benches and walls. This keeps the wood from absorbing too much water. - Clean weekly with natural products
A mild vinegar-water solution or gentle sauna-specific cleanser can prevent mold and mildew from forming in hidden crevices. - Mind your surroundings
If your sauna is near a bathroom, laundry area, or kitchen, monitor the room’s humidity levels. Consider placing a hygrometer nearby to track moisture. - Check airflow
Clean vents or air slats monthly to ensure your sauna stays fresh and breathable.
When cared for properly, an indoor sauna doesn’t just blend with your home, it enhances it. These small rituals keep your wellness space feeling like a retreat, every day.
Commercial Saunas: Cleanliness Is the Guest Experience
For spas, gyms, hotels and retreats, a clean sauna isn’t just about function, it’s about trust. The way your sauna looks, smells and feels shapes every guest’s impression of your space.
Daily and weekly maintenance rituals:
- Sanitize high-touch surfaces often
Wipe benches, walls and door handles between each guest cycle using non-toxic, sauna-safe cleaners. - Vacuum and mop floors daily
Use natural cleaning agents that won’t leave chemical residue or affect the scent of the room. - Inspect heaters and sauna stones weekly
Look for signs of dust, hair or buildup that can affect performance or pose a fire risk. - Use protective accessories
Invest in removable bench covers or cedar backrests. They’re easier to clean, protect your wood, and elevate the user experience. - Create a checklist for staff
Ensure consistency by turning your cleaning steps into a clear, repeatable routine for your team.
When the wood gleams and the air smells clean, guests know they’re in a space that’s cared for. A clean commercial sauna isn’t just a health measure, it’s part of your brand’s luxury.
A Clean Sauna is a Healing Sauna
Caring for your sauna isn’t just a chore, it’s part of the ritual. Every time you clean it, you’re reinforcing the intention behind your space. You’re saying: this matters. My wellness matters.
So wipe it down. Give it a reset. Let the wood breathe again. And next time you step inside, you’ll feel the difference in the air, in your body, in your nervous system.
You deserve a space that’s as clean and clear as the peace you’re seeking inside it.
You can explore our full range of sauna offerings on the Theraluxe website, including our signature outdoor models, fully custom residential indoor saunas and commercial saunas tailored for spas, gyms and retreats. Whether you’re seeking a ready-to-install design or something built entirely around your space and lifestyle, we invite you to discover what’s possible at theraluxe.ca.
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