A sauna should be a sanctuary, whether you use it to relax after a workout, ease sore muscles, or simply enjoy the warmth. But like any wellness investment, your sauna needs regular cleaning to stay hygienic, functional, and beautiful for years to come. If you’ve been wondering how to clean a sauna, you’re not alone. The good news is, sauna upkeep is straightforward once you know the right steps.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything, from how to clean sauna wood to the best practices for cleaning infrared saunas and even portable saunas, so you can keep your wellness space in peak condition.
Why Sauna Cleaning Matters
Saunas, especially those used frequently, can accumulate sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, and moisture over time. This buildup not only causes unpleasant odors and discoloration but can also lead to bacteria or mold growth. A dirty sauna doesn’t just look uninviting—it can impact your overall experience, damage the wood, and shorten the lifespan of your investment. Maintaining regular sauna upkeep ensures a cleaner, fresher atmosphere for relaxation, helps the wood and equipment last longer, prevents mold and mildew, and supports better overall hygiene and comfort.
7 Pro Tips for Cleaning Your Sauna
Keeping your sauna in pristine condition isn’t just about appearance; it’s about preserving its longevity and ensuring every session feels fresh and inviting. Whether you own a traditional cedar sauna, an infrared model, or a portable setup, these tips will help you clean more effectively and maintain your sauna for years to come.
1. Clean Immediately After Use
The best time to clean a sauna is right after a session, while the surfaces are still warm. Sweat, oils, and residue are easier to remove before they have a chance to soak into the wood. A quick wipe-down at this stage can prevent deep stains and reduce the need for more intensive cleaning later.
2. Use the Right Cloth
Opt for a microfiber cloth, as it’s soft, absorbent, and won’t scratch delicate wood surfaces. These cloths are great at trapping dust, dirt, and oils without spreading them around. Keep a dedicated sauna cleaning cloth on hand to avoid transferring outside contaminants.
3. Go Gentle on Wood
Harsh chemicals can damage sauna wood by stripping its natural oils or leaving behind residues that may be harmful when heated. Instead, use a sauna wood cleaner or a natural mixture of water and vinegar for effective, safe cleaning. Always test a small area first to make sure the cleaner doesn’t alter the wood’s color.
4. Target High-Touch Areas
Benches, brackets, and door handles are the most heavily used parts of your sauna, and they collect the most sweat and skin oils. Give these areas extra attention with a thorough wipe-down after every use. This not only keeps the sauna sanitary but also helps prevent odor buildup.
5. Avoid Excess Moisture
While it may be tempting to use lots of water for a deep clean, too much moisture can cause wood to swell or even mold. Instead, lightly dampen your cleaning cloth so you can wipe away dirt without soaking the wood. If a deeper clean is needed, use minimal water and dry the surfaces immediately afterward.
6. Sand Stains Away
Over time, you may notice darker spots or marks on the wood where sweat or spills have set in. Lightly sanding these areas with fine-grit sandpaper can restore the surface to its original look. After sanding, wipe away dust and recondition the wood if needed.
7. Keep It Ventilated
Good airflow is key to preventing mold and musty smells inside your sauna. After cleaning, prop the door open and let the sauna air out completely. This is especially important for portable saunas or those in damp environments where moisture can linger.
How to Clean Sauna Wood—A Step-By-Step Guide
Wood is the heart of your sauna’s design—whether it’s cedar, hemlock, or another type. Unlike tile or metal, wood is porous, which means it can absorb sweat and oils over time. Harsh chemicals can damage or stain it, so the safest approach is to use sauna wood cleaner or make a natural cleaning solution. Here’s a simple 5-step process to cleaning your sauna wood:
- Vacuum or sweep first: Remove dirt, dust, and debris from benches, walls, and floors.
- Wipe down with warm water: Use a damp cloth to wipe away surface grime.
- Deep clean with gentle solution: Mix warm water with a small amount of mild soap, white vinegar, or a specially formulated sauna wood cleaner.
- Scrub with a soft brush: Pay extra attention to high-contact areas like benches and backrests.
- Rinse and dry: Wipe with a clean, damp cloth or remove residue, then allow the wood to air-dry completely before using the sauna again.
Pro tip: Avoid oils or polishes on sauna wood—they can heat up, emit fumes, and create slippery surfaces.
How to Clean an Infrared Sauna
Cleaning an infrared sauna is similar to caring for a traditional sauna, but there are a few additional considerations. Because infrared saunas use heating panels rather than steam, they generate less moisture, which reduces the risk of mold. However, sweat and bacteria can still accumulate on surfaces. Always start by unplugging the sauna for safety. Wipe down the walls, benches, and heaters with a damp microfiber cloth, taking care to never spray water directly onto the heating panels. For a deeper clean, use a gentle vinegar-and-water solution or a non-toxic sauna cleaner on a soft cloth. Glass doors can be cleaned with a streak-free solution to maintain a polished look. Once finished, leave the door open so the sauna can fully air out and dry before its next use.
How to Clean a Portable Sauna
Portable saunas, whether tent-style or compact infrared units, are convenient but still require regular care. After each use, wipe down the interior surfaces to prevent buildup. For fabric or tent-style models, clean with a cloth dipped in warm soapy water, and allow the sauna to air-dry completely before storing. Portable infrared saunas can be cleaned following the same guidelines as a standard infrared sauna—just be mindful to avoid excessive moisture on the heating elements. When not in use, store your sauna in a dry, clean space to prevent mold or mildew from forming.
How to Clean a Cedar Sauna
Cedar is one of the most popular choices for sauna wood because of its natural resistance to moisture and insects, but it still needs regular maintenance. To clean cedar, use a sauna wood cleaner that is specifically safe for this type of wood. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can strip the wood’s natural oils and diminish its durability. For stubborn stains, lightly sand the affected area with a fine-grit sandpaper, then wipe the surface clean. Keeping your cedar sauna well-ventilated after each session will help prevent excess moisture from becoming a problem.
Choosing the Best Sauna Cleaner
The safest cleaners are those that are non-toxic, free of bleach or harsh chemicals, and safe for use on unfinished wood. Because a sauna’s heat can cause certain cleaning products to release harmful fumes, it’s important to select cleaners designed for high-heat environments. Many sauna owners prefer natural solutions like a simple vinegar-and-water mix, while others choose plant-based commercial products specifically formulated for wood surfaces. Whichever you choose, ensure it rinses off easily and leaves no residue that could interfere with your next sauna session.
Sauna Upkeep Tips to Keep It Fresh Year-Round
Good sauna upkeep goes beyond cleaning alone. Developing a few simple habits can help keep your sauna in pristine condition. Taking a shower before your session will reduce the amount of sweat, oils, and lotions that end up on the surfaces. Sitting on a towel during use can protect the benches from sweat stains. After each session, leave the door open to release heat and moisture, allowing the sauna to air out completely. Wiping down benches after every use and scheduling a deeper cleaning weekly or monthly, depending on usage, will keep the space fresh. Finally, replace any cracked or warped boards promptly to avoid more extensive repairs later.
Qontrast—Your Partner in Sauna Wellness
Knowing how to clean a sauna is just part of the journey; owning one is about creating a personal wellness space you love. Whether you’re maintaining your current sauna or dreaming of an upgrade, Qontrast offers everything you need to make it happen.
From custom saunas to infrared saunas, built-in installations, heaters, parts, and even full wellness rooms, we provide premium solutions tailored to your lifestyle. Our designers bring spa-quality experiences into your home, making wellness a daily habit—not just an occasional retreat.
If you’re ready to invest in a sauna that’s beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain, shop with Qontrast today and create the perfect retreat—clean, fresh, and entirely yours.
