How To Clean A Sauna: Step-By-Step

Keeping your sauna clean seems like a lot of work, but it’s simple. A clean sauna feels better, smells fresher, and lasts longer. This guide will show you how to clean a sauna, whether you have a traditional cedar sauna, an infrared sauna, a portable sauna, or a steam sauna.

You’ll learn how to clean every part of it, from the benches and walls to the heater and rocks, all while avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage the wood or affect the air.

Key Takeaways

• Use a mixture of warm water and vinegar
• Never use soap, detergent, or harsh chemicals
• Clean your sauna once a week if used daily, or every 2-3 weeks if used less often
• Different types of saunas and heaters require slightly different cleaning methods
• Sitting on a towel during use can reduce cleaning needs
• Always allow proper ventilation after cleaning to prevent moisture buildup

How to Clean the Seating, Walls, Floor, and Door

Before cleaning, ensure your sauna is completely turned off and unplugged for your and your sauna’s safety.

Cleaning Seating, Walls, and Floor

The best cleaning solution for any sauna is warm water mixed with white vinegar. Here’s how to make it:

1. Fill a bucket with warm water
2. Add vinegar to make a 1:3 ratio of vinegar to water (avoid apple cider vinegar)
3. Mix well

Use a soft-bristled brush, sponge, or washcloth to wipe down all interior surfaces. The vinegar kills germs and sanitizes without damaging the wood or other material.

Gentle cleaning is key for wooden surfaces. Scrub lightly in the direction of the wood grain, especially with cedar saunas, as the wood is relatively soft.

Always open the sauna door and vents after cleaning to fully dry. This simple step prevents moisture buildup and discourages mold and mildew growth.

Cleaning Doors and Glass

For glass doors or windows in your sauna:

1. Use the same water-vinegar solution for regular cleaning
2. For spots or streaks, use a non-toxic window cleaner
3. Wipe with a soft cloth rather than paper towels to avoid scratches

Clean the door handles and hinges, as these can collect dirt and oils from hands.

How to Clean the Heater

Different types of sauna heaters require different cleaning approaches. Here’s how to clean each type safely:

Electric Heaters with Sauna Rocks

Electric heaters with rocks need regular cleaning to remove dust and debris:

1. If possible, remove the heater from the sauna
2. Remove the rocks and set them aside
3. Use a leaf blower to blow out dust and debris (only if the heater is removed from the sauna)
4. Wipe the inside of the heater with your water-vinegar solution (avoid the heating coils)
5. Dry with a towel
6. Clean the rocks (see section below) before putting them back

If you can’t remove the heater, skip the leaf blower step and just carefully wipe what you can reach.

Wood-Burning Heaters

For wood-burning sauna heaters:

1. Sweep and vacuum around the heater first
2. Carefully scoop the ashes into a trash bag
3. Wipe down the outside of the heater with your water-vinegar solution
4. Dry with a towel

You don’t need to wipe the inside of a wood-burning heater, but removing ashes regularly is essential.

Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters are easier to clean since they don’t use water or rocks:

1. Make sure the heater is cool and unplugged
2. Wipe down the infrared panels and reflectors gently with your water-vinegar solution
3. Dry completely with a soft cloth
4. Clean the surrounding walls and floor as normal

Steam Heaters (Wet Saunas)

For steam saunas:

1. The steam generator usually doesn’t need internal cleaning
2. Focus on thoroughly cleaning all surfaces where moisture collects
3. Check if your sauna has machine-washable floor mats – if so, wash them regularly
4. Pay extra attention to corners and crevices where mold might grow

How to Clean Sauna Rocks

Sauna rocks can collect mineral deposits and debris over time. Here’s how to clean them:

1. Make sure the rocks are completely cool
2. Remove them from the heater and place them on cardboard or concrete
3. Spray them with a strong water hose to remove dust and debris
4. Dry with a towel, then let them air dry for 1-2 hours
5. Return them to the heater once completely dry

Clean your sauna rocks every 1-3 months, depending on how often you use your sauna.

Tips for Keeping Your Sauna Clean Longer

These simple habits can reduce how often you need to deep clean your sauna:

• Sit on a towel instead of directly on wooden benches to absorb sweat
• Only wear clean, open-toed shoes (like flip-flops) or go barefoot
• Wipe down benches after each use, especially where you were sitting
• Keep the door open after use to allow moisture to escape
• Don’t store towels or clothes in the sauna when not in use
• For wooden saunas, apply oil or wax coating before first use to improve resistance to moisture and dirt

Make it a habit to clean your sauna regularly. Aim to clean thoroughly at least once a month for light use (1-2 times per week).

Weekly cleaning is best for frequent use (4+ times per week). Consistent maintenance prevents bacterial growth and makes each cleaning session easier.

Whether you’re cleaning a portable sauna, a sauna blanket, an infrared sauna, or a traditional cedar sauna, these guidelines will help you keep your sauna fresh, clean, and inviting for years to come.

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