The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Sauna

Owning a sauna, especially a barrel sauna, is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s a space for relaxation, wellness, and comfort. Keeping it fresh and inviting doesn’t have to be complicated—with a few simple habits and the right tools, your sauna can stay spotless and ready for every session.

This guide covers everything from daily upkeep to deep cleaning, with tips for barrel saunas, infrared saunas, and commercial setups.

Why Regular Sauna Care Enhances Your Experience

Caring for your sauna ensures every session is pleasant and rejuvenating:

• Preserves wood and benches to keep the sauna looking beautiful.

• Maintains a fresh, welcoming atmosphere.

• Supports a cozy, relaxing environment.

• Reduces effort for deep cleaning, making maintenance easy.

Even a few minutes of upkeep each week can make a big difference in enjoyment.

How Often to Clean Your Sauna

Consistency is key, but cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated. Consider this simple guide based on usage:

Sauna TypeRecommended RoutineHome sauna (light use)Quick wipe weekly, deep clean monthlyHome sauna (heavy use)Quick wipe after a few sessions, deep clean monthlyCommercial or shared saunaQuick touch-ups daily, deep clean weekly

Tip: In barrel saunas, quick touch-ups between sessions help keep curved benches and walls consistently fresh.

Essential Tools for Sauna and Barrel Sauna Cleaning

You don’t need specialized tools—just:

• Soft sponges or brushes (large sponges for barrel sauna curves).

• Microfiber cloths for benches, walls, and glass.

• Non-toxic cleaning solutions such as vinegar, baking soda, or sauna-safe products.

• Bucket of warm water for gentle wiping.

Barrel sauna tip: Big sponges and soft brushes make it easy to clean curved surfaces efficiently.

Step-by-Step Sauna Cleaning Guide

1. Cool Down the Sauna

Ensure the sauna is completely off and comfortable to touch.

2. Remove Accessories

Remove towels, headrests, buckets, and mats for separate cleaning.

3. Wipe Benches, Walls, and Curves

Prepare a gentle solution of:

• 1 gallon warm water

• 1 cup vinegar

Use a soft sponge to wipe benches, walls, and barrel sauna curves along the wood grain.

4. Refresh Floors

Mop or wipe floors lightly, focusing on entryways and corners.

5. Air Out the Sauna

Leave the door open for natural ventilation, ensuring a fresh, welcoming environment.

Daily Sauna Maintenance Tips

• Use towels on benches for quick freshness.

• Shower before entering to start every session feeling clean.

• Quick wipe of benches and surfaces takes just minutes.

• Ventilate after each session for a pleasant atmosphere.

These simple habits keep your sauna inviting and ready for use.

Barrel Sauna Cleaning Tips

• Use large, soft sponges to cover curves efficiently.

• Wipe along the wood grain for best results.

• Use gentle, non-toxic solutions to maintain the wood finish.

• Quick touch-ups between sessions keep the sauna ready for every guest.

Infrared Sauna Cleaning

Infrared saunas are low-maintenance:

• Wipe panels with a damp microfiber cloth.

• Clean glass doors gently with mild, streak-free solutions.

• Avoid excess moisture near electronics.

• Regular wipe-downs keep the sauna ready for use anytime.

Commercial Sauna Tips

• Keep cleaning tools and non-toxic solutions accessible.

• Quick wipe-downs between users maintain a ready-to-use space.

• Weekly deep cleaning ensures benches and floors remain beautiful.

• Minor touch-ups by each guest keep the sauna inviting for everyone.

Deep Cleaning Routine

Even with daily upkeep, occasional deep cleaning enhances appearance:

• Wipe all surfaces with a gentle solution.

• Use large sponges or brushes for barrel sauna curves.

• Lightly rinse surfaces with clean water.

• Clean removable accessories separately.

• Air out the sauna fully after cleaning.

Deep cleaning once a month or seasonally keeps your sauna fresh and beautiful with minimal effort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can vinegar safely clean a barrel sauna?

✅ Yes! A mild vinegar solution is gentle and keeps the sauna fresh.

Q2: How long does cleaning a sauna take?

✅ Quick daily wipe-downs: 10–15 minutes. Deep cleaning: 30–60 minutes.

Q3: How do I maintain the natural beauty of a barrel sauna?

✅ Wipe along the wood grain, use soft brushes for curves, and keep solutions mild.

Q4: Can multiple users keep a sauna fresh?

✅ Absolutely! Quick touch-ups between sessions maintain a pleasant space.

Q5: What’s the best routine for an infrared sauna?

✅ Quick wipe of panels, gentle glass cleaning, and ventilation after each session keeps it fresh.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your sauna or barrel sauna fresh, beautiful, and inviting is easy with:

• Gentle cleaning solutions

• Simple daily habits

• Occasional deep cleaning

Even in commercial or shared spaces, small routines ensure every sauna session is relaxing, comfortable, and enjoyable.

With this guide, cleaning your sauna becomes a natural part of your wellness routine, making each visit as refreshing as the first.