Home Sauna Maintenance: Cleaning and Maintaining Your Infrared Sauna

Maintaining your infrared sauna is essential for keeping a hygienic environment, extending the sauna’s lifespan, and ensuring every sauna session is comfortable and restorative. Good sauna maintenance prevents bacteria and mold from forming, keeps the wood in top condition, and preserves a fresh scent in the cabin.

Daily Use: Start with a Good Base

Always place towels on both the sauna bench and the sauna floor where your feet rest. This stops sweat, body oil, and dirt from soaking into the wood. Remove the towels immediately after your session and wash them.

After each sauna session, leave the sauna door open slightly to let air circulate and release moisture. This helps the interior walls and bench dry quickly, preventing mold and maintaining a fresh scent.

Cleaning the Wood: Wipe and Lightly Scrub

Not all wood requires the same level of care. Canadian Red Cedar needs less sauna maintenance than other types because it naturally contains antibacterial and antifungal oils.

For regular cleaning, use lukewarm warm water with a small amount of mild soap—green soap is ideal. Dip a soft brush in the solution and lightly scrub all surfaces that come into contact with skin, including sauna benches, backrests, sauna walls, and the sauna floor.
Avoid bleach, scouring agents, or aggressive cleaners, as these can damage the wood. After cleaning, wipe with a damp cloth and dry the surfaces.

Deeper Clean and Stain Removal

For a deeper clean, prepare a natural sauna cleaning solution: mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a gallon of warm water. Use this to clean stains or stubborn marks from sweat and body oil.

If discoloration remains, lightly sand the area with fine grit sandpaper, then wipe with a damp cloth. This restores the look of the wood without damage.

Sauna Floor and Door Handles

The sauna floor collects dead skin cells, dirt, and dust. Use a handheld vacuum regularly and occasionally mop with fresh warm water.
Don’t forget to clean door handles inside and out, as they often collect body oil.

Caring for Interior and Exterior Walls

Wipe interior walls after each session to remove moisture and residue. The exterior walls need less frequent care—clean them about twice a year with a soft damp cloth to keep your sauna looking its best. Avoid applying paint or varnish inside the cabin, as these can release fumes under heat.

Adding Fragrance and Extra Protection

For a pleasant aroma, place a small bowl with fresh water or a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the cabin during your sauna session.
You can also apply a light coat of natural oil to keep your sauna looking fresh and protect it from moisture and stains.

Extra Sauna Care Tips

• Use a sauna cushion with a towel cover to protect the sauna bench.
• Vacuum or mop the floor regularly to remove dust, dirt, and dead skin cells.
• Lightly sand benches, backrests, and wooden flooring when needed.
• Keep your sauna well-ventilated by leaving the sauna door open after cleaning.

Long-Term Maintenance for Prolonged Longevity

Inspect your infrared heater periodically, replace bulbs and filters as needed, and keep all wood and electrical components in good condition.
Canadian Red Cedar’s natural oils make it easier to maintain, but all infrared saunas benefit from regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and occasional deeper clean treatments.

Infrared Sauna – Frequently Asked Questions

How do I operate and care for my infrared sauna?

To enjoy your sauna safely, start by operating your infrared sauna at the correct temperature—typically between 45°C and 60°C—and limit each session to 20–40 minutes. Always sit or lie on a towel to protect the wood from sweat and oils. After each session, wipe down benches, backrests, and the floor, and leave the door slightly open for ventilation. 

What are the main benefits and drawbacks of infrared sauna use?

Regular sessions can improve skin tone and elasticity, help relieve mild joint pain, and support relaxation—especially when combined with proper temperature settings. Evening use may even promote better sleep, as explained in our article on infrared saunas and sleep. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and certain health risks must be considered. For a balanced overview, check our guide to the disadvantages of infrared saunas.