The Definitive Guide to Taking Care of a Wood Sauna
Whether your sauna is heated by wood, electricity, or pellets, one thing remains constant: the wooden interior is sacred. Here's how to care for it the right way.
🧽 1. Routine Cleaning After Each Use
- Wipe benches with a damp cloth to remove sweat/oils
- Leave the door open after each session to fully ventilate
- Avoid soaps or chemicals — plain water is best
Finnleo recommends avoiding any cleaners that leave residue or block the wood’s breathability.
🧹 2. Weekly or Biweekly Deep Clean
- Use warm water and a soft-bristled brush to scrub benches and walls
- Mix 50/50 white vinegar and water for a natural disinfectant
- Lift floor slats (duckboards) to clean beneath
Saunatimes suggests brushing by hand instead of mopping to avoid over-wetting.
🌲 3. What NOT to Do
- Never seal or varnish sauna wood
- Don’t leave wet towels sitting on benches
- No bleach, citrus oils, or scented cleaners
🔥 4. Caring for Your Heater (Electric, Wood, or Pellet)
🪨 Stone Care
- Inspect every 3–6 months for cracks or dust buildup
- Rinse stones and restack loosely to allow airflow
- Harvia recommends replacing stones every 1–2 years
💨 Heater-Specific Notes
- Electric: vacuum dust and test thermostat annually
- Wood: clean ash pan, check chimney for buildup
- Pellet: clean burn pot, empty hopper before long-term storage
👉 Read more: Essential Sauna Maintenance Tips
💧 5. Managing Steam and Humidity
- Only use clean, fresh water on stones
- Moderate water use to avoid soaking the wood
- Use a thermometer/hygrometer to monitor ideal sauna levels (160–195°F, 10–30% humidity)
Healthline recommends monitoring sauna sessions for safe durations and hydration.
☃️ 6. Seasonal Care (for Outdoor Saunas)
- Seal only the exterior — not interior sauna wood
- Check door and window seals for air leaks
- Drain any plumbing if unused during winter
🪑 7. Accessories & Extras
- Wash sauna towels regularly and dry thoroughly
- Clean sauna buckets and ladles with vinegar monthly
- Wipe light fixtures and avoid candles or incense
🧾 Sauna Maintenance Checklist
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Wipe benches | After each use |
| Ventilate fully | After each use |
| Brush walls & benches | Weekly |
| Clean under floor slats | Weekly |
| Inspect stones | Every 3–6 months |
| Rinse/restack stones | Every 6 months |
| Clean chimney/flue | Annually |
| Check heater elements | Annually |
| Inspect wood for damage | Annually |
🔥 Final Thought
Taking care of your sauna isn’t just maintenance — it’s respect. A clean, dry, well-loved sauna provides better heat, deeper steam, and longer life.
As your sauna ages, its wood gains character. With the right care, your space becomes more than hot — it becomes sacred.