How to Clean a Sauna: Easy Steps for Freshness (2025)

Everyone hates stepping into a sauna with a musty smell or sweat stains. Mold in corners and warped benches not only look bad but also affect your sauna’s hygiene and lifespan.

Common sauna problems include:

• Mold hiding on benches or walls
• Stubborn sweat stains and sweat buildup that won’t budge
• Wood fading or warping over time
• Slippery or slimy buildup in vents and floors
• Wasting money on harsh cleaners that damage wood surfaces

Skipping monthly deep cleaning can lead to mold spots on cedar benches. A simple vinegar and water mix, paired with scrubbing, effectively removes these spots.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to:

1. Tackle mold, stains, and buildup at home
2. Use gentle, wood-safe cleaners (even for infrared saunas)
3. Keep your sauna looking fresh with simple steps
4. Save money by picking easy, natural cleaning tricks

Follow these tips, and your sauna will stay spotless, safe, and ready for every relaxing session.

Daily Sauna Cleaning: Quick Home Checklist

Daily cleaning stops sweat and dirt from building up and keeps your sauna fresh with just a few easy steps.

Why bother with daily cleaning?

• Prevents sweat from soaking into the wood, which stops bad smells and stains.
• Fights mold before it can show up
• Makes wood last longer with simple sauna wood care tips
• Keeps your sauna safe and pleasant for everyone

What you’ll need

• Soft microfiber cloth or small towel
• Spray bottle of white vinegar with warm water (1:3 ratio)
• Dry towel or paper towels

Easy Steps

1. Wipe Down Benches and Walls
   After every session, grab a soft cloth. Wipe benches, backrests, and walls—focus extra on any sweaty spots.
2. Spritz the Surface
   Lightly spray the benches and walls with a vinegar-water solution. This natural disinfectant kills bacteria without damaging wood or infrared panels. Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals, which can harm natural wood.
3. Dry Everything
   Use a clean towel to dry each surface. This sops up leftover moisture, making mold and mildew think twice.
4. Crack Open the Door
   Leave the sauna door open for a while when you’re done. Fresh air helps dry things out—mold hates dry, breezy places.
5. Check the Floor
   If you spot water puddles (sometimes from wet feet), blot them up. Prevents slippery spots and keeps floors fresh.

👉 Tip: Doing these quick steps after each use means you won’t need to scrub like crazy on cleaning day. Sauna maintenance gets so much easier when you make it a habit.

You can end most cleaning sessions in under five minutes—and your sauna stays looking and smelling clean, naturally.

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Weekly Deep Cleaning: Home Sauna Boost

Weekly deep cleaning with mild soap and vinegar removes stuck-on sweat, dust, and bacteria.

Infrared vs Traditional Sauna

For infrared panels, avoid spraying liquids directly on heaters to prevent damage. Instead, wipe panels gently with a damp cloth. For traditional saunas, scrub wood slats using a brush and vinegar mixture.

Related: How To Clean Infrared Saunas

What you’ll need

• Soft-bristle brush or gentle scrub brush
• Mild wood-safe soap (Castile soap works great)
• Bucket of warm water
• Spray bottle with vinegar mix (1 part vinegar, 3 parts water)
• Microfiber cloths or soft rags
• Vacuum with soft brush attachment

Steps to follow

1. Vacuum corners and floor
   Gently run a soft-brush attachment along benches, walls, and floor edges. This pulls out loose dirt, old sweat, dust, and stray wood fibers.
2. Mix soap solution
   Stir a small squirt of wood-safe soap into warm water. Aim for light suds—too much soap leaves residue.
3. Scrub benches and walls
   Dip your brush into the soap mix. Scrub slats and backrests in the grain direction. Focus under headrests and any dark spots.
4. Rinse with vinegar spray
   Spray the vinegar mix on scrubbed areas. It kills bacteria without hurting wood. No extra rinse needed—vinegar dries clean.
5. Wipe dry
   Use a microfiber cloth to soak up moisture right away. Work top to bottom so no drips or puddles on the floor.
6. Air out fully
   Leave the door open and, if you have one, a small fan outside the seal. Let fresh air flow for at least 30 minutes.
7. Inspect and tune up
   Look for rough or stained spots. Lightly sand with 120-grit paper if needed. Wipe off dust before your next session.

Spend about 10–15 minutes each week on these steps. You’ll dodge odors, protect wood, and keep your sauna feeling fresh.

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Quick Outdoor & Barrel Sauna Maintenance

Outdoor saunas face weather and pest challenges. A weekly inspection helps prevent moisture buildup, mold, and insect damage.

Infrared vs Traditional Sauna

For barrel saunas with infrared kits, wipe heater panels with a barely damp cloth. For traditional barrel saunas, you can use the same brush and vinegar mix on the wood curves—just work with the grain.

What you’ll need

• Soft-bristle brush or small scrub brush
• Spray bottle with vinegar mix (1:3 vinegar to water)
• Microfiber cloths
• Outdoor-safe wood sealant (optional)

Steps to follow

1. Brush off debris
   Use your soft brush to clear leaves, dirt, or spider webs from benches and walls.
2. Spray vinegar mix
   Lightly mist all wood surfaces. This helps stop mold and mildew.
3. Wipe dry
   Pat surfaces dry with a clean cloth. Outdoor wood needs to dry fast to beat rain or humidity.
4. Check seams and vents
   Look for gaps or damage where water or bugs could sneak in. Fix small cracks with outdoor wood sealant.
5. Open vents and door
   Let air move through for at least 20 minutes. Good airflow keeps dampness down.
6. Cover if needed
   During rainy periods, loosely place a breathable cover over your barrel sauna. This protects wood while allowing moisture to escape.

A quick 5-minute run-through each week keeps outdoor and barrel saunas dry, clean, and bug-free.

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Commercial Sauna Cleaning Protocols (Fast Guide)

Commercial saunas receive frequent use. A consistent and thorough cleaning routine maintains safety and comfort for all guests.

Why commercial care matters

• Stops germs from spreading in busy spaces
• Meets health department rules
• Boosts guest comfort and hotel/spa ratings

What you’ll need

• Food-grade sanitizer (spray or wipes)
• Soft scrub brush
• pH-neutral cleaner (no harsh acids)
• Microfiber cloths
• Commercial-grade wet/dry vacuum

Steps to follow

1. Sanitize high-touch areas
   Wipe door handles, bench edges, and control panels with food-grade sanitizer.
2. Vacuum and dust
   Use the wet/dry vacuum on benches, walls, floor drains, and vents. Pull out dirt, hair, and dust buildup.
3. Scrub seating and walls
   Mix pH-neutral cleaner in warm water. Lightly scrub benches and walls with your brush. Focus on corners and seams.
4. Rinse and wipe
   Rinse scrubbed areas with a damp cloth. Then dry with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent moisture spots.
5. Treat floors and drains
   Pour sanitizer into floor drains. Let it sit 5 minutes, then flush with water. This keeps pipes clear and germ-free.
6. Air circulation
   Run any built-in fans or crack doors for 30 minutes after cleaning. Good airflow stops mold and odors.
7. Record and schedule
   Record each cleaning in a maintenance log. Schedule daily sanitizing and weekly deep cleans during times of low usage.

Following this 15-minute protocol daily keeps your commercial sauna clean, compliant, and ready for every visitor.

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Top Sauna Cleaning Picks You’ll Love

Here are five effective, mid-priced sauna cleaners that are safe for wood and free of harsh chemicals.

Product Name	Avg. Rating	Price (USD)	Quick Benefit
Sauna Cleaner – Natural Wood Cleaner & Deodorizer (32 fl oz)	4.9 stars	$19.97	Ready-to-use spray that cuts grease and odor while preserving wood grain.
Sauna Cleaner – 4 Gallons Concentrate (32 fl oz) with Eucalyptus Scent	4.4 stars	$19.99	Concentrated mix—makes four gallons—tackles buildup with a fresh eucalyptus kick.
Premium All-Natural Sauna Cleaner with Eucalyptus Scent (16 fl oz)	4.4 stars	$29.99	Plant-based formula that’s gentle on infrared heaters and tough on bacteria.
CLARK’S Natural Cutting Board Spray Cleaner (12 fl oz)	4.4 stars	$26.99	Castile-based soap spray that kills germs and keeps wood looking new.
Mighty Mint Wood Cleaner & Conditioner (16 fl oz)	4.4 stars	$14.99	Peppermint-scented cleaner that conditions and shines without residue.

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Troubleshooting Guide: Quick Fixes for Sauna Issues

Persistent Mold Spots (Sauna Mildew Treatment Tips)

Mold often grows in damp corners or under benches. To remove it, spray a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water onto the area. Let it sit 10 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush and dry with a clean towel. Leave the door open for 30 minutes to air out and stop mold from coming back.

Wood Discoloration or Warping

If boards look faded, lightly sand the rough patch with 120-grit sandpaper along the grain. Wipe off dust, then follow with your usual weekly cleaning routine. For warped slats, tighten any loose screws and ensure good airflow so wood dries evenly.

Lingering Sweat Stains

Dark sweat marks can stick around despite daily wipes. Mix a teaspoon of Castile soap in a bucket of warm water. Dip a soft-bristle brush, scrub in the wood grain, then mist with vinegar solution and dry. This lifts oils without harsh chemicals.

Infrared Panel Smudges

Over-spraying panels can damage heaters. Instead, dampen a microfiber cloth (no soap), wipe panels gently, then buff dry. Never pour cleaning solution directly on infrared elements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often to clean sauna for best results?

If you use it every day, do quick wipes after each session and a weekly deep clean. For lighter home use (2–3 times a week), a deep clean once a month is fine.

Can I use bleach to clean a sauna?

No. Bleach and harsh chemicals can strip wood oils, leave harmful residues, and damage heaters. Stick with natural solutions like mild wood-safe soap or a vinegar mix.

What’s the best way to remove mold from my sauna?

Spray affected areas with a 1:3 vinegar-to-water mix. Let it sit 10 minutes, scrub with a soft brush, then dry everything. Good ventilation after cleaning keeps mold away.

How do I clean sauna heater rocks?

Turn off and cool the heater. Remove rocks, tap off loose debris, and rinse under running water. Let stones air-dry fully before placing them back to avoid steam “popping” and cracking.

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Conclusion

Maintaining your sauna requires consistent cleaning, proper products, and timely repairs. This guide has covered daily, weekly, outdoor, and commercial cleaning steps, along with troubleshooting and FAQs for common issues. 

Follow these cleaning steps to keep your sauna safe, fresh, and ready to use whenever you want.

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Have your own sauna cleaning tips or questions? Share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from fellow sauna lovers! Don’t forget to subscribe and grab your free sauna eBook. 👇

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