Nothing beats the feeling of stepping into a freshly cleaned sauna! Clean wood smells better, heats more efficiently, has a longer life, and creates an overall healthier environment during your sauna session. Whether you use your sauna every single day or only on the weekends, knowing how to clean your sauna properly is one of the most important parts of owning a sauna.
In this sauna cleaning guide, you'll learn:
- How to properly clean your sauna
- The safest way to clean cedar, spruce, and other woods
- Which products to avoid and which products to use
- How to remove sweat stains and odors
- How to keep your sauna looking and feeling new for years
We will also share some cleaning methods used by generations of Finnish sauna owners!
Why Regular Sauna Cleaning Matters
Saunas experience repeated cycles of very high heat, humidity, perspiration, and body oils. Over time this builds up on the benches, backrests, floors, and more.
Routine cleaning will help:
- Prevent built-up sweat stains
- Eliminate odors
- Reduce bacteria buildup
- Preserve the natural wood color
- Improve air quality
- Extend sauna life
How Often Should You Clean a Sauna?
A consistent maintenance routine will help extend the life of your sauna. A good maintenance schedule might look something like this:
- After each use: Wipe benches with a dry or slightly damp towel and leave the door open to ventilate.
- Monthly: Clean all surfaces with mild soap and water.
- Every 6–12 months: Deep clean all wood surfaces, including light sanding of heavily used benches if needed. We'll teach you just how to do this in this guide!
What Cleaner Should I Use to Clean My Sauna?
The right sauna cleaner makes all the difference. Unlike a kitchen or bathroom, saunas should never be washed with harsh household chemicals, which can soak into the wood and release fumes during heating. Make sure to use cleaners specifically designed for natural Nordic woods. FinnStyle carries authentic Finnish sauna cleaners and scrubbing brushes that are specially formulated for woods like cedar, spruce, pine.
We recommend Nord Clean Sauna Cleanser or Sauna Life Sauna Cleaner for deep-cleaning the sauna. For effective scrubbing, we also recommend the Nord Clean Sauna Wood Scrubbing Brush, which can be used for all water and abrasion-resistant surfaces.
WHAT TO AVOID:
- Bleach
- Ammonia
- Pressure washers
- Steam cleaners
- Abrasive pads
- Furniture polish or wax
Supplies You'll Need
Before you begin, gather these items:
- Soft-bristle brush
- Sauna-safe soap
- Bucket of warm water
- Microfiber cloth
- Vacuum or broom
- Fine-grit sandpaper (120-220 grit) if cleaning sweat stains
How to Clean the Sauna
Follow these step-by-step instructions to properly and effectively clean your sauna:
Step 1. Let the Sauna Cool
Never clean a hot, steamy sauna! Always allow the heater and stones to cool completely before beginning. Open the door and vents to improve airflow.
Step 2. Remove any Dust and Debris
Start by vacuuming or sweeping the floor, duckboards, corners, under benches, and around the heater. Dust and dirt can become abrasive when mixed with moisture, so removing loose debris will protect the wood during cleaning.
Step 3. Wash the Benches
The benches take the brunt of most sweat and body oils. Mix warm water with your sauna-safe cleaner. Using a soft brush, gently scrub along the wood grain instead of across it.
Avoid soaking the wood. A damp (not dripping!) brush it all that's needed here.
Step 4. Clean the Floor
Floors collect dust, dirt, grime and moisture. Again, use your warm water and sauna cleaner mixture + a soft brush to scrub gently. If your sauna has removable duckboards, take them outside to clean both sides and allow them to dry completely before bringing back in.
Step 5. Remove Sweat Stains
It's normal for darker areas to appear over time on the benches where people sit. Most stains can be removed by gently scrubbing with warm water and fine sandpaper if really necessary. Light sanding removes only the top surface layer and restores wood. Always sand with the grain!
Step 6. Clean Buckets, Ladles, and Accessories
Don't forget the accessories! These items can also build up moisture and bacteria. Wash your sauna buckets and ladles, thermometer/hygrometer, sauna bench covers, and more. Any wooden accessories should dry out completely before returning to the sauna.
How to Keep Your Sauna Cleaner Longer
Simple habits and routines can reduce future cleaning and reduce staining. You should always:
- Sit on a sauna bench cover or sauna towel
- Shower before using the sauna
- Keep ventilation open after session
- Let the sauna dry completely
- Sweep regularly
- Clean any spills immediately
Most Common Sauna Cleaning Mistakes
Many new sauna owners might be accidentally shortening the lifespan of their sauna by not properly cleaning, or not cleaning enough.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Using too much water
- Cleaning while the sauna is still hot and moist
- Using household disinfectants
- Closing the sauna before it's actually dry/ignoring ventilation
- Skipping regular maintenance
More Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use bleach to clean a sauna?
NO. Bleach can damage the wood and seep into the grains, causing unpleasant fumes to release when the sauna heats up.
Can I pressure wash my sauna?
NO. Pressure washing is way too forceful and will push moisture deep into the wood. This can cause warping or cracking over time.
How do I remove odors from my sauna?
Always ventilate thoroughly after each sauna session. Don't close the sauna before it's dry and trap odors. Wash the benches with sauna-safe soap.
How often should I deep clean my sauna?
Most home saunas will benefit from a deep clean every six to twelve months. This time frame will depend on how frequently you use your sauna.
Can I sand my sauna bench?
Yes. Light sanding is a traditional way to remove sweat stains or dark spots and restore fresh wood when needed.
Keeping Your Sauna Beautiful Forever
A sauna will last decades when paid attention to. A regular cleaning schedule, the correct products, and proper ventilation are key to preserving the natural beauty of wood.
At FinnStyle, we've been helping our customers enjoy authentic Finnish sauna traditions for years. We have curated a collection of safe cleaners and natural soaps, as well as handcrafted buckets, ladles and brushes from Finland so you can experience the best sauna sessions possible. We offer everything you need to maintain a beautiful home sauna for years to come!
Browse our selection of sauna accessories and maintenance products to keep your sauna clean, comfortable, and session-ready.
