How to properly maintain your sauna to make it last longer

Saunas are great for helping you to remove toxins from the body through sweating. The heat also helps muscles to relax and can help to remove tension from the body. These are great after-workouts, as a part of a treatment program, and as a part of athletes’ training regime. Going to a sauna regularly can improve overall health, aid in deeper sleep, improve brain health, and cleanse the skin. 

With all the benefits, you may be jumping at the chance to get one. However, you should be aware of the care process of a sauna. It is a costly investment. You will need to know how to take care of it. If you already have one, you may be unsure of the right care method or may want to improve your current maintenance routine. 

Whatever your reasons, this guide will help you maintain your sauna better so that it will last much longer. 

How to Maintain Your Sauna

Things like sweat and water stains can decrease the longevity of your sauna. Saunas are made of wood and these liquids will be absorbed into the wood. There are products that can help to cleanse the wood of fluids. You want to shop with a brand that has a range of Sauna accessories, as brands create their products to work in combination with each other. You can also find products to protect the wood and prevent it from taking on these materials. 

You want to make sure that you keep a regularly scheduled routine. No matter how good the tips or your routine is, if you don’t do it often enough, it won’t help much in maintaining your sauna. 

1. Shower Before Use

Before using the sauna, make sure to take a thorough shower. You want to remove the dirt, oils, and products from your skin before going into the sauna. These products can seep into the wood and are difficult to get out. They will inevitably stain the wood, which will make the sauna look worn. 

While you shower, you can also use an exfoliating glove. This will help to remove products and other buildings along with dead skin. It will also prep the skin and allow for toxins to more readily leave the pores. You should also make sure that anyone who uses the sauna wears a towel and uses it to sit on the seats in the sauna. The towel will absorb most of the fluids also protecting the wood of the sauna. 

2. Air Out The Sauna After Use

After each use, you want to make sure to leave the door to the sauna open. Leaving the door open for a time will allow the humidity air to escape and for the sauna to cool down. Leaving humid air inside for an extended period of time can cause mold and mildew to develop inside the sauna. This poses a health hazard and once it sets, it's difficult to get rid of. 

Make sure that the sauna is completely dry before closing the door. Airing it out will also remove any odors that can get trapped inside. 

3. Used Sauna Approved Products

Not all cleaning agents are created equal. To protect your sauna from damage, it is recommended to use sauna-approved cleaning products. The chemicals in some products are harsh and can damage the wood in the sauna. Make sure to avoid these products and if you aren’t sure if a cleaning agent is suitable, do a search before use. 

4. Use Light Sandpaper Where Needed

For heavier stains and dirt, you can use light sandpaper to remove them from the surface of the wood inside the sauna. Make sure the sauna isn’t in use and that the wood is dry. Lightly sand the inside of the sauna where the stains are. Afterward, brush off all the dust. Use a vacuum if need be. You can then go in with a sauna cleaner and a damp cloth to wipe down the interior. Once you’ve done this, the sauna should be stain-free. Allow the product to dry before using the sauna again. Also, make sure to read and follow the instructions of the cleaner carefully. 

Maintaining a sauna is not terribly difficult. You will need to put in a little elbow grease to clean the wood, but it is much preferable to having to scrub and clean for long hours due to lack of care. Worse than having to get rid of it. That would be a good bit of money wasted. Follow proper use guidelines and pair that with a regular cleaning schedule and your sauna can last you for years and years to come.