How Do You Clean an Infrared Sauna?

Cleaning an infrared sauna is simple and takes only a few minutes. Wipe down the benches and floor after each session, do a light cleaning with mild soap and water each week, and keep harsh chemicals away from the wood. A little routine care keeps the cabin fresh and the wood in good shape for years.

The short answer

After every session, wipe sweat off the benches, backrests, and floor with a clean towel or a cloth dampened with water, then leave the door open so the cabin dries out. Once a week, wipe the surfaces with a soft cloth and a mild solution of water and a little natural soap or a diluted vinegar mix, and vacuum or sweep the floor. A few times a year, do a deeper clean: lightly sand any stained spots on the wood with fine sandpaper, clean the floor mats, and check the heaters and vents for dust. The key rules are to use as little water as possible, never soak the wood, and avoid bleach, ammonia, and strong chemical cleaners, since they can damage the wood and leave fumes that heat up during your next session. Good airflow after each use is what prevents most odor and mildew.

After every session

The most important habit is also the easiest. When you finish, wipe down every surface your skin touched, since sweat is what causes stains and smells over time. Use a clean towel or a lightly damp cloth on the benches, backrests, and floor. Then prop the door open and let the cabin air out and dry completely. If your sauna has a removable floor mat or towels, take them out to dry. Sitting on a towel during your sessions cuts down on sweat reaching the wood in the first place and makes cleanup even faster.

Weekly cleaning

Once a week, give the cabin a light going-over. Mix warm water with a small amount of mild, natural soap, or use a solution of one part white vinegar to several parts water for a natural deodorizer. Dampen a soft cloth, wring it out well so it is barely wet, and wipe the benches, walls, and backrests. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dust and debris. Wipe the door glass with a simple glass cleaner or the vinegar solution. Let everything dry with the door open. This weekly rhythm is usually all a home sauna needs to stay fresh.

Deep cleaning a few times a year

Every few months, or whenever you notice stains or odor, do a more thorough clean. For darkened or stained areas on the wood, lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper along the grain until the mark lifts, then wipe away the dust. Wash any fabric or foam accessories according to their care labels. Vacuum around the heaters and check the vents for dust buildup, which helps the sauna run efficiently. Never use water or cleaner directly on the infrared heaters. If your unit has chromotherapy lighting or electronics, wipe those with a dry or barely damp cloth only. For a full care schedule across your equipment, see our sauna maintenance guide.

What to avoid

A few things can shorten the life of your sauna. Skip bleach, ammonia, and strong chemical cleaners, because they can stain or degrade the wood and leave residues that off-gas when the cabin heats up. Do not use excess water or pressure washers, since soaking the wood can cause warping. Avoid oil-based products or air fresheners inside the cabin, as heat can turn them into fumes. And do not scrub the wood with abrasive pads. Gentle, low-moisture cleaning is always the right approach for a sauna.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my infrared sauna?

Wipe surfaces after every session and do a light cleaning once a week. Plan a deeper clean, including light sanding of any stains, a few times a year or whenever you notice odor or marks.

What is the best natural cleaner for a sauna?

A diluted white vinegar and water solution works well as a natural deodorizer and cleaner. Mild, natural soap in warm water is also fine. Keep the cloth barely damp and let the wood dry fully afterward.

How do I get rid of sauna odor?

Odor almost always comes from trapped sweat and moisture. Wipe surfaces after each use, air the cabin out with the door open, and do a weekly vinegar-solution wipe. For stubborn spots, light sanding of the affected wood removes the source.

Easy upkeep is one more reason a quality infrared sauna is a long-term investment. Restore Suite is an authorized retailer with free US shipping, HSA and FSA eligibility on qualifying units, and financing. Browse our infrared saunas for sale or start with the full sauna buying guide. Questions about care for a specific model? Contact our team.