Sauna Maintenance and Care Guide

A sauna is a low-maintenance investment, but a little routine care keeps the wood looking good, the air smelling clean, and the heater running safely for years. This guide covers what to do weekly, monthly, and yearly for infrared and traditional saunas, including cedar and hemlock care, heater and stone upkeep, and how to prevent mold.

Sauna maintenance at a glance

Good sauna maintenance comes down to keeping the wood dry and clean, ventilating after each use, and inspecting the heater and stones on a schedule. After every session, wipe down the benches where you sat and leave the door open so the cabin dries fully, which is the single best way to prevent mold and odor. Weekly, sweep or vacuum under the benches and around the heater. Every few months, do a deeper clean with warm water and a mild, sauna-safe cleaner, and inspect the wood for any dark spots. Once a year, lightly sand cedar or hemlock benches with high-grit sandpaper to refresh the surface and aroma, and inspect or re-stack traditional sauna stones, replacing any that are cracked or crumbling. Avoid harsh chemicals, which strip the natural oils from sauna wood. Whether you own an infrared sauna or a traditional unit, these habits protect your investment.

After every sauna session

The most important habit is the simplest: dry the sauna out. Wipe down the benches and backrests with a clean towel to remove sweat, then prop the door open and turn on any vent so the cabin can air out and the wood can dry completely.

If you sit on a towel during each session, the benches stay much cleaner and sweat does not soak into the wood. For traditional saunas, let the heater and stones cool before closing up. This five-minute routine prevents most of the problems that lead to staining and odor down the road.

Weekly and monthly cleaning

Each week, sweep or vacuum the floor, under the benches, and around the heater, reaching into corners where dust and debris collect. Spot-clean any visible marks on the benches with warm water and a soft brush.

Once a month, do a more thorough pass. Wipe down all bench surfaces, walls within reach, and the floor with warm water and, if needed, a small amount of mild natural soap or a cleaner made for saunas. Inspect the heater for dust buildup and check the cabin for any early signs of mold or mildew. Following the manufacturer guidance from heater makers like Harvia keeps both cleaning and safety on track.

Caring for cedar and hemlock wood

Sauna wood is meant to age naturally, so the goal is gentle care, not refinishing. Clean with warm water and a soft brush, adding mild natural soap only when needed. Never seal, varnish, or paint the interior wood, because the coating can trap heat and release fumes.

Once a year, or whenever benches feel rough, sand them lightly with high-grit sandpaper. Sanding smooths the surface, removes surface stains, and releases fresh cedar oil that refreshes the look and the scent. For stubborn stains, sand a little deeper in just that spot rather than using bleach or harsh chemicals.

Heater and sauna stone upkeep

For any sauna, keep the area around the heater clear and dust the exterior with a soft, dry cloth so airflow stays unobstructed. For infrared saunas, simply wipe the emitter covers and check that nothing blocks the panels.

Traditional saunas need stone care. Inspect the stones each year for cracks or crumbling, since they break down over time under repeated heating and cooling. Re-stack them so air can flow between them, clean them with warm water and a brush, and replace any that have yellowed or fractured. If you use the sauna a couple of times a week, plan on replacing stones about once a year.

Preventing mold, odor, and moisture damage

Mold needs moisture, so ventilation is your best defense. Always dry the cabin after use, make sure the vents are open, and avoid storing damp towels inside. If you spot mold, clean it promptly with warm water and a mild sauna-safe cleaner, then sand the area if any stain remains.

For outdoor saunas, also check the exterior, roof, and door seals seasonally, especially before winter. For more on siting and protecting an outdoor unit, see our sauna installation guide. If you are still choosing a sauna, our sauna buying guide and our infrared saunas for sale can help you pick a low-maintenance model. As an authorized retailer we offer free US shipping, warranty support, and real human help if a question comes up.

Frequently asked questions

How do I clean sauna wood without damaging it?

Use warm water and a soft brush, with a little mild natural soap only if needed. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, and sealants, which strip the wood's natural oils or trap heat. For deeper cleaning, sand lightly with high-grit sandpaper.

How often should I replace sauna stones?

Inspect traditional sauna stones yearly and replace any that are cracked, crumbling, or yellowed. With regular use of a couple of sessions a week, plan on replacing them about once a year.

How do I keep my sauna from smelling musty?

Dry the cabin fully after every use by wiping the benches and leaving the door and vents open. Do not store damp towels inside, and do a deeper clean monthly. Good ventilation prevents almost all odor and mold.

Looking for a sauna that is easy to live with? Browse our infrared saunas and traditional saunas, or contact our team through the contact page.