A sauna is not just a home luxury. It's an oasis for relaxation; it's a great place to gather with family and friends but it is also a space dedicated to enhancing your personal wellness. Like many exterior pieces of decor, saunas are subjected all year long to the elements. From extreme heat during summertime to cold winter temperatures and snow, the sauna is constantly exposed. That said, if you don't take care of your sauna, it will likely not function properly, pose a safety risk, and develop aesthetic problems over time.
Taking care of your sauna consists of cleaning, but it's actually a proactive approach to preserving the sauna's integrity; maintaining the heater's efficiency, and protecting the entire structure from damage due to weather conditions. By putting in the effort on a regular basis, you can extend the lifespan of your sauna considerably and ensure that it provides you with the soothing heat you desire for many more sessions to come. In the sections below, you will find practical tips and guidance to assist you in maintaining your sauna in its highest performing capacity in every season.
Preserving Wood
Because the exterior of your sauna is its primary defense against the elements, you should inspect it on a routine basis to ensure that it is in good condition. At a minimum, you should perform a full walk-around inspection at least two times per year. During the inspection, inspect the roof for any signs of damage, including missing or loose roofing shingles, which could result in water entering the roof and causing mold or mildew issues inside the sauna. In addition, inspect walls, corners, and the base of the sauna for any cracks, warpage, or gaps among the wood or siding. Addressing these conditions as soon as they arise will help prevent minor repairs from becoming major and more costly repairs.
When caring for a sauna, wood maintenance is critical.Depending on the kind of wood being used, cedar, hemlock, or spruce, you will need to periodically treat the wood with a high-quality sauna safe wood stain or sealant to protect the wood against damage from UV rays, which will cause discoloration and drying. Also, periodic treatment to protect the wood against moisture, which causes wood to rot, mould and mildew. Most often, re-staining your wood is required every 2–3 years, depending on your local climate. Always make sure that the wood is very clean and completely dry before applying any treatment.
You should also pay attention to your surrounding area. Keep the area surrounding your sauna free of debris, such as leaves and excess vegetation. Maintaining a clear area around the sauna encourages good circulation of air, reduces moisture against the walls and also reduces the chances of insects nesting in your sauna structure. Make sure that you install your sauna on a stable, level base to prevent structural stress on your sauna with time.
Interior Maintenance And Wood Care
The environment inside of a sauna is extreme and the temperature and humidity will fluctuate from high temperatures and humidity to cooler and drier conditions. After use, you should have the sauna properly ventilated to remove any steam and allow the room to air out. Always leave the sauna door open for 15-20 minutes after each use to allow steam to escape and fresh air into the sauna. This method of ventilation is the most effective way to thoroughly dry out the interior wood of the sauna, and to eliminate a damp environment where mould or mildew can grow.
It is important to regularly clean the inside of your sauna, however it is equally important to clean it properly. Cleaning the inside of a sauna using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or pressure washers will damage the surface of the wood and leave off-toxicity.To maintain your sauna, you should start with cleaning the interior surfaces. This can be accomplished by mixing warm water with a mild soap or vinegar/water solution. Using a soft cloth or brush, wipe all surfaces (benches, walls & floors) to remove any sweat or oils from the body. If you have stubborn stains on the benches, you may sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to regain a smooth and clean surface..
The floor should be inspected closely as wood floors tend to hold the majority of moisture in saunas. When the floor has been cleaned, you must allow the floor to dry out completely. You must also periodically check the wood on the inside of the sauna for any deep cracks and splinters which could cause injury and will make sitting on the benches uncomfortable. All of these cracks or splinters need to be sanded to be smooth.
The heater is at the centre of your sauna. You should take special care of your electric or wood-burning heater. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations to maintain your electric heater. You should always visually inspect the heating elements for any signs of damage and ensure that all wiring, control panel, and electrical box are in good condition and not wet. It is a good idea to have a qualified electrician perform an annual safety check, especially for outdoor saunas.
The sauna rocks produce the perfect löyly (steam). After time, your sauna rocks become covered in mineral deposits from the water and can be brittle. Check your rocks for wear every few months. When you see cracked, crumbling, or excessively mineral-coated rocks, discard them.To maintain the maximum performance and air quality of your heater, you should clean the remaining rocks with clear water only (and not soap), and replace the entire set of rocks according to the recommendations of the heater's manufacturer (generally every one to two years) to ensure safe and efficient heating and steam production.
Ventilation is critical for air quality and performance. Make sure both the intake (usually at floor level) and exhaust (usually at ceiling level) vents are free from obstruction (such as benches, decor, and/or other items). These vents provide a continuous source of fresh oxygen, balance the sauna's temperature, and assist with drying out after use. Ensure that both vent covers are clean and functioning properly.
It is important to be aware of seasonal preparation and off-season care when caring for your sauna to maximize its performance year-round. You should prepare for the winter months by cleaning the exterior of your sauna and, if necessary, applying a new coat of sealant in the fall. Clear your gutters and downspouts to move water away from your sauna's foundation. Wood-burning saunas should have a dry, covered supply of firewood for winter use.
If you'll be using your sauna during the winter, you should be aware that heavy snow on the roof could create structural strain on your sauna, so you should gently remove these accumulations of snow. You should keep the path to your sauna clear of ice and snow for safety reasons. If you live in a location with extreme winter conditions and do not plan to use your sauna all winter long, you will need to follow the proper process to "winterize" your sauna. This includes deep cleaning the interior, ensuring it is completely dry, disconnecting and draining any plumbing lines (if you have a plumbed shower) from the sauna, potentially covering the heater, and securely locking the sauna to protect it from the elements and wildlife.
In the spring, you should conduct a thorough, annual inspection of your sauna. Check for any damage that may have occurred during the winter months (such as ice damage, animal intrusion, or moisture issues). This is the ideal time to perform any extensive repairs, such as sanding or re-staining before the peak usage season begins. During this time, you can reconnect any utilities you disconnected for the winter and test all of the systems to ensure they are working properly.
