What Type Of Maintenance Does A Home Sauna Require?

Home saunas require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition.

Some tips for sauna maintenance include washing your feet before use using soft or distilled water keeping towels and rugs handy and brushing water over the benches and walls after every use.

Saunas require few repairs and maintenance but it is important to keep them clean and dry to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Additionally it is recommended to cure your sauna before use and to repeat maintenance procedures at least once a year.

Can You Explain More About The Process Of Curing A Sauna Before Use?

Curing a sauna is the process of preparing it for use by cleaning it completely and allowing the heat to “break-in” the woodwork.

This process is important because it helps to remove any chemicals or debris that may be present in the wood and it also helps to prevent the wood from cracking or warping due to the heat.

To cure a sauna you should first clean it thoroughly then operate the heater and allow the heat to build up for around 45 minutes to an hour.

This process should be repeated at least once a year but if the sauna is used often it should be treated more frequently.

How Can You Prevent Mold And Mildew Growth In A Home Sauna?

To prevent mold and mildew growth in a home sauna there are several steps you can take.

These include:

• Maintaining proper air flow by leaving the sauna door open and propping up duckboards
• Avoiding paint varnish or sealant on the sauna
• Heating all rooms in the house continuously and sufficiently
• Ventilating all rooms including the sauna regularly
• Creating a regular cleaning regimen that includes removing all items and accessories from the sauna and cleaning with bleach if mold or bacterial growth is present.

Are There Any Specific Cleaning Products That Should Be Used For Sauna Maintenance?

There are no specific cleaning products that are required for sauna maintenance.

Mild dish detergent mixed with warm water can be used to remove stains and chemical-free mild-detergent can be used to mop the floors to keep the sauna smelling fresh.

For outdoor saunas soapy water white vinegar or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can be used to clean the wood.

A microfiber dust towel or a damp cloth can be used to clean the inside of a barrel sauna after every 1-2 uses or at least once every week.

Sauna cleaners and disinfectants are also available which are formulated to be easily applied to wood surfaces in the sauna room and do not contain harsh chemicals such as bleach.

How Often Should You Replace The Rocks In A Sauna Heater?

The frequency of replacing sauna rocks depends on how often the sauna is used.

Some sources recommend checking and upgrading the stones every 1-2 years if the sauna is used frequently while others suggest checking the condition of the rocks once a year or after 300 hours of heating.

However some sources suggest that sauna rocks generally do not need to be replaced and can be cleaned instead.

It is important to keep in mind that heat humidity and water can gradually wear out the stones so it is recommended to replace them when they begin to weather.

Are There Any Other Important Maintenance Tips That Should Be Followed For A Home Sauna?

Yes there are other important maintenance tips that should be followed for a home sauna.

These include:

• Keeping the sauna in good condition.
• Cleaning the sauna regularly at least once a month.
• Only throwing water on the heater not on the walls or ceiling.
• Wiping down the sauna heater occasionally with a damp cloth to remove lint and dust.
• Removing the rocks once a year for cleaning and checking for any damage.

Helpful Resources

• https://www.finnleo.com/saunas-101/how-to-maintain-your-sauna
• https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/bathroom/in-home-sauna-maintenance-tips/
• https://www.saunafin.com/blog/home-saunas/home-sauna-maintenance-tips/
• https://thermory.com/blog-and-news/useful-tips-for-sauna-care-and-maintenance/
• https://www.greatbayspas.com/blog/essential-guidelines-on-how-to-care-and-maintain-your-sauna/