Make Your Sauna Shine with the Perfect Cleaner

 

A sauna is more than a relaxing retreat—it’s a sanctuary for both mental and physical rejuvenation. Whether it’s installed in your home, gym, or spa, keeping it clean is crucial for preserving comfort, hygiene, and long-term durability. With heat, moisture, and repeated use, sweat, dirt, and bacteria can build up over time. Without proper care, this can cause unpleasant odors, stains, and even damage to the wood. Using the high-quality sauna cleaner is key to maintaining a fresh, safe, and inviting environment for years to come.

Why Sauna Cleaning Matters

Regular sauna cleaning is essential not just for appearance but also for wellness, safety, and performance. The warm, humid environment inside a sauna naturally encourages the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew if not properly maintained. Porous wood absorbs sweat and body oils, which can lead to stains and persistent odors.

Neglecting cleaning can also shorten your sauna’s lifespan. Dirt and buildup can degrade the wood, causing it to dry, crack, or warp. A consistent cleaning routine protects your investment and enhances the luxury of every sauna session. A clean sauna smells better, feels better, and delivers a healthier wellness experience.

Choosing the Right Sauna Cleaner

Selecting a safe and effective cleaner is essential. Many common household cleaners are too harsh for natural wood and may release toxic fumes when exposed to heat. Instead, choose cleaners specifically formulated for saunas or wood care—non-toxic, biodegradable, and free from harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and artificial fragrances.

Safer alternatives include natural, plant-based cleaners or solutions made with gentle acids such as citrus extracts or vinegar. These options lift grime without stripping the wood’s natural oils. For commercial saunas or deep cleaning, consider using a professional-grade cleaner designed to eliminate mold and bacteria safely.

Always clean with a soft sponge, brush, or microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the wood. After applying your cleaner, rinse surfaces thoroughly with warm water and allow the sauna to air-dry completely before heating again.

Practical Cleaning Tips for a Fresh Sauna

Wipe down benches, walls, and backrests with a damp cloth after each use to remove sweat and residue.

Protect benches with towels or mats to reduce moisture absorption.

Clean the floor regularly, especially if your sauna has a tiled or stone base where water collects.

Leave the door slightly open after each session to promote ventilation and prevent mold growth.

Deep-clean all interior surfaces once a month, including corners and areas beneath benches.

Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach—they can discolor wood and release harmful fumes when heated.

By following these simple steps, you’ll maintain a safe, clean, and long-lasting sauna environment.

A spotless sauna offers a refreshing, health-boosting escape every time you step inside. Using a high-quality sauna cleaner from Northern Lights Cedar Barrel Saunas helps preserve the wood’s natural beauty, prevent bacterial growth, and extend the life of your investment. Call 1-800-759-8990 to place your order today.

Protect Your Cedar: What Not to Apply or Clean With

 

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Cedar is one of the most popular woods for saunas because it’s durable, aromatic, and naturally resistant to rot. However, using the wrong products can easily ruin its beauty and performance. Harsh chemicals can cause discoloration, cracking, or strip away natural oils. Here’s what to avoid—and what to use instead.

Bleach or strong chlorine cleaners

While bleach may seem like a powerful disinfectant, it can erode cedar fibers, fade color, and leave strong odors that intensify when the sauna heats up. Avoid bleach altogether and use a mild, cedar-safe sauna cleaner instead.

Ammonia or alkaline compounds

Cleaners containing ammonia or high-pH ingredients can dry out the wood, leading to cracks and splitting. These products remove essential natural oils. Avoid anything labeled “alkaline” or “all-purpose” unless it specifically mentions cedar safety.

Oil-based or wax cleaners

Oil or wax-based cleaners clog cedar’s pores, preventing the wood from breathing and releasing moisture. In a sauna, this can trap heat, cause peeling, and create a sticky surface. Skip furniture polishes or oil-based fillers.

High-VOC solvents or paint thinners

Products like paint thinner, mineral spirits, or strong solvents can degrade cedar’s surface and leave behind harmful chemical residues. When heated, these residues can release unpleasant or unsafe fumes. Never use them on sauna wood.

Abrasive scrubs or powdered cleaners

Abrasive materials such as steel wool, sandpaper, or gritty powders scratch and dull cedar’s smooth finish. Even mild scrub pads can leave tiny marks. Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth with a gentle cleaner instead.

Scented household cleaners

Cleaners with heavy fragrances or dyes can stain the wood and leave residues that react under heat, causing discoloration. Always choose fragrance-free, dye-free products designed for cedar.

Waxed sealants or old varnish

Using conventional varnish or wax sealants on cedar can lead to peeling and flaking, especially when heat is applied. Stick with water-based sealants made specifically for sauna wood.

How to Spot Early Damage

• Gray or white discoloration patches

• Soft or spongy texture

• Peeling or bubbling surface

• Chemical odor when heating

If you notice these signs, stop using harsh products right away to prevent further damage.

What to Use Instead

• Cedar-safe sauna cleaners from trusted brands

• Water-based sealants made for saunas
  

• Mild, pH-neutral soap (diluted)

• Soft brushes and microfiber cloths
  

• Regular rinsing and proper ventilation
  

A Note on Safe Products

Northern Lights Cedar Barrel Saunas offers cedar-safe cleaners, water-based sealants, and sauna paraffin oil—formulated to protect cedar without blocking its natural breathability or releasing harmful residues.

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