One of the best things about an infrared sauna is how little maintenance it needs. There's no water, no stones and no chemicals. A few minutes of care each week keeps the timber looking great and the air smelling fresh. Here's a simple routine.
After every session
- Leave the door open for 10–15 minutes so moisture can escape.
- Take your towels out. Don't leave damp towels inside.
- Quick wipe of the benches and backrests with a dry or slightly damp cloth if they're sweaty.
Tip: always sit on a towel and use a towel on the backrest. It's the single best way to keep cedar clean.
Weekly
- Vacuum or sweep the floor.
- Wipe benches with warm water and a few drops of mild, unscented soap, then dry.
- Wipe the glass door with a gentle glass cleaner (spray onto the cloth, not the timber).
Monthly
- Check benches for sweat marks. Light marks can be removed with a gentle sand using fine-grit sandpaper (around 120–150 grit), sanding with the grain.
- Dust the heater panels with a dry, soft cloth while the sauna is off and cool.
- Check that the lights, control panel and speakers work.
Yearly
- Inspect door hinges and handles and tighten screws if needed.
- Check seals and the roof of outdoor saunas for any damage.
- Have an electrician check the connection if anything seems off.
What not to use
- No harsh chemicals or bleach. They can soak into the timber and release fumes when heated.
- No varnish, paint or oil on the interior. Canadian cedar is naturally resistant to moisture and should be left untreated inside.
- No hosing down the interior. Infrared saunas aren't designed to get wet inside.
- Never spray water on heaters or cover them.
Extra care for outdoor saunas
Outdoor saunas deal with sun, rain and leaves, so give the outside some attention too.
- Clear leaves and debris from the roof and around the base.
- Wash the exterior occasionally with water and mild soap. Our Outdoor Infrared Sauna has a powder coated aluminium exterior, which makes this easy.
- Make sure water drains away from the base and doesn't pool.
- Keep plants trimmed back so air can flow around the sauna.
Planning where to put one? Read where to put a sauna at home.
Getting rid of smells
A fresh cedar sauna smells great. If it starts smelling musty, it's usually moisture. Leave the door open longer after sessions, wash the benches, and run the sauna empty at full heat for 30 minutes with the door slightly open to dry it out. A bowl of bicarb soda inside (while off) can also help.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I deep clean my sauna?
For most households, a light clean weekly and a closer look monthly is plenty. Busy commercial saunas need daily cleaning.
Can I use essential oils?
Not on the timber or heaters. If you want a scent, use a small amount on a cloth or a purpose-made sauna aroma cup, well away from heaters.
Does the warranty cover maintenance?
Our outdoor infrared sauna warranty covers parts and labour (3 years residential, 2 years commercial). Normal cleaning and care is up to you, but call us anytime on 0400 767 493 if something isn't right.
Find the right sauna for your home
Browse our saunas or visit our Balgowlah showroom. Reserve yours with a $500 deposit, balance on delivery, with free metro delivery to the area of install at a time that suits you.