SAUNA CEDAR CARE & MAINTENANCE

Keep your Sauna Cedar sauna in good condition with regular cleaning, proper ventilation and a few simple maintenance checks. Follow this guide alongside the instructions provided with your heater.

1. Before Each Session

Check the interior. Remove personal belongings, debris and anything that does not belong in the sauna.
Check ventilation. Make sure the air intake and exhaust vents are clear.
Keep the heater area clear. Towels, clothing, buckets and other objects must be kept away from the heater.
Check the stones. Look for stones that have broken or shifted out of place.
Use a towel on the bench. This helps absorb perspiration and keeps the wood cleaner.
For wood-burning heaters, check the firebox and chimney area before starting a fire.

2. After Each Session

Let the sauna air out. Open the door and ventilation openings to release moisture and help the interior dry.
Wipe down the wood. Use a clean towel to remove moisture and perspiration from benches, backrests and other contact surfaces.
Remove damp items. Take out used towels, clothing and anything else that holds moisture.
Leave surfaces uncovered. Benches and flooring need airflow to dry properly.
Remove excess water. If a bench needs a light rinse, use water sparingly and allow it to dry completely. Never leave puddles inside the sauna.

3. Routine Interior Cleaning

Clean the sauna regularly, adjusting the frequency to how often it is used. Commercial saunas and those used frequently will need more attention.
Wash wooden surfaces with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth or gentle brush.
Focus on benches, backrests, flooring and other areas that receive frequent contact.
Wipe away soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.
Sweep or vacuum beneath benches to remove dust, hair and debris.
Keep the door open afterward until the interior is fully dry.
If cedar becomes rough or stained, lightly sand the affected area with fine-grit sandpaper, following the direction of the wood grain. Remove sanding dust before using the sauna.

4. Heater & Stone Care

Always follow your heater manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. Turn the heater off and let it cool completely before cleaning it or handling the stones.

Sauna Stones

Check for cracks, crumbling and excessive settling.
Replace damaged stones with the type specified for your heater.
Reposition stones according to the heater instructions so air can circulate freely.
Avoid packing stones tightly or blocking airflow through the heater.

Heater Maintenance

Keep the heater and surrounding area free of debris and stored items.
Check visible components for damage or unusual wear.
Have electrical concerns assessed by a licensed electrician.
For wood-burning heaters, remove ashes only when they are completely cold. Inspect the chimney and flue regularly and arrange cleaning as needed.

5. Caring for the Cedar

Interior Wood

Leave the interior cedar natural and unfinished. Do not apply paint, varnish, exterior stain or conventional wood sealers inside the sauna.

Cedar may darken or develop variations in colour as it ages. These natural changes are expected. Gentle cleaning and occasional light sanding can help keep the surfaces clean and comfortable.

Exterior Wood

Outdoor cedar gradually turns silver-grey when left untreated. To help maintain its original appearance, use an exterior wood finish suitable for cedar.
Apply the finish only to clean, dry wood.
Follow the product’s preparation, application and drying instructions.
Check the finish at least once a year and reapply when needed, following the manufacturer’s guidance.
Keep exterior stains, coatings and sealers on the outside of the sauna only.

6. Barrel Sauna Band Checks

This section applies to barrel-style saunas.
Cedar naturally expands and contracts as moisture levels and temperatures change. Check the stainless-steel bands as the wood settles after installation.
Inspect the bands within the first month, then periodically afterward.
Check again during seasonal changes.
If a band becomes loose, adjust it according to the sauna’s assembly instructions using the correct tool for the hardware.
Keep the bands secure without overtightening them. The wood needs room for its natural movement.

7. Seasonal & Winter Care

Spring and Fall

Walk around the sauna and check the following:

Exterior wood and roof: Look for wear, damage or areas needing attention.
Doors and hardware: Check hinges, handles, screws and fasteners.
Ventilation: Clear leaves, dirt and other obstructions from vents.
Heater and stones: Inspect their condition and complete any required maintenance.
Base and drainage: Make sure water can drain away from the sauna.
Barrel bands: Check and adjust where applicable.
Remove leaves and debris from the roof and surrounding area throughout the year. Lightly sand rough exterior wood and renew the exterior finish when needed.

During Winter

Remove excessive snow buildup from the roof using a method that will not damage the roof or wood.
Keep the doorway and walking area clear of snow and ice.
Make sure snow does not cover the ventilation openings.
Avoid using sharp metal tools to chip ice from cedar surfaces.
Continue airing out the sauna after every session and allow the interior to dry thoroughly.

8. Annual Maintenance Checklist

At least once a year, give your sauna a thorough inspection:

Deep-clean the interior, including beneath the benches.
Check benches and backrests for rough areas, damage or loose fasteners.
Inspect doors, hinges and handles, and tighten loose hardware where needed.
Check that ventilation openings are clear.
Inspect the heater and stones according to the manufacturer’s instructions, replacing damaged stones as needed.
For wood-burning heaters, have the chimney inspected and cleaned as required.
Check barrel bands on applicable models.
Inspect exterior cedar, roofing and other outdoor components, and address any signs of wear.

9. What to Avoid

To help protect your sauna:

Do not use bleach, chlorine, harsh household cleaners or abrasive cleaning pads on cedar.
Do not pressure wash the interior.
Do not apply paint, varnish, exterior stain or conventional sealers to interior wood.
Do not block ventilation openings.
Do not leave wet towels, damp clothing or standing water inside.
Do not place flammable items near the heater.
Do not pack sauna stones tightly together.
Do not overtighten barrel band.

Regular care will help keep your Sauna Cedar sauna clean, comfortable and ready to enjoy.