If you’ve got a barrel sauna, you already know how good an investment in your relaxation and wellness they are! But, now it’s time to give back a little investment of TLC to thank them.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with specialised barrel sauna maintenance tips to ensure your sauna stays beautiful and functional for years to come.
If you’re looking for generalised sauna maintenance tips, we cover those here. We’ve also done up a cleaning checklist, and eco-friendly cleaning methods.
What makes barrel saunas different?
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill saunas …. a barrel is different in both design and functionality.
The round shape we know and love means great air circulation and faster heating. But it also means that they require a bit of specialised care compared with a classic, four wall sauna.
The exterior wood is more exposed to the elements. The staves that hold the sauna together may loosen over time. Sun, rain and humidity all play a part in impacting your barrel sauna.
Exterior barrel sauna maintenance
Don’t run away yet! We promise there is nothing too crazy to do here.
We’re going to leave you with this nice, simple checklist of barrel sauna maintenance tasks:
- Inspect the roof: Check for leaks or warping in the roof to prevent water damage
- Tighten barrel bands/staves: As your sauna ages, the staves may either loosen or tighten as the wood expands or contracts. Ideally, the wood will expand. However, if it contracts, learn how to tighten the staves for your specific model to maintain the barrel shape
- Wash down: Use a low pressure washer/hose to clean the exterior a couple times per year
- Wood oil: You can use a wood oil, or special sauna stain with UV protection, to maintain the integrity of the outside. If you’re unsure, check with your local hardware store for recommendations that suit your climate – only use a stain or oil created for sauna use!!
- Steer clear of paint or varnish! These are a big no-go for saunas
Is additional roof protection required?
If your region experiences heavy rain, snow or extreme conditions, you can consider additional roof protection for your barrel.
All you need is an extra rubber roof shield or roof shingles to keep any potential weather damage at bay.
You can apply roofing protection from 9 o’clock to 2 o’clock to help protect against leaks and moisture.
With this option, you don’t have to worry about rain or snow shortening the lifespan of your barrel sauna.
External roofing
Some people do opt for a shed or built roofing to cover the barrel, but of course this is up to personal and aesthetic preference. You can take a look at some examples here on Shym Sauna’s blog.
Sauna rain jackets
You could also opt for a custom built rain jacket for your barrel – this option is easy to put on and remove whenever you please. They are generally constructed from hardy material such as PVC.
Interior barrel sauna maintenance
Interior barrel sauna maintenance tasks do not differ from those of a regular sauna.
The same rules apply, such as not wearing wet swimsuits, ventilating after each use (leave the door open), rinsing/wiping feet off before use, checking the heating elements periodically and wiping down benches after use.
We put together a sauna maintenance guide here.
If you are looking for a cleaning checklist, we’ve also compiled that for you – as well as this handy list of eco-friendly sauna cleaning methods that you might already have lying around your kitchen!
How often should I clean my barrel sauna?
Again, the cadence for cleaning does not differ from that of a regular sauna.
Your general cleaning tasks should occur every use/couple of uses.
Perform your deep cleans once to twice per month (depending on how much you use it).
And of course your annual tasks, annually!
Annual tasks include:
- Calling out a professional to for sauna chimney cleaning and to check the flue for cracks if you have a wood-burner
- Reseating and replacing sauna stones
- Sanding the sauna benches very gently to remove any unsightly sweat stains
You can also opt for an annual wood oil refresh (linseed or paraffin) just as you would with any other type of sauna.
How long does a barrel sauna last?
A barrel sauna can last anywhere from 15 – 30 years with proper care.
Even better, barrel saunas can be picked up via crane and moved if you move house, even while fully assembled.
Final mentions
As with any other sauna, the proper ventilation and humidity control practices are so important.
Like we mention across all of our sauna care articles, leaving doors and vents open after use is key!
Otherwise, moisture and steam is trapped inside the room and builds up to cause horrible mould and mildew.
You can read more generalised sauna advice on our general sauna cleaning and maintenance posts.
Wrapping up
Proper barrel sauna maintenance ensures that your sauna remains a relaxing retreat for years to come.
By taking care of the wood, exterior and heating elements, you can prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your sauna. Regular inspections and simple upkeep tasks are all you need to keep your sauna looking and performing its best!
If you’re still hungry for more info on saunas – from types, to cost, to key features you should look for – we’ve put together an absolute beast of a post covering everything you need to know to choose your perfect home sauna.
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