Taking care of your outdoor sauna shouldn’t be hard – it is meant for relaxation after all! Not to worry, we will share our most practical tips and upkeep methods to have your outdoor sauna in great shape for years to come.
Below, we’ll take a look at the main maintenance tips you need to know for your outdoor sauna, including how to keep it clean, caring for the wood, maintaining the heater, and more. We’ve also prepared a dedicated cleaning checklist if you’re after a little more info on cleaning.
How do I prolong the life of my outdoor sauna?
First things first, let’s talk about extending the lifespan of your sauna. Most outdoor saunas are obviously already designed to withstand the elements, but a littleee extra care goes a long way!
Choosing the right location for your sauna
Say it with me – location is key.
Placing your sauna in a spot that’s protected from harsh weather will do wonders for its longevity. Ideally, look for a place where it’s shielded from direct sunlight, strong winds, or heavy rainfall.
This helps reduce wear and tear and protects the wood from fading or becoming damaged.
Additionally, outdoor saunas should be placed on a flat, even surface. A wooden deck, a stone-paved area, concrete, or pressed gravel are great choices.
Using the right quality of materials for longevity
Say it with me (again) – prevention is key!
I know I know we have two keys now, but they’re both true!
If you’re building or customizing your outdoor sauna, remember to opt for high-quality, durable wood like cedar or redwood, as these types are naturally more resistant to decay.
Saunas made with sturdy materials will hold up better over time, making maintenance so much easier for you!
Preventative measures to avoid wear and tear
Regularly inspect your sauna for any signs of damage. It’s so much better if you can catch something early on.
Look out for cracks, discoloration, or signs of mold on the wood.
To reduce the likelihood of introducing mold, we recommend washing or rinsing your feet before using your outdoor sauna. Either an outdoor tap or a bucket will work. This helps the wooden floors and benches stay dirt-free and reduce the frequency of cleaning.
Additionally, you could ask users to take a quick shower before using the sauna. Outdoor showers are a handy addition to your sauna set-up.
Also, keep an eye on the door, hinges, and other moving parts to ensure they aren’t sticking or becoming loose. A quick fix here and there can make a big difference!
Pssst …. if you’re reading this because you’re still not quite sure which type of outdoor sauna you’re into – we’ve created a very handy outdoor sauna info guide comparing everything from sauna types to whether you need a changing room!
What are the best tips for cleaning my outdoor sauna?
Ok now that we know everything is properly set up – let’s get down to the routine business.
Keeping your sauna clean is absolutely essential—not just for hygiene, but also to maintain the quality of the wood and other materials. But it’s truly extremely simple!
How to clean the interior of your sauna
Cleaning the interior of your sauna doesn’t need to involve any harsh chemicals. In fact, using chemical-free products is best to preserve the wood and your health. If you were for some reason to use harsh chemicals such as bleach, imagine what happens the next time you heat up that sauna, and you and your guests start to inhale the fumes of the bleach’s residue …..
Yeah, not good.
Instead, stick to natural methods.
A simple solution of warm water and mild soap works wonders. We have put together a comprehensive list of natural sauna methods here!
If you encounter tough stains, a bit of sandpaper can help remove them gently.
Maintaining the exterior wood of your outdoor sauna
The exterior wood requires some extra care since it’s exposed to the elements.
Avoid applying sealants, as these can trap moisture inside the wood, leading to decay over time. Instead, regularly brush off debris and clean with mild soapy water. Do this seasonally or as you see debris building up.
What if i see mold?
For areas that tend to stay damp or shaded, watch out for that mold.
If you spot any, mix equal parts water and white vinegar and apply it to the affected area. This should kill the mold and stop it from spreading.
If the mold was on the inside, after cleaning turn your sauna on to dry it out.
Of course, the best way to maintain the sauna is to use it regularly. This keeps it dry (the biggest enemy of mold).
Regular cleaning after each use
This is the most important part of all.
After each use, wipe down the benches and any other surfaces that come into contact with sweat. If any water or moisture has pooled, be sure to wipe that too. A quick wipe-down prevents bacteria buildup and staining of your wood.
Allow your sauna to air out after each session by leaving the door and any vents open for a bit, allowing moisture to escape.
How do I maintain the wood of my outdoor sauna?
Wood is the heart of your sauna, so treating it right will ensure it lasts longer and stays looking good.
Tips for interior wood care
- Avoid using hard water (for the interior): this leaves mineral deposits (magnesium and calcium salts) on the wood over time, causing lime build-up
- If you have hard water: consider using a water softener to clean your sauna
- Skip the sealant on the inside (sealant interrupts breathability and leads to trapped moisture and rot)
Remember, for hundreds of years, saunas have been used ‘natural’ with no coating on the wood. They are designed to withstand the heat, and the wood is left uncoated to remain breathable. If you really want to coat your wood, we recommend using linseed oil.
If lime build-up has occurred, sandpaper or sanding discs can help you to remove some of the mineral deposits.
How to protect the exterior wood
You may choose to add a light stain or oil every couple of years to the exterior wood. This is completely optional.
A purpose-built stain/oil can aid your sauna in resisting UV rays and moisture.
However, choose a product specifically designed for outdoor saunas to avoid any chemicals that could release harmful fumes when the sauna heats up.
How do I maintain the sauna heater, door, and vent?
The heater is arguably the most important component of your sauna – it has such an impact on the experience.
So, it’s worth spending a little extra time on its maintenance.
Heater maintenance tips
Regularly check your heater for signs of wear. If you’re using stones, make sure they aren’t cracking or crumbling. You will notice little bits of rubble under the heater if they are. Reseat and replace those that are needed every so often – once per year is a good rule of thumb to do your proper check.
How often should you replace heater stones?
Generally, every 1-2 years is a good rule of thumb, but it depends on how frequently you use your sauna. You may not need to replace the whole bunch all at once, just those that are damaged. The rest can be rinsed and re-seated.
If you’re looking for step-by-step info for re-seating and replacing sauna stones, you can find that here in our essential sauna maintenance guide.
Wood burning heater maintenance
One of the main cons of a wood stove sauna is the additional maintenance.
It is important to regularly clean the ash and soot, check the chimney, and call out a chimney sweep once annually to inspect the flue.
Choosing the correct firewood for a wood burning sauna heater
Your choice of firewood will impact the performance of your sauna wood stove.
Dry, seasoned wood burns more efficiently and cleanly. This means less smoke and less buildup of creosote – that’s a flammable substance which could lead to possible chimney fires.
Caring for the sauna door and vent
The sauna door and vent should open and close smoothly.
If you notice your door starts to stick, check for swelling in the wood and lightly sand it down as needed.
Hinges might also need a little oil now and then.
For the vent, clear any dust or debris that could obstruct airflow, as this will keep your sauna at its best.
What accessories need regular maintenance?
Saunas often come with a variety of accessories, from benches and pillows to ladles and buckets.
Whichever ones you’ve chosen for your own home sauna, keeping these items in good shape will improve your overall sauna experience!
Cleaning and replacing sauna accessories
Benches, flooring, and other accessories should be wiped down regularly so as not to allow sweat to stain them, or moisture to build up bacteria.
For items like wooden buckets or ladles, wash them with water and let them dry completely. Thermometers and hygrometers can also gather dust, so give them a gentle wipe now and then.
If any accessories start to show signs of serious wear or damage, it’s a good idea to replace them. After all, these are the items that enhance your sauna experience, so keeping them fresh is worth the effort.
Additional tips for extending the life of your outdoor sauna
Here are a few extra tips to help you stay on top of sauna care year round.
Carry out routine inspections and have a maintenance checklist
Set a reminder every couple of months to do a quick inspection of your sauna.
When you do this, check the wood, the heater, and any accessories to make sure everything is in good shape. A regular maintenance routine makes it easier to spot and fix small issues before they become big headaches.
We have a suggested maintenance routine here.
Seasonal maintenance tips
In the fall, give your sauna a good clean and make any repairs before winter sets in.
If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, consider adding extra insulation around pipes and vents to prevent freezing.
You may want to consider a sauna cover in frosty regions, especially for barrel saunas due to their unique shape. We have a dedicated article where we cover barrel sauna maintenance extensively.
Common mistakes to avoid in sauna maintenance
Finally, avoid some of the common pitfalls, like using harsh chemicals on the wood, neglecting regular cleaning, or letting debris accumulate around the sauna.
By taking simple precautions, you’ll ensure your sauna doesn’t develop problems where there shouldn’t be.
Wrapping up
By following these simple tips and dedicating a little time to upkeep, you’ll keep your outdoor sauna looking and performing like new!
Just remember, a well-maintained sauna is a happy sauna—and a happy sauna means a happy sauna owner! If you’re on the market for an outdoor sauna, we’ve rounded up the absolute best outdoor sauna models for all needs.
If you still have more questions about your sauna, we have put together this mega-guide to all things saunas where we hope to answer any and all of your sauna-related queries.
