Infrared saunas are generally low maintenance, but they still need regular care to remain clean and working optimally. Without the right cleaning routine, you risk the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, which can have negative effects on both your health and the lifespan of your sauna. But don’t sweat it! This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to clean an infrared sauna, so it will perform at its peak for years to come.
Why It’s Important to Clean an Infrared Sauna
One of the main infrared sauna benefits is the deep sweat response they stimulate. But without proper cleaning, sweat and body oils can accumulate in the wood over time, creating the perfect environment for bacteria, odors, and mold. This is true for both dry infrared saunas, traditional steam, and hybrid models.
No matter which type of sauna you own, a proper cleaning routine has many benefits, including:
- Protect your investment: Routine cleaning helps prevent the wood from warping or staining over time, preserving the lifespan of your sauna and preventing the need for costly repairs down the line.
- Maintain a healthy environment: The last thing you want to be worrying about while relaxing in your sauna is bacteria, mildew, or mold. Regular cleaning prevents these problems from building up and keeps the air quality clean and fresh.
- Eliminate odors: Sweat and oil buildup can lead to a musty, unpleasant odor over time, which you can eliminate with the right cleaning practices.
- Enhance relaxation: A clean infrared sauna is much more comfortable, making it easier to relax and enjoy the wellness benefits.
- Preserve the wood’s appearance: Routine care prevents the wood from darkening, cracking, or staining, which keeps your sauna just as beautiful as it was the day you bought it.
But how exactly do you go about cleaning an infrared sauna? Let’s break it down.
How to Clean an Infrared Sauna
Consistency is key for maintaining your infrared sauna. Whether you use it once a week or every day, these routines will help keep it clean and extend its lifespan:
Daily Infrared Sauna Cleaning Checklist
If you use your sauna every day, even dedicating just a few minutes to cleaning can make a big difference in preventing bacteria growth and odors.
Here are some simple sauna cleaning tasks to do after each session:
- Use a cloth and warm water to wipe down benches, backrests, and walls
- Pay special attention to corners and crevices
- Leave the sauna door open for at least 10-15 minutes to air out any moisture
Weekly Infrared Sauna Cleaning Checklist
If you use your infrared sauna regularly, a slightly deeper clean each week in addition to daily care is essential for keeping it maintained:
- Remove and clean any rubber mats, cushions, or footrests
- Vacuum the floor to remove dust, dirt, and debris
- Gently wipe down door handles and control panels
- Scrub everything inside the sauna with a soft sponge
- Spot treat noticeable stains in the wood
- Clean the glass using your sauna-safe vinegar and water solution with a microfiber cloth
Again, you should always leave the sauna door open for at least 10-15 minutes after cleaning to air it out.
Annual Infrared Sauna Cleaning and Maintenance
Once a year, it’s a good idea to give your sauna a full refresh with a deep, intensive cleaning:
- Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently remove darkened spots in the wood or rough areas caused by perspiration
- Scrub everything down using a sauna-safe baking soda solution for a deep cleaning
- Apply a sauna wax protective finish to the benches and floors to seal the wood and protect it from moisture or cracking
Also, avoid treating the wood in your sauna with any paints or varnishes, as these can trap moisture and make the wood less breathable.
Tips for Keeping Your Infrared Sauna Clean
Regularly cleaning your infrared sauna is essential, whether or not you notice buildup and/or odor. However, there are some habits you can practice to help it stay clean for longer.
Below are some essential tips for keeping your sauna in pristine condition for years to come:
Only Use Safe Sauna Cleaning Supplies
It’s important to understand which cleaning supplies are safe to use in your infrared sauna.
Some sauna-safe cleaning supplies include:
- Vinegar + water solution: Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to create an all-purpose cleaning solution that is safe for infrared saunas. This is a gentle disinfectant that kills bacteria without harming the wood, and it doesn’t create toxic fumes when exposed to heat.
- Baking soda scrub: For stains or a deeper clean, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one gallon of water and use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub stubborn areas without damaging the wood.
- Microfiber cloths: These are great for wiping down walls, benches, and windows without damaging the interior of your sauna.
- Detailing brushes or old toothbrushes: Use these for trickier areas like corners, hinges, and crevices.
- Soft sponges: You can also use soft, non-abrasive sponges to give benches and backrests a deeper scrub. Just be sure to avoid using the “tough side.”
Many common household cleaners are not safe to use for cleaning a sauna because they contain chemicals and fumes that should never be exposed to heat. They may leave residue or even degrade the sauna’s interior. It’s also important to choose non-abrasive tools that won’t scratch or wear down the wood.
Place a Towel Down to Protect the Wood
When using your infrared sauna, consider sitting on a towel and placing one under your feet to help protect the wood. Lying down a towel helps prevent sweat from directly contacting the wood and also adds an extra layer of comfort.
Just be sure to remove the towels and wash them after every use to avoid mildew.
Avoid Tracking in Dirt
Even small amounts of dirt or debris can wear down or stain the floors over time. Taking a few extra precautions can go a long way to keeping your infrared sauna spotless and reducing the intensity of future cleanings.
For outdoor infrared saunas:
- Create a designated path: Consider using stepping stones or pavers to create a pathway to your infrared sauna. This reduces the amount of loose grass or dirt that could get picked up on the way.
- Keep a foot rinse nearby: Keep a small tub or hose near the entrance so you can quickly rinse your feet before stepping inside.
- Install a covered porch or awning: Awnings and covered porches help prevent mud from forming by the entrance of your sauna. Our Lulea outdoor infrared sauna already comes with built-in awnings to help things stay clean.
For indoor infrared saunas:
- Keep a microfiber mat by the door: Even if your sauna is indoors, you could still be tracking in dirt or dust. Microfiber mats tend to be better at grabbing particles from your feet.
- Use sauna-only slippers: Designate a pair of slippers for sauna use only, which you can keep right outside the door. This minimizes dirt and dust transfer from other areas of your home.
- Vacuum or sweep the area regularly: Keeping the floor around your infrared sauna clean prevents debris from migrating in.
Always Air Out Your Infrared Sauna
As mentioned above, it’s a good idea to let your infrared sauna air out after each use. Even if you don’t notice perspiration building up, keeping the door open for at least 10-15 minutes helps moisture evaporate from the sauna and prevents mold and mildew growth.
Keep Food and Drinks Outside
As a rule of thumb, avoid eating food or drinking anything inside your sauna. This prevents sticky spills and hard-to-clean messes. Of course, water in sauna-safe containers is okay—just make sure to avoid using plastic or metal bottles, which can either melt or get hot to the touch.
Shop Tylö Infrared Saunas for Sale at Creative Energy
Cleaning your infrared sauna doesn’t have to be complicated. With consistency and the right habits, you can establish a simple cleaning routine that goes a long way toward keeping your investment pristine and comfortable for years to come.
For decades, Creative Energy has been a leading retailer of home spa and wellness essentials in the San Francisco Bay Area. We’re also thrilled to be the first in the area to offer Tylö Saunas! With innovative designs and pricing to fit every lifestyle, your dream sauna experience is closer than ever. We carry their full line of traditional, hybrid, and infrared saunas.
Contact us online or visit one of our award-winning showrooms in Concord, San Rafael, or San Mateo to experience the benefits of Tylö saunas for yourself.