Sauna Upkeep in an Indoor Environment
Despite the fact that an indoor sauna does not require protection from the elements, you will still need to perform some basic, routine maintenance on it. Vacuum out your sauna on a regular basis to ensure that any dust or debris is removed. Cleaning the interior with a mild solution of baking soda and water and a soft cloth will remove any perspiration or dirt stains without damaging the paint.
To help reduce or prevent some sweat or dead cells from staining the wood while in the sauna, sit on a towel while using it. Also read Healing Heat: The Benefits Of The Indoor Sauna
Because of the high heat generated by a sauna, it will not necessitate the same level of regular deep cleaning as a bathroom, but it is still advisable to perform some basic, routine checks to prevent mildew and bacteria from developing. If you clean your sauna with gentle cleaners, it will remain fresh and clean.
Take fine sandpaper and sand down and clean your benches or any interior stains once a year, or more frequently if necessary. This will quickly and easily remove any stains and leave you with a new, smooth surface.
Do not paint, stain, or varnish the interior of a sauna. This will not only prevent the sauna from functioning properly, but it also has the potential to create unhealthy vapors and breathing conditions. The exterior of your indoor sauna can be stained to match your decor, which is perfectly acceptable; however, make sure to choose an appropriate finish from your local paint store. While staining and drying, make sure that the area is well ventilated.
Sauna Maintenance in the Outdoors
An outdoor sauna is subjected to the elements of light, wind, rain, and more severe weather throughout the year. All of our saunas are constructed of high-quality wood and parts, and they are built to withstand years of exposure to the elements. However, in order to ensure that your sauna lasts as long as possible, here are a few suggestions.
To help reduce or prevent some sweat or dead cells from staining the wood while in the sauna, sit on a towel while using it. Every few uses, vacuum out the sauna to keep dust, dirt, and tracked-in leaves from accumulating.
If you live in a wet or snowy climate, you should inspect your unit every few months for signs of water seepage. If you have a barrel sauna unit, tighten the staves on the barrels. Particularly after you first assemble your barrel sauna, the wood will be adjusting to your climate and temperature, so double-check that everything is secure. If the bands are too loose, you may need to add additional staves to ensure that the exterior is properly sealed and protected.
The wood that Almost Heaven Saunas utilizes is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. There is no need to stain or varnish yours because it will hold up well to the elements. Low-pressure washing the exterior wood on a regular basis, however, will ensure that the wood lasts for years. This can assist in the removal of dust, debris, mildew, and other contaminants, similar to how you might clean off the roof of your home.
After every few uses, you can clean out the unit with a gentle spray of water (not a power wash) and a mild cleaning solution to keep it looking like new.
Despite the fact that the wood we use will age beautifully, you can choose to stain the exterior (but never the interior!) with a UV inhibitor stain to help prevent the fading effects of sunlight. If you live in a sunny climate, you may need to reapply the stain more frequently.
