Sauna Maintenance: 10 Tips to Keep Your Sauna Perfect for Decades

A well-built sauna is designed to last decades with minimal upkeep. However, 'minimal' does not mean zero. Here are the ten maintenance practices we recommend to every client after handover — simple routines that take a few minutes but add years of life to your investment.

1. Ventilate After Every Session

Leave the sauna door open for 30–60 minutes after your last session of the day. This allows residual moisture to evaporate and prevents the damp, stagnant environment where mold thrives. If your sauna has a ventilation system, run it for at least an hour after use.

2. Wipe Down Benches

After each session, wipe your benches with a damp cloth. This removes body oils, sweat salts, and any residue that can darken the wood over time. For a deeper clean, use a mild sauna-specific cleaner once a month — never bleach, ammonia, or harsh chemicals.

3. Use Sauna Towels

Always sit on a towel. This single habit prevents the majority of bench staining and dramatically reduces the frequency of deep cleaning needed. We provide custom-sized bench towels with every installation for exactly this reason.

4. Sand Benches Annually

Once a year, lightly sand your benches with 120–180 grit sandpaper. This removes any surface darkening and restores the fresh wood appearance. Sand in the direction of the grain, then vacuum up the dust before your next session.

5. Check the Heater

Inspect your sauna stones every 6–12 months. Over time, stones can crack and crumble, restricting airflow through the heater and reducing efficiency. Replace any stones that have visibly deteriorated. If you have an electric heater, check the heating elements for corrosion or damage.

6. Inspect Door Seals and Hardware

The sauna door gasket (if applicable) and hinges should be inspected yearly. A compromised seal lets heat escape and forces your heater to work harder. Tighten any loose hinge screws and replace weatherstripping if it's cracked or compressed flat.

7. Monitor Wood Moisture

If you notice any persistent dark spots, soft areas, or musty smells, investigate immediately. These are early signs of moisture intrusion that is best addressed before it becomes structural. In most cases, improved ventilation solves the issue.

8. Clean the Floor

Sweep or vacuum the sauna floor weekly. Mop monthly with warm water and a small amount of mild soap. If your sauna has a drain, flush it with clean water to prevent buildup in the trap.

9. Treat Exterior Wood (Outdoor Saunas)

If you have an outdoor sauna, apply a UV-protective wood treatment to the exterior surfaces every 1–2 years. This prevents greying and surface checking from sun exposure. We recommend penetrating oil-based treatments over film-forming stains.

10. Schedule a Professional Inspection

We recommend a professional maintenance inspection every 3–5 years. Our team checks electrical connections, ventilation performance, structural integrity, and heater efficiency — and handles any repairs before minor issues become major ones. All RP Restoration saunas include this in our 10-year guarantee.