How to Clean an Infrared Sauna: Daily Tips to Keep It Looking Like New

🧼 How to Clean and Maintain Your Infrared Sauna

Infrared saunas don’t require much upkeep — but the right daily habits make all the difference in keeping your wood beautiful, your sessions hygienic, and your sauna looking like new.

  Protect your sauna before the sweat starts:

  Always place a towel on both the bench and the floor. This prevents sweat, oils, and bacteria from soaking directly into the wood — and it makes post-session cleaning easier and faster.

The number one mistake new sauna users make? Sitting directly on the cedar. Even one or two unprotected sessions can leave behind sweat marks that become harder to remove over time.

🧽 After Each Use: Light Daily Cleaning

You don’t need harsh chemicals or fancy cleaning sprays — in fact, those can damage the wood and off-gas during your next session.

  Use a simple, damp cloth after every session:

  While the sauna is still warm, wipe down benches, walls, and floorboards using a clean, slightly damp cloth to remove any residual sweat or moisture.

  For an extra cleaning boost:

  A light solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 9 parts water is all you need. It’s effective at killing bacteria, safe for natural wood, and odor-free.

Let the sauna air dry naturally with the door open. Good ventilation helps prevent mold, mildew, and lingering odors — especially in humid climates.

🪵 How to Remove Sweat Stains or Restore the Wood

Even if your sauna is a few years old, you can still make it look like new with minimal effort.

  To erase sweat stains or discoloration:

  Lightly sand the affected wood surfaces using fine-grit sandpaper. Just a few gentle strokes will refresh the cedar and remove surface buildup without damaging the wood grain.

  Don’t worry if the wood darkens slightly over time:

  This is normal aging, especially in high-use areas. Proper cleaning and regular towel use will slow this natural patina.

🧠 Proactive Maintenance = Less Work Later

You’ll thank yourself later if you take these small steps now. Preventing buildup is easier than removing it — and keeps your sauna looking and smelling fresh session after session.

  Towel rotation is your best defense:

  Use clean towels each time, and rotate them regularly so you’re never placing a damp towel back in the sauna.

  Stay consistent, not complicated:

  You don’t need to overthink sauna care. A few seconds of cleanup now saves hours of restoration later.

💡 Final Thoughts: A Clean Sauna Is a Better Experience

Your infrared sauna is a place of renewal — physically, mentally, and emotionally. When it’s clean and well-maintained, you’ll feel even more at ease during each session.

  Clean space, clear mind:

  A well-cared-for sauna enhances your healing, reduces unwanted odors, and preserves the beauty of your cedar for years to come.

  Daily care is part of the ritual:

  It’s not a chore — it’s part of the wellness journey.