Q&A for How to Clean a Sauna

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What is the best way to disinfect a sauna?

Ryan Santos
Cleaning Expert
Ryan Santos is a Cleaning Expert and the Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning in Washington D.C. Ryan has over five years of experience in the cleaning industry and his team has extensive knowledge of apartment, commercial, and home cleaning services. He and his team also write blog posts and share cleaning tips based on their in-field experience. Spekless Cleaning is rated as the top cleaning company in Washington D.C.

Ryan Santos

Cleaning Expert

Expert Answer

When it comes to sanitizing a sauna, there are a few methods that you can use. The first method involves using heat. Since bacteria and viruses cannot survive in extreme temperatures, turning up the temperature to around 80-90 °C for several hours can effectively kill most germs. Another option is to spray a solution with equal parts of water and white vinegar over all surfaces. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can kill germs, and leaving it on for half an hour before wiping it down with a clean cloth will probably do the trick.

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Question

Am I right that it is insane to use bleach for mold in a sauna where people would be inhaling chlorine like soldiers did in WWI. Isn't it much safer to use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda?

Community Answer

A clear water rinse with a sponge after every use is best, mild soap on occasion, and bleach only as a as a last resort. The most difficult stains I have encountered as a Sauna designer and builder of 30 years are food and drink related. Food and drink (other than water) have no place in Sauna!

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I use a sauna daily which closes at 9:00 pm in the evenings. The cleaning is not carried out until the following morning. Is this bad practice as bacteria and mold can fester overnight?

Community Answer

Rooms should be cleaned at the end of each day when the room is still hot with a sponge and clear fresh water; and a periodic wash with mild soap to prevent staining ( once or twice a week depending on use). Bacteria and fungus can not survive sauna temperatures, so the rooms will generally keep themselves hygienic. However, floors will need to be cleaned carefully, as air temps at this part of the room are much lower!

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Question

I used a solution of baking soda on one of the sauna boards that had a stain, and now the wood is darker. How can I fix this?

Community Answer

You can't, the baking soda caused a chemical reaction with the wood, which is why the wood darkened. You essentially added another application of "stain" to the wood. You could try sanding it all down, but depending on how long you let the baking soda sit, you may have to remove quite a bit of material.

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Should rubber mats on the floor be taken out and cleaned?

Community Answer

Yes, they should.

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Question

How do I get the sweaty smell out of my cedar sauna?

Saunalvr

Community Answer

Use sauna wood oil, use 100% organic. This wood oil will enhance your sauna experience through the restoration of the wood's original aroma as well as extending the life of your sauna by increasing its resistance to pests and mildew.

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