Steam saunas have become every homeowner's favorite add-on project, and for all good reasons except one, i.e., home sauna maintenance. After all, no one wants to be stuck with the upkeep after a relaxing 20-30 minutes in their sauna.
In fact, the time and cost of maintaining a residential sauna room are one of the many reasons why public saunas are still so popular, despite their expensive memberships.
But what if we told you that keeping your sauna room tidy and working is easier than you might think?
Yes, that's true!
You see, a sauna used optimally calls for the least servicing. Meaning with some basic sauna etiquette and cleanliness regimen, not only can you maintain your sauna but also increase its longevity manifold.
Not to mention this will also significantly reduce the home sauna repair and upkeep costs.
Now, if you're wondering how exactly to do so, you're at the right place as we've compiled the eight most simple and effective tips for maintaining your steam sauna bath. So let's dive right in and have a look.
#1. Curing is essential for home sauna maintenance
When it comes to maintaining your sauna while also enjoying your sauna session to the fullest, curing is quintessential. Moreover, if you've got a newly built sauna room or brand-new sauna heater that you're using for the first time, it's very important to cure it first.
Curing is actually quite easy and involves running the heater at its highest temperature for the duration of a sauna session. And depending on the type of your sauna, the heating method deployed, and heater capacity, this can take anywhere between 45 minutes and an hour.
For instance, if you have an electric sauna heater, you can complete curing the enclosure within 30 minutes. However, this can take you 45 minutes or more on a wood-burning heater.
Similarly, if you have an infrared sauna, you can expect the curing time to be an hour or more.
Once this is done, you can now step into your sauna, pour some water on the sauna rocks, and unwind in a relaxing session.
That's simple, isn't it?
#2. Hard water is a big no in saunas
Now, this might sound like an additional task, but we suggest you install a water softener if you have a hard water problem.
Why, you may ask?
Well, hard water has huge amounts of magnesium and calcium salt content. And once the water evaporates or the sauna heater cools off, these minerals get deposited and continue to build up on the sauna rocks, among other components.
This build-up of calcium and magnesium duo is the hardest to clean. Meaning you might have a hard time getting rid of it.
But what harm do these hard water minerals cause?
Pro tip: you can clean a small mineral build-up by yourself using a sanding disc and a soft cleaning solution. However, you should do the cleaning with due care so that it doesn't damage the sauna heater or any other sauna component.
#3. Wood upkeep is the mainstay of sauna maintenance
Curing is actually quite easy and involves running the heater at its highest temperature for the duration of a sauna session. And depending on the type of your sauna, the heating method deployed, and heater capacity, this can take anywhere between 45 minutes and an hour.
For instance, if you have an electric sauna heater, you can complete curing the enclosure within 30 minutes. However, this can take you 45 minutes or more on a wood-burning heater.
Similarly, if you have an infrared sauna, you can expect the curing time to be an hour or more.
Once this is done, you can now step into your sauna, pour some water on the sauna rocks, and unwind in a relaxing session.
That's simple, isn't it?
#2. Hard water is a big no in saunas
Now, this might sound like an additional task, but we suggest you install a water softener if you have a hard water problem.
Why, you may ask?
Well, hard water has huge amounts of magnesium and calcium salt content. And once the water evaporates or the sauna heater cools off, these minerals get deposited and continue to build up on the sauna rocks, among other components.
This build-up of calcium and magnesium duo is the hardest to clean. Meaning you might have a hard time getting rid of it.
But what harm do these hard water minerals cause?
- Firstly, a large build-up can prevent your sauna from functioning optimally. Also, cleaning such deposits call for professional sauna maintenance services, which can cost you a lot.
- Secondly, even a small deposit can ruin the aesthetic appeal of your sauna room, something steam sauna enthusiasts hate the most.
Pro tip: you can clean a small mineral build-up by yourself using a sanding disc and a soft cleaning solution. However, you should do the cleaning with due care so that it doesn't damage the sauna heater or any other sauna component.
#3. Wood upkeep is the mainstay of sauna maintenance
The wood in your sauna is as important as the heater and other critical sauna components. And rightly so, as your sauna walls, seats, floor, etc., are all made with wood.
Nevertheless, wood is one of those materials that are highly prone to wear, unlike other accessories in the sauna.
For instance, you can't treat sauna wood with protectants like varnish, paint, and other sealants since it needs to absorb and release moisture. As such, it is commonplace for wood colors to fade away over time by being exposed to heat and humidity, among others.
Thankfully, home sauna maintenance isn't that difficult when it comes to wood. That's because you can easily care for wood; all you need to do is wipe the wood surfaces off with water. Also, you can clean the sauna wood with detergent once or twice every week.
This goes without saying that the wood will, in fact, fade in the long run. But you can still restore the original wood colors with a sanding disc.
Here's a simple three-step process of sanding sauna wood:
You may also want to read - Choosing The Right Wood For Your Sauna: A Brief Guide.
#4. Wash your feet before sauna sessions
While there is no substitute for cleaning your sauna bath on a regular basis, by following some basic sauna etiquette, you can reduce the task significantly.
More so, by just washing your feet clean before a sauna session, you can bring down the burden of cleaning the sauna enclosure to a great extent.
You see, even small amounts of soil and debris carried by your feet into the sauna can slowly accumulate on the floor and benches.
So by having a bucket of water and some wipes handy outside the sauna and washing your feet every time you enter the enclosure, you can keep your sauna tidy.
#5. Proper clothing is key to the maintenance
Nevertheless, wood is one of those materials that are highly prone to wear, unlike other accessories in the sauna.
For instance, you can't treat sauna wood with protectants like varnish, paint, and other sealants since it needs to absorb and release moisture. As such, it is commonplace for wood colors to fade away over time by being exposed to heat and humidity, among others.
Thankfully, home sauna maintenance isn't that difficult when it comes to wood. That's because you can easily care for wood; all you need to do is wipe the wood surfaces off with water. Also, you can clean the sauna wood with detergent once or twice every week.
This goes without saying that the wood will, in fact, fade in the long run. But you can still restore the original wood colors with a sanding disc.
Here's a simple three-step process of sanding sauna wood:
- Cover the sauna heater to prevent any dirt and dust from entering and damaging the sauna rocks.
- Sand all the wooden surfaces using mild sanding paper.
- Vacuum the entire interior space after sanding to ensure no dirt is left in the sauna enclosure.
You may also want to read - Choosing The Right Wood For Your Sauna: A Brief Guide.
#4. Wash your feet before sauna sessions
While there is no substitute for cleaning your sauna bath on a regular basis, by following some basic sauna etiquette, you can reduce the task significantly.
More so, by just washing your feet clean before a sauna session, you can bring down the burden of cleaning the sauna enclosure to a great extent.
You see, even small amounts of soil and debris carried by your feet into the sauna can slowly accumulate on the floor and benches.
So by having a bucket of water and some wipes handy outside the sauna and washing your feet every time you enter the enclosure, you can keep your sauna tidy.
#5. Proper clothing is key to the maintenance
You might assume that you don't necessarily need clothing in spaces like steam saunas, especially in the privacy of your home sauna.
Nonetheless, saunas have their own dress code, which, apart from etiquette, is also important for maintaining a home sauna.
Towels, bathing suits, cotton shorts, etc., are all accepted in a sauna wardrobe. And they go a long way to minimize home sauna maintenance needs.
How?
A steam sauna is a place where you sweat profusely, and while sweating brings health and wellness benefits for you, it's actually damaging to the sauna wood. That's because the sweat from your body and the body oils it carries cause staining and even discoloration on the benches, walls, floor, etc., all of which are wooden.
By wrapping a towel around your body or wearing light clothing, you prevent sweat from coming in contact with wood, thus maintaining the sauna's aesthetics.
Impressive, right?
#6. Home sauna maintenance checklist is incomplete without doors and vents
A sauna room needs heating between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit, which calls for a properly sealed-off enclosure. Similarly, since sauna bathers also need fresh air for the duration of their session, proper ventilation is a must-have in a sauna.
And this dual requirement needs the right sauna doors and ventilation shafts, which again makes for a major home sauna repair checklist.
To begin with, the sauna doors should be such that they don't let the heat escape. So you should conduct regular door checks and tighten any loose screws, etc., as you notice them.
Also, your sauna door may not close well, as wood tends to expand upon exposure to humidity. In situations like this, you'll have to precisely sand off the expanded portions of the door to an extent where it closes well while also not letting heat out.
Talking about the vents, they need regular inspections, too, as most of them are made from wood. And just like the wooden doors, you might have to sand the edges of the vents to ensure that they keep ventilating the sauna well.
Pro tip: You don't need to be a sauna specialist to inspect sauna doors or vents for insulation and ventilation, as it's quite DIY-friendly. Furthermore, you can also have them checked during regular home inspection services, and that too at no extra cost.
#7. Rinse the rocks before installing them in sauna heaters
Nonetheless, saunas have their own dress code, which, apart from etiquette, is also important for maintaining a home sauna.
Towels, bathing suits, cotton shorts, etc., are all accepted in a sauna wardrobe. And they go a long way to minimize home sauna maintenance needs.
How?
A steam sauna is a place where you sweat profusely, and while sweating brings health and wellness benefits for you, it's actually damaging to the sauna wood. That's because the sweat from your body and the body oils it carries cause staining and even discoloration on the benches, walls, floor, etc., all of which are wooden.
By wrapping a towel around your body or wearing light clothing, you prevent sweat from coming in contact with wood, thus maintaining the sauna's aesthetics.
Impressive, right?
#6. Home sauna maintenance checklist is incomplete without doors and vents
A sauna room needs heating between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit, which calls for a properly sealed-off enclosure. Similarly, since sauna bathers also need fresh air for the duration of their session, proper ventilation is a must-have in a sauna.
And this dual requirement needs the right sauna doors and ventilation shafts, which again makes for a major home sauna repair checklist.
To begin with, the sauna doors should be such that they don't let the heat escape. So you should conduct regular door checks and tighten any loose screws, etc., as you notice them.
Also, your sauna door may not close well, as wood tends to expand upon exposure to humidity. In situations like this, you'll have to precisely sand off the expanded portions of the door to an extent where it closes well while also not letting heat out.
Talking about the vents, they need regular inspections, too, as most of them are made from wood. And just like the wooden doors, you might have to sand the edges of the vents to ensure that they keep ventilating the sauna well.
Pro tip: You don't need to be a sauna specialist to inspect sauna doors or vents for insulation and ventilation, as it's quite DIY-friendly. Furthermore, you can also have them checked during regular home inspection services, and that too at no extra cost.
#7. Rinse the rocks before installing them in sauna heaters
Sauna heaters and the rocks used therein need the least maintenance and can last you for decades without any upkeep requirements. However, when installing the sauna rocks in a brand-new heater or replacing them after their lifespan, you should be cautious.
Since sauna rocks can have minute particles on them, you should rinse them in water before installing them in the heater.
You see, though these rock particles seem to be harmless, they can enter the heating elements and end up damaging them. Meaning it's better to rinse the rocks as a small pre-installation step than risking sauna heater damage.
#8. Air out the enclosure after your sauna session
This one is by far the easiest home sauna maintenance tip.
Airing out a sauna room involves leaving the sauna doors and vents open and letting the enclosure dry out entirely.
It can't get any easier, can it?
Home sauna maintenance: FAQs
How to clean your sauna room?
A sauna room needs to be cleaned regularly. But that doesn't mean you need to undertake a holistic cleaning every time.
There are three types of cleaning that a sauna needs, which includes:
What should you clean the sauna with?
For everyday cleaning, you don't need anything except water. However, for weekly or monthly cleaning, you can use a soft, chemical-free detergent and warm water.
We suggest you don't use disinfectants or detergents with chemicals, as they can bleach the wood and cause permanent discoloration.
Coming to sanding, softer sandpaper should be apt for the task without the risk of damaging the wood.
What kind of towel is right for the sauna?
There is no limitation in terms of what kind of towel you should use in your sauna.
The main purpose of a towel in a residential sauna is to absorb sweat and prevent it from harming the sauna wood. So as long as your towel does this, it should be good to use.
Should you paint your sauna?
No, you shouldn't.
Saunas are made of wood which is supposed to absorb and release air, moisture, etc. And paint will not only prevent this but also release harmful chemicals as the wood is exposed to extreme heat.
Here are some more sauna maintenance FAQS.
Wrapping it up
As you can see, sauna maintenance and repair is not as difficult as it sounds. And with the right tips and tricks, you can easily upkeep your sauna, making it last for the longest duration.
We hope that our home sauna repair and maintenance tips will help you care for your sauna in the best possible manner.
Looking for assistance with sauna maintenance?
You can reach out to us!
At Steam & Sauna EXperts, we are seasoned sauna professionals with decades of experience. And we can help you with all your sauna upkeep requirements.
We also have a large inventory of steam sauna parts and accessories from leading manufacturers available at the most competitive prices. So wherever is your maintenance requirement, we've got them all covered.
Since sauna rocks can have minute particles on them, you should rinse them in water before installing them in the heater.
You see, though these rock particles seem to be harmless, they can enter the heating elements and end up damaging them. Meaning it's better to rinse the rocks as a small pre-installation step than risking sauna heater damage.
#8. Air out the enclosure after your sauna session
This one is by far the easiest home sauna maintenance tip.
Airing out a sauna room involves leaving the sauna doors and vents open and letting the enclosure dry out entirely.
It can't get any easier, can it?
Home sauna maintenance: FAQs
How to clean your sauna room?
A sauna room needs to be cleaned regularly. But that doesn't mean you need to undertake a holistic cleaning every time.
There are three types of cleaning that a sauna needs, which includes:
- Wiping the sauna room clean after every sauna session.
- Cleaning the sauna with mild detergent once or twice a week.
- Sanding the sauna wood if it loses color and then vacuuming the enclosure thereafter.
What should you clean the sauna with?
For everyday cleaning, you don't need anything except water. However, for weekly or monthly cleaning, you can use a soft, chemical-free detergent and warm water.
We suggest you don't use disinfectants or detergents with chemicals, as they can bleach the wood and cause permanent discoloration.
Coming to sanding, softer sandpaper should be apt for the task without the risk of damaging the wood.
What kind of towel is right for the sauna?
There is no limitation in terms of what kind of towel you should use in your sauna.
The main purpose of a towel in a residential sauna is to absorb sweat and prevent it from harming the sauna wood. So as long as your towel does this, it should be good to use.
Should you paint your sauna?
No, you shouldn't.
Saunas are made of wood which is supposed to absorb and release air, moisture, etc. And paint will not only prevent this but also release harmful chemicals as the wood is exposed to extreme heat.
Here are some more sauna maintenance FAQS.
Wrapping it up
As you can see, sauna maintenance and repair is not as difficult as it sounds. And with the right tips and tricks, you can easily upkeep your sauna, making it last for the longest duration.
We hope that our home sauna repair and maintenance tips will help you care for your sauna in the best possible manner.
Looking for assistance with sauna maintenance?
You can reach out to us!
At Steam & Sauna EXperts, we are seasoned sauna professionals with decades of experience. And we can help you with all your sauna upkeep requirements.
We also have a large inventory of steam sauna parts and accessories from leading manufacturers available at the most competitive prices. So wherever is your maintenance requirement, we've got them all covered.
Mr Steam 29091CMS 9KW 240V 1PH MS400 Heating Element
$481.00
Mr Steam heating element
29091CMS 9KW 240V 1PH MS400
Comes with new gasket and bolts
For Residential Steam Units
IN STOCK AND READY TO SHIP WITH 2ND DAY DELIVERY.
CALL (786) 837-1235 FOR ANY QUESTIONS.
Mr Steam 29151CMS 15KW 1PH MS SUPER 3 Heating Element 240V
$651.00
Mr Steam heating element
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For Residential Steam Units
Comes with new gasket and bolts
IN STOCK AND READY TO SHIP WITH 2ND DAY DELIVERY.
CALL (786) 837-1235 FOR ANY QUESTIONS.
Mr Steam 29081CMS Heating Element 8.5Kw 240V 1PH MS300
$481.00
This is an 8.5 KW heating element required to operate Mr Steam MS300 steam bath generators. Available in 208V/240V 1 PH and 3 PH power configurations.
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CALL (786) 837-1235 FOR ANY QUESTIONS.
Mr Steam Heating Element 29121CMS 12KW
$651.00
Mr Steam heating element
29121CMS 12KW 240V 1PH MS SUPER 2
For Residential Steam Units
Comes with new gasket and bolts
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CALL (786) 837-1235 FOR ANY QUESTIONS.
Mr Steam 29101CMS Heating Element 10KW 240V 1PH MS SUPER 1
$651.00
Mr Steam 29101CMS 10 KW heating element is installed in MS series residential steam generators. Available in 208V/240V 1 PH and 3 PH configurations.
USE COUPON CODE "STEAMIST" TO RECEIVE 5% OFF THIS ORDER.
IN STOCK AND READY TO SHIP WITH 2ND DAY DELIVERY.
CALL (786) 837-1235 FOR ANY QUESTIONS.
Mr Steam 29061CMS Heating Element 6KW 240V 1PH MS150
$481.00
Mr Steam heating element
29061CMS 6KW 240V 1PH MS150
Comes with new gasket and bolts
For Residential Steam Units
IN STOCK AND READY TO SHIP WITH 2ND DAY DELIVERY.
CALL (786) 837-1235 FOR ANY QUESTIONS.
Mr Steam 29051CMS 5KW 240V 1PH - MS90 Heating Element
$481.00
- Mr Steam 29051CMS 5KW 240V 1PH heating element is installed in MS90 residential steam bath generator models.
- This is a replacement element, and not meant to be installed in new generators.
- One element each is required for every MS90 generator.
- This 5KW is apt for effective steam generation in MS90 generators utilizing a 240V 1PH power connection.
IN STOCK AND READY TO SHIP WITH 2ND DAY DELIVERY.
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Mr Steam 29201CMS 20KW 240V 1PH MX4E Heating Element
$864.00
This heating element is installed in Mr Steam MX4E steam bath generators. The element is compatible with MX4E 20 KW generators with a 240V and 1PH configuration.
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Mr Steam 29241CMS 24KW 240V 1PH Heating Element
$864.00
Mr Steam heating element
29241CMS 24KW 240V 1PH MX5E
For Residential Steam Units
Sold by Steam and Sauna Experts
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Mr Steam 29301CMS 30KW MX6E Heating Element 240V 1PH Configuration
$864.00
The 30 KW heating element is installed in Mr Steam MX6E Max residential steam generators. This is a replacement element available in 240V 1PH configuration.
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Mr Steam Heating Element 29071CMS 7.5KW
$481.00
- The 29071CMS 7.5KW heating element is used in Mr Steam’s residential steam generator model MS225.
- This element uses a 240V 1PH power connection, which is common across homes.
- Replacement heating element, not meant for brand new generator units.
- The element kit includes all components required for installation such as gaskets, compounds, bolts etc.
- Apt for efficient steam generation in a small to mid-sized steam room.
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