Sauna Maintenance and Cleaning

Whether you live in a rental apartment, a right-of-occupancy home, or an owner-occupied property, it is important to take care of basic sauna maintenance on a regular basis. Many sauna cleaning and upkeep tasks are the resident’s responsibility, while issues related to the building structure, ventilation, or fixed equipment should be reported to maintenance services when necessary.

Clean the Sauna Regularly

Keeping the sauna clean is an essential part of sauna maintenance. During use, sweat, dirt, and moisture accumulate on surfaces and should be removed regularly.

After use, wipe down the sauna surfaces with clean water if necessary and allow the sauna to dry thoroughly. It is a good idea to leave the heater on for a short time after bathing so that the benches dry quickly. The benches should be washed regularly using a cleaning product suitable for saunas. Use a soft brush or sponge and avoid excessive scrubbing, which can damage wooden surfaces. For example, heat-treated benches do not withstand aggressive mechanical cleaning. Heat-treated wood is usually recognizable by its darker color.

Avoid Excessive Wetting

The sauna benches and other wooden surfaces do not need to be soaked with water before every sauna session. Using a sauna seat cover helps protect the benches from moisture and dirt and makes them easier to keep clean.

If you use fragrances or other additives in the sauna water, make sure they are suitable for sauna heaters and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Take Care of the Sauna Heater

Regular inspection and cleaning of the sauna heater help ensure a safe and enjoyable sauna experience.

Replacing sauna stones is the resident’s responsibility. Sauna stones should be checked regularly, as they gradually crumble with use and lose their ability to conduct heat efficiently. Broken and crumbling stones should be removed and replaced according to the heater manufacturer's instructions.

Always use stones that are specifically suitable for your sauna heater and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when stacking them. The stones should not be packed too tightly, as adequate airflow is essential for the heater's proper operation.

Do not place any objects on or near the heater that do not belong there. Clothes, towels, and other items must never be dried in the sauna, as they create a fire hazard. Always follow the heater’s operating and maintenance instructions.

If the heater does not heat up normally or shows signs of malfunction, stop using it immediately. If you notice a burning smell, smoke, or any other abnormal condition, contact maintenance according to the property’s instructions.

Keep Ventilation Working Properly

Proper ventilation is an important part of sauna safety and maintenance. Ventilation helps remove excess heat and moisture from the sauna and prevents moisture buildup.

Do not cover or block the sauna’s ventilation vents. Dust that accumulates on or around the vents should be wiped away with a damp cloth. Take care not to alter the vent settings while cleaning.

Ventilation settings must not be adjusted independently. If the ventilation does not seem to be functioning normally, report the issue to maintenance services.

Dry the Sauna After Use

Allowing the sauna to dry properly after each use is essential. Once the sauna has cooled down, leave the sauna door and any ventilation solutions open as instructed for the property so that moisture can escape.

Drying the floor when necessary also helps keep the sauna clean and prevents moisture accumulation. A floor squeegee works well for this purpose.

Sauna Maintenance at a Glance

Regularly:

• Wipe down and clean sauna surfaces.
• Wash the benches with a cleaning product suitable for saunas.
• Use a sauna seat cover when bathing.
• Heat-treated benches should be oiled once a year with, for example, paraffin oil or sauna wax.
• Ensure the sauna dries properly after use.
• Keep ventilation vents open and clean.
• Check the condition of the sauna stones and replace them when necessary. Replacing sauna stones is the resident’s responsibility.
• Follow the operating and maintenance instructions for the sauna heater and other equipment.

Avoid These:

• Do not cover ventilation vents.
• Do not use unsuitable cleaning products or overly abrasive cleaning methods on wooden sauna surfaces.
• Do not pour anything onto the heater except water intended for sauna use.
• Do not leave the sauna damp for extended periods.
• Do not make electrical or structural modifications to the heater or ventilation system yourself.

When Should You Contact Maintenance?

Not all sauna maintenance tasks are intended for residents. If you notice a malfunction, signs of water damage, or problems with the ventilation system or sauna heater, contact the maintenance service specified in YH Kodit’s instructions.

In rental and right-of-occupancy homes, always check the maintenance and responsibility guidelines for your home before attempting any repairs. Responsibilities are determined, among other things, by the allocation of responsibilities within the housing company.

By keeping your sauna clean, dry, and in good working order, you can enjoy it for years to come while also helping to maintain the safety and condition of your home.