Sauna maintenance

Sauna maintenance

How to Maintain Your Cedar and Hemlock Saunas — Complete UK Guide

Introduction

Proper maintenance keeps your sauna looking beautiful, functioning safely, and lasting for years. In the UK’s wet and variable climate, cedar steam saunas need exterior protection, while hemlock infrared saunas require careful interior care. This guide covers everything you need to know to clean, protect, and preserve your sauna wood.

Why Cedar and Hemlock Are Ideal Sauna Woods

  • Cedar (steam sauna): Aromatic, naturally rot-resistant, and dimensionally stable — perfect for traditional steam saunas.

  • Hemlock (infrared sauna, interior only): Smooth, light-coloured, and heat-stable, providing an even, comfortable experience.

  • The challenge: UK dampness can stain cedar exteriors, and improper cleaning can affect the natural beauty of interior wood.

Interior Sauna Maintenance

Daily Care

  • Wipe benches, walls, and floors with a damp microfiber cloth.

  • Empty and rinse water buckets / ladles (steam sauna) or towel racks (infrared).

  • Leave the door open to ventilate and let moisture escape.

Weekly Care

  • Use a soft-bristle brush and warm water (optional: mild, unscented soap) to scrub benches and walls.

  • Wash removable floor mats or duckboards.

  • Check for mildew and treat gently with a diluted vinegar solution (1 part vinegar : 4 parts water).

Monthly / Deep Cleaning

  • For stubborn sweat or oil stains, make a baking soda paste and scrub gently.

  • Lightly sand worn areas (120–150 grit) and wipe clean.

  • Inspect steam sauna stones or infrared panels; replace or adjust as needed.

Interior Wood Treatments

Cedar (steam sauna):

  • Optional application of Tikkurila Supi Sauna Wax, which penetrates the wood to protect against moisture without sealing it completely.

  • Cleaning after waxing: warm water, mild soap, or occasional diluted vinegar. Never use bleach, which can damage the wax.

Hemlock (infrared sauna, interior only):

  • Typically left untreated to maintain a natural look and avoid affecting heating performance.

  • Gentle cleaning only — no harsh chemicals, varnishes, or finishes.

Exterior Cedar Sauna Protection

  • Cedar exteriors benefit from treatment with UV-Protection Oil, which repels water, resists UV damage, and enhances the wood’s natural colour with a “wet” appearance.

  • Reapply every 2 years for ongoing protection.

  • Untreated cedar may grey or fade under sun and rain.

Note: Infrared hemlock saunas are interior-only, so exterior weather protection is not required.

Seasonal Checks

  • Inspect for loose boards, warping, or hardware issues.

  • Keep ventilation paths clear and ensure doors close properly.

  • Monitor for mold, mildew, or damp spots.

Printable Maintenance Checklist

Interior (Cedar Steam & Hemlock Infrared)

Frequency Task
Daily Wipe surfaces, ventilate, empty water/towel racks
Weekly Brush benches & walls, wash duckboards, check for mildew
Monthly Baking soda clean, light sanding, inspect heaters/panels
As-needed Reapply Supi Sauna Wax (steam sauna only)

Exterior (Cedar Steam Sauna Only)

Frequency Task
Yearly / As needed Clean exterior, reapply UV-Protection Oil
Every 2 years Full recoat for protection and wood appearance
Quarterly Inspect for damage, check seals and hardware

Tips & Best Practices

  • Always sit on a towel to protect benches.

  • Never use varnish or polyurethane — they trap moisture and can crack or peel.

  • Avoid bleach or strong chemicals, especially on waxed surfaces.

  • Allow the sauna to fully dry between sessions.

Conclusion

Whether you have a cedar steam sauna or an infrared hemlock sauna, regular care ensures your sauna remains safe, comfortable, and visually stunning. By following a cleaning schedule, applying breathable wax for cedar interiors, and protecting exterior cedar with UV-resistant oil, your sauna will stay in excellent condition for years — even in the UK’s damp climate.

Share

Latest posts