Cleaning the sauna: Hygiene for perfect relaxation
The private sauna invites you to relax and linger: Take a deep breath and relax in the warmth of the wooden sweat room. To ensure a healthy and relaxing experience, the cleanliness and hygiene of the sauna are all the more important. Regular sauna cleaning removes bacteria from the wood and also increases the longevity of the wooden surface. However, sauna wood is sensitive and not every cleaning agent is suitable for disinfection. We will tell you what is important if you want to clean your sauna properly.
Hygiene in the sauna: why it's so important
The sauna is characterised by heat and humidity: The changing temperatures, the moisture in the air due to the infusion, the exhalation of the sauna users and sweat are an integral part of a sauna. However, if the sauna wood is not cleaned regularly, this can lead to various problems. These make the sauna unhygienic and potentially dangerous. This is because heat and moisture are the ideal breeding ground for microorganisms such as bacteria and mould.
In addition to unsightly stains on the wood, neglected sauna hygiene can also pose health risks such as skin irritation or the inhalation of mould spores. Other undesirable consequences are
- Deterioration of the wood: Excessive moisture and dirt can damage the sauna wood. It can discolour, swell, warp or even crack. This can not only affect the aesthetics of the sauna, but also jeopardise safety.
- Unpleasant odours: Odours from sweat and bacteria can build up in a sauna that has not been cleaned. This can make the sauna experience unpleasant and impair relaxation.
How often should the sauna be cleaned?
The frequency with which the sauna should be cleaned depends on the intensity of use. You should clean your sauna properly at least once a week if you use it regularly. The more often you use the cabin, the more often you should clean and disinfect the sauna to ensure the safety of your sauna session.
Are you unsure about how often you should clean your sauna or would you like advice on sauna construction in Switzerland? Contact us for personalised advice.
Clean sauna: What you can do before your sauna session
Hygiene doesn't just start with cleaning the sauna cabin. You can ensure hygienic use before and during your sauna session: Always start your sauna session with a brief inspection of the cabin. Do you notice any stains, dirt or cracks in the wood before the sauna heats up? Are there any cracks on the sauna stones, have splinters flaked off the stones or is the appearance of the sauna stones impaired? Any dirt such as hair or fluff in the cabin can be easily vacuumed away. The same applies to stone splinters that have fallen onto the sauna floor or the heating elements of the heater. If the pores of the sauna stones have become clogged with fragrances and infusion agents or very calcareous water, changing their appearance and function, it is worth replacing the stones. If you discover signs of mould, unknown discolouration or splintered wood in the sauna cabin, it is advisable to have the sauna serviced by an expert such as Küng Wellness and our carefree sauna package.
Whilst the sauna is heating up, use the time for a shower. Cleanse your skin and hair of dirt, sweat, deodorant, perfume and other cosmetic residues. This way you can be sure that, in case of doubt, only sweat runs down your back in the sauna and possibly drips onto the wood. If you have several sauna sessions: Always shower between them so that you are as clean as possible in the cabin afterwards.
Also make sure that you enter the cabin of your home sauna or your outdoor or garden sauna as clean as possible. Wear clean bathing shoes up to the sauna door and take them off before entering the cabin. Alternatively, you can also use a clean pair of heat-resistant bathing shoes in the sauna to avoid transferring any bacteria on your feet to the floor covering. Also use clean towels when taking a sauna and always place them under the parts of your body that touch the wood, even in your private sauna.
For more hygiene in the sauna at home, avoid eating and drinking in the cabin. Instead, enjoy your time out and drink more water or tea afterwards to keep yourself sufficiently hydrated.
Disinfecting the sauna: how to clean and disinfect the cabin properly
Are you finished with your relaxation programme and leaving the wellness oasis? After your sauna session, the sauna will still be warm and damp for some time. Start cleaning the sauna properly by switching off the heater and allowing the cabin to cool down. Also ventilate the sauna. Open the door and allow the moist, warm air to escape from the sauna cabin so that the wood can dry.
As soon as the cabin has cooled down completely, you can start cleaning and sanitising the sauna. Start at the top and work your way down when cleaning. In other words, start at the top on the walls and backrests before cleaning the seats, wooden headrests and cushions. The floor should then be cleaned at the end. The following applies when cleaning the sauna:
- Always clean the sauna with a cloth. This should be dry or at most damp.
- Never use a high-pressure cleaner or a water hose for cleaning.
- To clean and disinfect the wood properly, you should only use a suitable wood cleaning agent.
- Do not use a simple disinfectant; when disinfecting the sauna, make sure you use a product that is recommended by the manufacturer.
- Do not impregnate the wood and only use recommended care and protection products on the wood.
Always leave the door of your indoor sauna slightly open after cleaning so that the air can circulate and any residual moisture can dry out of the cabin. Don't forget any anterooms: Is your sauna located in a wellness area with showers or a swimming pool? Then make sure that the humidity can escape completely from the rooms.
Clean the sauna stones
Do not forget to clean the sauna stones. The frequency of cleaning depends on the frequency of sauna sessions and the additives used. At the latest when dark discolouration appears on the stones, they should be cleaned. Remove the sauna stones from the sauna heater. This may vary depending on the type of heater and the arrangement of the stones. Observe the safety precautions and wear gloves if necessary. Clean the stones with a little warm water and a brush with soft bristles. Never use cleaning agents to clean the sauna stones. They are porous and absorb chemicals, which they then evaporate when heated. Allow the stones to dry thoroughly before placing them back in the heater. Regular cleaning ensures that the sauna stones last as long as possible. You should replace the stones completely after two years at the latest - if there are cracks or other damage, you should replace the stones sooner.
Doors, screws and hinges
Heat and humidity can cause screws and hinges to warp or loosen over the course of frequent and long-term sauna use. Therefore, check the screws in the sauna regularly and tighten them if necessary. Door hinges can be well oiled. Door handles should also not be forgotten when cleaning the sauna: Wipe them thoroughly to remove sweat and dirt.
Conclusion
For a healthy and relaxing sauna experience, it is important to clean the sauna properly. Allow the cabin to cool down well after each sauna session and, depending on how often you use it, regularly remove stains, dirt and sweat from the sauna wood. This not only keeps your sauna usable for a long time, but also keeps it clean and disinfected - for lasting hygiene in the sauna and relaxing moments in your oasis of well-being.
