Keeping your infrared sauna clean isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s essential for your health, the longevity of your investment, and maintaining optimal performance. This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to clean and sanitize your infrared sauna properly.
Why Cleaning Your Infrared Sauna Matters
Your infrared sauna accumulates sweat, body oils, and bacteria with every use. Without regular cleaning and sanitizing, these contaminants create unpleasant odors, promote bacterial growth, and can damage the wood over time. A clean infrared sauna provides a safer, more enjoyable experience and lasts significantly longer.
Essential Supplies for Cleaning Your Infrared Sauna
Before you start cleaning and sanitizing your infrared sauna, gather these materials:
- Soft microfiber cloths or towels
- Mild, chemical-free cleaner or white vinegar solution
- Spray bottle
- Soft-bristled brush
- Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
- Clean water
- Optional: sauna-specific wood cleaner
Never use harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners on your infrared sauna. These damage the wood and heating elements.
Daily Cleaning Routine for Your Infrared Sauna
After each session, follow these quick steps to keep your infrared sauna fresh:
Immediate post-use care: Wipe down all surfaces you touched with a damp microfiber cloth. This removes sweat and body oils before they penetrate the wood. Leave the door open for 15-20 minutes to allow moisture to evaporate completely. This prevents mold and mildew growth in your infrared sauna.
Towel maintenance: Always sit on a clean towel during sessions. This barrier protects the wood from direct contact with sweat, reducing how often you need deep cleaning.
Weekly Deep Cleaning Your Infrared Sauna
Once per week, perform a thorough cleaning of your infrared sauna:
Step 1: Vacuum loose debris. Remove any dust, hair, or debris from benches, floors, and corners using a vacuum with a brush attachment.
Step 2: Prepare your cleaning solution. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This natural solution effectively cleans without damaging your infrared sauna’s wood or components.
Step 3: Clean all wooden surfaces. Lightly spray the solution onto your cloth (not directly on the wood). Wipe down benches, backrests, walls, and the door. Work with the wood grain to avoid scratching. For stubborn stains on your infrared sauna benches, use a soft-bristled brush with gentle circular motions.
Step 4: Clean the floor. The floor of your infrared sauna requires special attention since it collects the most debris. Wipe thoroughly with your cleaning solution, paying attention to corners.
Step 5: Wipe down glass and fixtures. Use a vinegar solution on any glass panels or doors. Clean control panels with a barely damp cloth—never spray liquid directly on electronics.
Step 6: Dry completely. Use a clean, dry towel to remove excess moisture. Run your infrared sauna at low temperature for 10-15 minutes to ensure complete drying.
Monthly Sanitizing Your Infrared Sauna
Once a month, sanitize your infrared sauna to eliminate bacteria and odors:
Hydrogen peroxide treatment: Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with one part water. Apply this solution to all wooden surfaces using a spray bottle and cloth. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural sanitizer that kills bacteria without harmful residues. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Allow your infrared sauna to air dry completely with the door open.
Deep wood treatment: For heavily used infrared saunas, consider using a specialized sauna wood cleaner quarterly. These products are formulated specifically for the high-heat environment and wood types used in infrared saunas.
Cleaning Specific Components of Your Infrared Sauna
Infrared heaters: Dust accumulates on infrared heating panels and reduces efficiency. Once monthly, gently wipe heaters with a dry microfiber cloth when the sauna is completely cool. Never use water or cleaning solutions on heating elements.
Carbon or ceramic heaters: These infrared sauna heaters require minimal maintenance. Simply dust them monthly and ensure no objects block the panels.
Foot heaters: If your infrared sauna has foot heaters, vacuum and wipe them weekly since they contact bare feet directly.
Control panels: Clean control panels with a barely damp cloth. Avoid getting moisture in buttons or digital displays.
Preventing Problems in Your Infrared Sauna
Prevention makes cleaning and sanitizing your infrared sauna much easier:
- Always use towels on benches and floor during sessions
- Shower before using your infrared sauna to remove lotions, oils, and cosmetics
- Keep water bottles outside to avoid spills
- Never bring food into your infrared sauna
- Ensure proper ventilation by leaving the door cracked for airflow after use
- Address spills or stains immediately
Dealing with Stains in Your Infrared Sauna
Despite regular cleaning, stains happen. Here’s how to remove common stains from your infrared sauna:
Sweat stains: Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply to the stain, let sit for 15 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush. Wipe clean and dry thoroughly.
Water spots: Light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) removes water spots. Sand gently with the grain, then wipe away dust.
Mold or mildew: If you discover mold in your infrared sauna, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Apply directly to affected areas and let sit for 20 minutes before wiping clean. This indicates inadequate drying between uses—improve your ventilation routine.
Maintaining Your Infrared Sauna’s Wood
The wood in your infrared sauna requires specific care to maintain its appearance and integrity:
Avoid over-wetting: Wood damage occurs when too much moisture is used during cleaning. Always use minimal liquid and dry thoroughly.
Sand when necessary: Light sanding every 6-12 months removes surface stains and refreshes the wood. Use 220-grit sandpaper, sand with the grain, and vacuum thoroughly afterward.
No sealants or oils: Never apply varnish, polyurethane, or oils to your infrared sauna wood. These chemicals release toxic fumes when heated and interfere with the wood’s natural ability to breathe.
Troubleshooting Odors in Your Infrared Sauna
Persistent odors indicate inadequate cleaning or ventilation. To eliminate smells from your infrared sauna:
- Deep clean using the methods above
- Leave hydrogen peroxide solution on surfaces longer (20-30 minutes)
- Run your infrared sauna at high temperature for 30 minutes with the door cracked slightly
- Place an open box of baking soda inside when not in use
- Check for hidden moisture or mold in corners and under benches
Cleaning Your Infrared Sauna: Common Mistakes to Avoid
These errors damage your infrared sauna or reduce its lifespan:
- Using harsh chemicals or bleach
- Spraying water directly on heating elements or electronics
- Over-wetting the wood
- Using abrasive scrubbers that scratch surfaces
- Closing the door immediately after use, trapping moisture
- Neglecting regular cleaning, allowing buildup to become permanent
How Often to Clean and Sanitize Your Infrared Sauna
Follow this schedule for optimal maintenance:
- After every use: Wipe surfaces, air out for 15-20 minutes
- Weekly: Deep clean all surfaces, vacuum floor
- Monthly: Sanitize with hydrogen peroxide solution, dust heaters
- Quarterly: Deep wood treatment if needed, inspect all components
- Annually: Light sanding to refresh wood, check all fixtures and connections
Conclusion
Cleaning and sanitizing your infrared sauna doesn’t require expensive products or excessive time. With this guide, you can maintain a hygienic, pleasant-smelling infrared sauna that will provide years of health benefits. Regular maintenance protects your investment and ensures every session is as enjoyable and beneficial as the first.
Establish a consistent routine, use gentle cleaning methods, and never skip the drying phase. Your properly maintained infrared sauna will reward you with optimal performance, longevity, and a consistently pleasant experience.
Start implementing these cleaning and sanitizing practices today to keep your infrared sauna in perfect condition.