How to EFFECTIVELY clean & disinfect your infrared sauna

Alright let’s not bury the lede here: cleaning your infrared sauna is an essential part of sauna ownership. But why is it actually important to clean it regularly?

Great question.

There are quite a few of reasons why you should get in there and wipe it down regularly. Dirt, dust, bacteria and other pathogens can build up in high temperatures with sweaty people involved. Sweat + high temps = trouble.

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Do you really need to clean an infrared sauna?

Yes, you should clean your infrared sauna after every use. Sweeping or vacuuming the floor, wiping down the benches and walls, and drying the sauna will prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria, and prolong the life of the sauna.

Dust, dirt and bacteria can build up with repeated sauna use, so it’s important for you to clean your sauna as often as possible.

Would you continue to use the bathroom in your home without cleaning it for an extended period of time? Probably not. So why would you treat your sauna any differently?

What type of cleaners should I use?

You should use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to wipe down the interior of the sauna. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can damage the wood or other materials used in the sauna construction.

We recommend a natural, neutral pH cleaner like the Puracy Natural Surface cleaner. We don’t recommend using acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon water because those types of cleaners can degrade the wood in your sauna over time.

How do you disinfect a sauna?

You can disinfect a sauna by applying a natural cleaning product. Our personal fave is the Puracy Natural Surface cleaner, on a damp microfiber cloth. It’s a simple yet effective way to ensure your sauna is free of bacteria and other potentially harmful pathogens.

We recommend wiping down your infrared sauna after each use to ensure your unit stays in tip top shape.

Woman in towel sitting in a wood panel infrared sauna. Woman is smiling with hands behind head.

Should I clean the infrared heater panels?


Yes, you should clean the heater panels with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions on the heaters, as this can damage the electrical components.

There is also a risk of electrocution should water get into the electrical components, so always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when cleaning your sauna.

Should I clean the door seal and gaskets?

Yes, you should also clean the door seals and gaskets regularly to prevent mold and mildew buildup. After all, mold and mildew can contaminate the sauna and negatively impact your health.

We also recommend keeping the windows and doors clean and free of dust and dirt build up as it can accumulate in the electrical components over time.

How do I get rid of sweat stains in my sauna?

You can get rid of sweat sweat stains on the wood in your sauna by wiping it down thoroughly with a non-abrasive cleaner and a damp cloth.

If you clean your sauna regularly, you can generally avoid having sweat stains in the first place but for those pesky stains, you may need to apply a cleaner multiple times.

Can I use chemicals like bleach or ammonia to clean my infrared sauna?

No, it isn’t recommended to use harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia for cleaning your infrared sauna. Harsh chemicals can damage the wood panelling of the sauna and other materials within your sauna.

As we mentioned above, we recommend using a natural, pH neutral cleaner like the Puracy Natural Surface cleaner.

Should I use steel wool or scouring pads to clean my sauna?

No, it isn’t recommended to use abrasive materials such as steel wool or scouring pads to clean the sauna. These can scratch or damage the wood or other materials.

For the longevity of your sauna, we recommend using a damp cloth and a mild cleaner to clean the surfaces of your sauna.

Can I use soapy water to clean the wood and infrared panels?

No, it isn’t recommended to use soapy water for cleaning the wood or infrared panels. Water can leak into the electrical components of the sauna, increasing the risk of fire or electrocution. The soap can also have adverse effects on the wood.

Again, we recommend using a pH neutral natural cleaner with a damp microfiber cloth instead. Here’s a link to our go-to microfiber cloth.

Conclusion

Cleaning an infrared sauna is an essential part of sauna ownership. By keeping your sauna clean and to maintaining its optimal performance and ensuring a hygienic sauna experience.

To summarize, we recommend using a natural, pH neutral cleaner and a damp microfiber cloth for best results. By following the general rules we’ve laid out in this article, your sauna should be in tip top shape for a long time to come.

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