Saunas are warm, moist spaces where families sweat, relax, and sometimes even share a beer with friends. But along with the memories created in that heat comes responsibility. Sweat, skin oils, and even dirt from our feet can easily spread across benches and walls, as the wood absorbs and then releases moisture back into the air.
If not cleaned regularly, the same microbes can pass from one person to another the next time the sauna is used.
This is a form of cross-contamination – as it isn’t just a kitchen issue. The fix is simple: regular wiping, good ventilation, and sauna-safe mats.
But before diving into the how-to, it helps to understand why Finns take sauna care so seriously. To do that, we need to look at the history and the unique place the sauna holds in Finnish culture.
The Story of Sauna in Finland
In Finland, the sauna is more than wood, steam, and stones – it is the soul of the home. Families gather there after long days, grandparents teach grandchildren the ritual of throwing löyly, and at the summer cottage the sauna is as essential as the lake itself.
For centuries, the sauna has been called “the poor man’s pharmacy.” It was the cleanest and warmest space in the home – a place for healing, resting, and even life’s milestones. Babies were born in the sauna, fevers were soothed in its heat, and loved ones were washed here before their final journey. To step into a sauna is to step into a space where generations have sought both cleanliness and clarity.
image: Old smoked sauna, Finland
Archaeological finds show that saunas have existed in Finland for over two thousand years. The earliest versions were pits dug into the ground and heated with stones. Over time, they became log huts with stoves, and eventually modern homes built saunas as a standard feature.
By the 20th century, the sauna was no longer just a rural custom – it was a national identity. Even today, in a country of 5.5 million people, there are more than 3.3 million saunas. It is often said: “A house without a sauna is not a home.”
As National Geographic notes, the Finnish sauna is woven into everyday life, with roots reaching back to the Stone Age. These heated rooms once hosted births, healing, and preparations for burial- and today nearly 90% of Finns take a sauna weekly for relaxation and wellbeing.
Different Types of Sauna – and Why It Matters
Not all saunas are alike. Each has its own character – and its own cleaning needs.
If you clean every sauna as if it were the same, you risk damaging it. Smoke saunas can’t be scrubbed with strong chemicals. Wood-burning saunas require more ash care. Electric saunas thrive on regular gentle wipes.
Understanding your sauna type helps you respect both the wood and the tradition while keeping it safe and hygienic:
- Wood-burning sauna (puusauna)
Heated by firewood, this sauna has a warm, natural scent. But it also produces more soot and ash than an electric sauna. Cleaning often means paying extra attention to the stove area and removing ash safely. - Smoke sauna (savusauna)
The most ancient type, with no chimney. Smoke fills the room and blackens the walls. The atmosphere is beloved, but soot makes cleaning delicate – scrubbing must be gentle, and the focus is on preserving tradition as much as hygiene. - Electric sauna
Found in most modern homes and apartments. Easy to heat, easy to use – and usually the easiest to clean. The main focus is wiping benches, rinsing walls, and checking heater stones once in a while. - Infrared sauna
A modern version that warms the body with light instead of heated stones. Cleaning here is mostly surface care – wiping walls, benches, and glass panels – but wood care still matters.
Let the Wood Breathe
Unlike a tiled bathroom, sauna benches and walls are made of porous wood. This means the wood breathes. When you splash warm water, the pores open; when you rinse with cold, they close. Understanding this simple rhythm helps you keep the sauna in good condition for years.
It needs to be treated gently. When handled too harshly, it suffers:
- Rough scrubbing damages the delicate grain.
- Strong chemicals sink into the pores, only to release unpleasant fumes when the sauna heats up again.
- Over time, the natural tone fades, leaving the wood dry, cracked, or darkened.
That’s why Finns speak about caring for the sauna, not just cleaning it. Gentle brushes, mild soaps, and consistent upkeep keep the wood healthy for decades. It’s less about scrubbing harder, and more about cleaning smarter.
From Habits to Deep Cleaning: Sauna Care Guide
Every Sauna Session Deserves a Quick Care
Here’s how to care for your sauna after each use:
- Ventilation is everything
After a session, prop the door open to let out steam and moisture. Good airflow prevents mold and keeps wood from staying damp. - Quick wipe-down
Use a soft cloth dipped in warm water (with a drop of pine soap if you wish) to wipe benches, walls, and handles. Don’t rub too aggressively – this can wear out the surface and open wood pores unnecessarily. - Floor care
Always sweep or vacuum the floor after use. Small debris, hair, or dust can trap moisture and become unhygienic if left behind. - Use sauna-safe mats and accessories
Place mats or towels on benches during use to catch sweat and moisture. Always use mats designed for sauna conditions – ordinary plastics or fabrics can damage the wood or give off odors in the heat. - Catch small damages early
If you notice a splinter or crack in the bench, repair or sand it down as soon as possible. Uncared-for splinters not only make the sauna uncomfortable but also expose wood to deeper moisture damage. - Close the cycle
Rinse surfaces lightly with cold water at the end. This “closes” the wood pores, locking out dirt and making the surface more resistant to future staining.
Think of these small habits as giving your sauna a breath of fresh air. Just a few minutes after each use prevents mold, minimizes stains, and keeps benches smooth and inviting.
Monthly Deep Clean
Even with good everyday habits, your sauna deserves a proper deep clean about once a month if it’s used regularly. Think of it as giving the wood a chance to reset – removing sweat, oils, and dust that daily wiping can’t reach.
- Prepare the wood
Splash warm water on benches and walls. Just like skin, wood pores open with warmth, allowing dirt to loosen more easily. - Gentle scrubbing and disinfecting
Use a laudepesuri bench brush with soft bristles and warm water with a little pine soap or sauna cleaner. Scrub along the wood grain with steady, gentle strokes – this both cleans and disinfects the surface. For extra sanitation (if you prefer), you can occasionally wipe benches with a sauna-specific cleaner. - Mold care
Moisture can invite mold, especially in corners and under benches. Start with a 50/50 vinegar-water solution for small spots – it’s safe and effective. For stubborn mold, a diluted bleach mix (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) can be applied carefully. Always rinse thoroughly and dry the wood well afterward. - Stone and heater check
Sauna stones collect minerals from water over time. If they look white or flaky, soak them in warm water with vinegar and scrub gently. Stones that crumble or crack should be replaced – fresh stones make a big difference in heat quality. - Floors
Begin by vacuuming or sweeping thoroughly. Then wash with warm water and a small amount of pine soap. Rinse well, and always finish with a floor squeegee to prevent standing water.
Finally, leave the sauna door wide open until everything is completely dry. A well-ventilated sauna is a healthy sauna.
Tips to Extend Sauna Life
A sauna is built to last for decades, sometimes even generations. But its longevity depends on how you treat it day by day. With a little extra care, your sauna will stay fresh, bright, and welcoming for years to come.
- Sit on towels
Always use a towel or sauna-safe mat when sitting or lying on the benches. This simple habit catches sweat and oils, protecting the wood from stains and odors. - Never let water sit
Standing water is wood’s greatest enemy. After cleaning or bathing, always wipe away puddles and squeegee the floor. - Avoid the wrong products
Regular household cleaners, oils, or waxes can clog the wood pores or release unpleasant smells when heated. Stick to products designed specifically for saunas – or keep it simple with pine soap, vinegar, and warm water. - Refresh the benches yearly
Over time, benches may darken or show spots. A light sanding once a year restores their brightness and removes surface stains, leaving the sauna looking new again. - Respect seasonal traditions
In Finland, it’s common to deep-clean the sauna before midsummer and before Christmas. These moments aren’t just about cleaning – they honor the sauna as part of family life and celebration.
Try This: Add a drop of eucalyptus oil to your rinse bucket. It leaves the sauna smelling fresh and supports relaxation.
Manoela’s Recipe for a Fresh Sauna
After learning the habits and traditions, it’s time to put everything together in a clear routine. Think of it like a recipe: the right tools, the right steps, and a touch of patience. Follow this guide, and your sauna will stay fresh, healthy, and welcoming for years to come.
Ingredients:
- vacuum
- bucket
- pine soap
- laudepesuri brush
- microfiber cloths
- vinegar
- towel
- squeegee
Method:
- Clear the stage – Remove buckets, ladles, and mats. If there are sweat stains, wipe them first.
- Sweep the crumbs away – Vacuum or sweep the floor and corners. Check the floor drain and rinse if needed.
- Preheat the wood – Splash warm water on benches and walls to open pores.
- Mix your solution – Add pine soap to warm water.
- Brush with care – Scrub benches and vertical wood surfaces with the laudepesuri, always along the grain.
- Rinse in layers – Rinse surfaces with warm water first, then finish with cold to close the pores.
- Dry from top to bottom – Use a towel to wipe benches, backrests, and handles, then move down to the floor.
- Stone care – Soak sauna stones in vinegar water if mineral buildup appears; replace any that crumble.
- Finish the floor – Spread soap solution, scrub gently, rinse, and use a floor squeegee to leave no standing water.
A Note on Professional Care
Even if you keep up with daily and monthly habits, deep cleaning a sauna can feel overwhelming. It’s time-consuming, and if you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s easy to worry about damaging the wood or missing hidden mold. That’s why more and more families in Finland choose to call in professionals a couple of times a year for a proper sauna deep clean.
At Manoela, we treat saunas with the same respect as you do. Our deep cleaning service ensures your benches, stones, and floors are cared for safely and thoroughly — so your sauna stays healthy and inviting for many years to come.
Book a professional deep clean with Manoela and let us help your sauna shine like new.
Fun Facts About Finnish Saunas
- The Finnish word sauna is the only Finnish word used worldwide.
- There are more saunas than cars in Finland.
- Some Finns bring portable saunas on camping trips.
- Old belief: Never whistle in a sauna – it might disturb the saunatonttu, the protective sauna elf.