How to Clean Sauna Benches: Keep Your Sauna Fresher for Longer

Your sauna is one of the best places to relax and unwind — but heat, humidity, sweat and oils from the skin can take a toll on the wood and components. Regular, gentle care makes a big difference. Follow these tips to keep your sauna benches clean, fresh, and safe.

What You’ll Need

• Soft-bristle brush or sponge
• Microfibre or soft cloths
• Warm water
• Mild, sauna-safe cleaner (or natural solutions like diluted vinegar)
• Fine-grit sandpaper (for occasional touch-ups)
• Paraffin oil or sauna-wood oil (if recommended by manufacturer)

After Every Use

1. Quick wipe down
   After your sauna session, as soon as it’s safe, wipe benches, backrests, and walls with a damp cloth to remove sweat, moisture, and surface oils. This helps prevent buildup and staining.

2. Ventilate the space
   Leave the door (and any vents) open so moisture can escape and the sauna can dry out. Proper drying helps avoid mould, mildew, and unpleasant odours.

3. Use towels or seat covers
   Always sit on a towel or dedicated cover to catch sweat and oils, reducing contact with the wood. This simple habit reduces how often you’ll need deeper cleans.

Weekly to Monthly Care

4. Deeper cleaning
   Once a week (for saunas used often) or every few sessions, clean benches, walls, and floor more thoroughly using warm water and a mild cleaner safe for wood. Use a soft brush along the grain of the wood, rinse carefully, and then dry completely. 

5. Inspect heater & stones
   Check that the heater is clean, that stones are seated properly and are crack-free. Replace or re-stack stones if they’ve degraded. Proper stone airflow helps steam generation and heater efficiency.

6. Floor care
   Sweep or vacuum to remove debris, then mop gently (only damp, not saturated) to clean. Pay special attention to corners beneath benches where dirt can hide.

Yearly / Periodic Maintenance

7. Light sanding for stains
   Over time benches may develop dark or stubborn stains from sweat or oils. Lightly sand these areas with fine-grit sandpaper (always along the wood grain), then wipe away dust.

8. Wood treatment / oiling
   Depending on your wood type and sauna manufacturer’s recommendations, apply a suitable sauna wood oil (often paraffin oil) to benches or wood interior surfaces. This helps protect the wood, reduce absorption of moisture, maintain colour, and prolong lifespan. Usually once or twice a year.

9. Check structural elements
   Inspect screws, fasteners, supports, hinges, door seals etc. Tighten any loose fittings. Wood may expand or contract with heat and humidity, so checking for warping or splitting is wise.

What to Avoid

• Harsh chemicals (bleach, strong solvents, ammonia etc.) — these can damage the wood and may emit harmful fumes especially at high temperatures.

• High-pressure water, hoses or sprays directly on wood — moisture forced into cracks or beneath surfaces can cause warping, mould or decay.

• Paints, varnishes, heavy sealants inside the sauna interior — these prevent the wood from “breathing” and can degrade under heat.

Extra Tips to Extend Life & Comfort

• Pre-use prep: Shower before entering, and make sure you sit on towel or cover. Less skin oils and dirt make maintenance easier.

• Maintain good airflow and ventilation — proper ventilation reduces moisture buildup, odour, and wood damage.

• Keep an eye on odour or dark spots — early signs of mould or mildew mean you may need a more thorough clean or better drying routines. 

Summary

With regular, gentle care, your sauna and especially the benches can stay beautiful, hygienic, and safe for many years. It doesn’t take huge effort. Wiping down after use, good ventilation, and periodic cleaning plus treatment go a long way.

At Take Wellness, we believe owning a sauna should be relaxing, not a chore. Follow these steps, and your sauna will reward you with warmth, comfort and peace for the long haul. If you would like advice on cleaning products, wood oil types or scheduling a maintenance check, happy to help you out.