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Much like anything that is used – be it a car or a living room — a sauna needs cleaning from time to time. Not only for the look of the sauna, but for health reasons also. An unclean sauna can be very dangerous to the health of those who are using it. Because of the high heat conditions of the sauna, it can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Making sure that you keep your sauna clean will help to lower the amount of these harmful germs.

Benches and walls can collect the same amount of debris as floors, as you spend most of your time seated and leaning against a wall or lying down in saunas. When these areas are being cleaned, a mild detergent and water solution should be used. Harsh chemicals can damage the wood and should not be used. When cleaning a sauna, pay special attention to the areas most frequently touched: controls and switches, door handles, and benches. Make sure you wipe away all soap residue, but do not use too much water, which can damage the sauna’s wood.

It is a good habit to use a disinfecting spray periodically. This spray should be used on a more frequent basis than when you are cleaning the sauna. For example, you might only clean the sauna once a month or so. However, you should spray disinfectant at least once a week, if you use the sauna that often.

You can mop the floor with a mild soap or detergent depending on the material that is used on the floor. Mop the floor in a way that is similar to what you would do for other floors.

Avoid the urge to use a hose to spray the sauna as this will often cause more damage than good.