The One Maintenance Guide for Nordic Barrel Saunas
We want your barrel sauna to be an ideal place for relaxing and entertaining for years to come, so it is important to know the proper ways to help preserve this investment. We’ve created this three-part guide specifically for Nordic saunas, but it can also be applied to other wood saunas in general.
Before we start off with tips, there are a few things to avoid.
Don’t dry textiles in your sauna, as this can be a fire hazard – excessive moisture can also damage the surface of the wood.
Avoid heating the sauna beyond the maximum temperature specified by the heater manufacturer – excessive heat may create a fire risk or cause the wood to warp.
Never use a pressure washer or running water when cleaning your sauna, as excessive moisture can permanently damage the structure and surface of the wood.
Part 1 - During Use
Only throw water on the heater, not on the walls or benches.
Don’t wear wet swimsuits in the sauna, as water from these will damage the bench.
To keep the bench fresh, we recommend using seat covers – these can also make it more comfortable to sit on the bench when it is hot.
Keep an eye on the heating stones, as they may crack over time – whenever necessary, they can be replaced or more stones can be added.
Part 2 - After Each Use
Wipe the benches with a clean, damp washcloth – don’t use running water to clean them to help prevent excess water from pooling on the wooden surfaces.
Use appropriate cleaning products for the benches and other wooden components, reading the instructions first.
After cleaning your sauna, allow the surfaces to dry and ensure that the room is well ventilated – we recommend leaving the heater on for at least half an hour with the air vent open and the door and windows closed.
If possible, lift up the benches to allow them to dry better.
Part 3 - At Least Once Per Year
Treat the wooden surfaces with a sauna-appropriate product – this should be done more frequently if the sauna receives intensive use.
Clean all surfaces of the seating materials, walls and ceilings using a soft brush or cloth and a specialist cleaning product, following the instructions on the packaging.
For deeper stains and soiling, gently clean the bench using a fine sandpaper before treating the sanded surface with a sauna-appropriate wood preservative.
Avoid using cleaning agents that are unsuitable for saunas – for example, disinfectants bleach the wood and can spoil its surface.
Inspect the fastenings on the benches and supports, tightening any screws if necessary; they may loosen over time due to changes in the wood caused by heat and humidity.
Additional Tips
Since the lumber used in the construction of our saunas is untreated, therefore it is very common to experience them changing shape, size or color over time. If you are in a region with heavy rainfall, it is recommended that you turn on the heater at least once a week afterwards to suck out the humidity and to prevent mold growth. To help prevent further growth, you can wipe down any wet spots after each use. If necessary, you can also use a mold remover product (without bleach) and try to scrub it off the affected area.
How Wood Changes When Used in the Sauna
Wood is a natural material, and its surface may crack or bend when used in the sauna.
This is normal due to the extreme and rapid changes in temperature and humidity that occur.
The risk of wood deformation depends on the material and intensity of use – the effects are also more visible in wider boards.
Wooden materials in the part of the sauna most exposed to the hot steam may darken over time.
When new, thermally modified wood may give off a noticeable scent as the sauna is heated, but this will diminish over time.