All of Northern Lights saunas are handcrafted using premium materials and components. And while cedar saunas don’t require an overly intensive care regime – much like anything, if it’s well cared for and maintained – you will enjoy the benefits of your sauna for many many years to come.
Preventative sauna maintenance from the beginning
Sauna maintenance throughout the life of your sauna will be much easier if the floor has been fully sealed, and wood preservative applied to selected parts.
Easy maintenance while using your sauna
Some of the best sauna maintenance are the little things you can do while actually using it! Much like anything in life, little habits can go a long way – let’s explore what you can do during each sauna session to ensure you’ll be extending the life of your sauna as long as possible.
Use a towel when seated
A double layer of terrycloth should be used on the top bench– not only for comfort, but to also keep the top bench clean from all perspiration. While you don’t need to wash the terry cloth after every use – it should be washed regularly to prevent a build up of bacteria on the fabric as well.
Pro sauna tip:
To make life even easier –keep a supply of towels available at the entrance to your sauna. Not only will this add to your home spa feel, but it will serve as a gentle reminder for household members and guests alike to grab a towel for use as they enter.
At the end of your sauna session
When your finished using the sauna (and feeling fantastic), simply propping the door open will allow for good air-flow to dry out all wood surfaces. If you wish, duckboards can also be lifted up to dry.
Regular maintenance through the year
Sauna Cleaner – remove build-up from use
Under normal conditions, a slight wash of the floor several times a year will maintain its cleanliness.
Also a few times per year (depending on the frequency of use) the cedar benches can be washed with a mild solution of liquid sauna cleaner and water to remove any buildup and perspiration stains from the wood.
What not to use:
Never use ammonia or harsh cleaners as they can turn the wood gray.
Sauna Sealant – prevent discolouration
Applying wood sealant to the cedar surfaces helps to maintain the beautiful colour of the cedar – with no stripping or sanding required! We recommend you use an interior sauna preservative that has a specially formulated sealant.
What not to use:
Do not use commercial wood sealers from local lumber yards or hardware stores. These are not designed to withstand the sauna temperatures or humidity!
Cedar can swell or shrink!
Some swelling or shrinkage can occur in the door depending on the seasons and the moisture levels in the home, this is completely normal. The friction door catch can be removed, and the pressure setting can be adjusted.
Replacing light bulbs
Due to the extreme conditions they’re in, a shorter bulb life is normal for sauna lights.
The light bulb can be replaced by any 40 or 60 watt bulb of any color, including white. Amber-orange colored bulbs are the most ideal for a soft, warm and comfortable light.
One suggestion is to use a “rough service” bulb, the type used in automotive trouble lights. These will last longer.
Maintaining Outdoor Barrel Saunas
Generally, it is recommended to stain the outside of any outdoor sauna to protect it from the elements such as sun and rain. A good quality semitransparent stain should be used. Depending on the quality of stain, you many only need to reapply every 2-5 years to keep your sauna looking like new!
Heater maintenance
Heaters usually require little or no regular maintenance.
To clean the stainless steel outer bands, use a soft cloth with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner.
The granite rocks may need to be replaced in 6 to 10 years. In many cases the rocks will last up to 15 years in good service.
What not to use:
Never use steel wool as it will leave iron particles and create rust stains.
Never disassemble the heater or open the electrical box – should you require service, this should only ever be done by a qualified professional.
Accessory maintenance
Sauna accessories will add to your overall experience, giving an even more spa-like feel to your session – but a few quick and easy steps can help to ensure that their lifespan is as long as your sauna itself!
Good care should be taken of the wooden bucket. When not in use, store the bucket upside down to promote drying.
Avoid leaving metal buckets on the top bench as they can get hot to the touch nearer the ceiling.
Health Precautions
Like bathing in a hot tub, or anything to excess – continued exposure or over-use can be harmful to a person’s health. Anyone with poor health should always consult their physicians before using the sauna.
Have another question?
Northern Lights has been crafting award-winning quality cedar barrel saunas for over 25 years. If you have a question or need any other info about a cedar sauna, contact our sauna experts for any help you need!
