| Saunas need relatively little maintenance. Although | | | | down the door with a sander or planer. |
| people are sweating heavily, which can cause | | | | Caring for the Heater |
| discoloration over time, the high heat pretty well | | | | An electric sauna heater needs almost no |
| guarantees that any moisture buildup will have | | | | maintenance. Wiping the stainless steel surfaces. |
| evaporated by the time the room cools down. | | | | heaters is the only care needed. Use a soft cloth |
| Regular sauna maintenance is similar to maintaining | | | | and mild detergent to wash the heater. Avoid |
| any other room in your house. Sweeping or | | | | using steel wool which can scratch the finish and |
| vacuuming every few days will keep it free of | | | | cause rusting. If the heater stops working, call an |
| dust and hair, and gentle washing with soap and | | | | electrician. It is unsafe to do electrical repairs |
| water will keep the seats and walls clean. Avoid | | | | yourself. |
| the use of harsh chemical cleaners to prevent the | | | | A wood burning heater requires a bit more |
| release of harmful residues when the unit is | | | | maintenance than an electric one. The ashes must |
| heated. Use of such products can result in | | | | be removed on a regular basis, and the exhaust |
| unpleasant smells or even breathing difficulties. | | | | pipe must be kept free of obstructions. Be careful |
| Caring for the Wood | | | | of creosote build up in the exhaust pipe. It can be |
| Providing towels for people to sit on will help limit | | | | a dangerous fire hazard, so regular inspection is |
| the amount of perspiration that builds up on the | | | | necessary to ensure safety. You can hire a |
| benches. The wood will still need to be cleaned | | | | professional chimney cleaner to remove excess |
| every couple of months. Use a mild detergent to | | | | creosote if it becomes a problem. |
| wash the wood and rinse it with water | | | | Stone Replacement |
| afterwards. Never use ammonia based cleaners | | | | Sauna stones should be inspected from time to |
| as they can cause the wood to turn gray. | | | | time to make sure they are free of cracks. |
| If the wood does become discolored, it can be | | | | Because of the stress of continual heating and |
| lightly sanded to remove the stains. Another way | | | | cooling, the stones should be replaced occasionally. |
| to remove stains is to wash the wood with a | | | | Used stones should also be replaced if they are |
| mixture of oxalic acid and trisodium phosphate. | | | | giving off a foul odor. Although just about any |
| These are poisonous chemicals and must be | | | | type of stone can be used for the sauna, stones |
| handled with care. They must be mixed with | | | | with a rough surface are preferable because they |
| water in a non-metallic container. Wear rubber | | | | release the steam faster. The most popular types |
| gloves and goggles and wash the entire area of | | | | are peridotite and olivine, available from sauna |
| each wall and bench. Rinse them thoroughly with | | | | supply stores. |
| clear water. | | | | Easy Maintenance |
| Wood doors may swell with increased humidity. If | | | | Saunas are easier to maintain than most |
| this happens try adjusting the hinges to stop the | | | | bathrooms. If you are thinking of having one |
| rubbing, but if this does not work, the door may | | | | installed but are worried about the maintenace |
| need to be sanded or planed. With a pencil, mark | | | | involved, stop worrying! It will be one of the most |
| the location where the door is sticking and | | | | care-free rooms in your home. |
| remove the whole door from the frame. Grind | | | | |