Owning a garden sauna is a wonderful thing. You get the warmth, the relaxation and the smug feeling that you have brought a slice of Nordic living to your very own back yard. But like anything that lives outdoors in Scotland, your sauna needs a little care to keep it in top condition. The good news is that sauna maintenance is not a chore. With a few simple steps, your sauna will stay looking beautiful and performing perfectly through sunshine, rain and snow.
Looking After the Wood
Most outdoor saunas are made from strong durable timbers like spruce or thermowood. Our barrel saunas, Monarch saunas, cube saunas and even our mobile barrel saunas all rely on this natural material for their structure. To keep the wood at its best, we recommend treating the exterior once a year with a suitable oil or protective finish. This helps repel rain, prevents greying and keeps the sauna looking fresh. Inside the sauna you can leave the wood untreated so it can breathe and handle the heat properly.
If you notice any marks or sweat stains on the benches, a light sanding will bring them back to new. Always use a fine grit paper and sand gently with the grain of the wood. After sanding, wipe with a damp cloth to clear away any dust.
Keeping It Clean
Like any space where people sweat, cleanliness matters. Give your sauna a quick wipe down after each use to stop moisture building up. A simple routine of rinsing benches and floors with warm water is usually enough. For a deeper clean, use a mild sauna safe detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals as they can damage the wood and spoil the natural aroma.
Do not forget about the floor either. A removable duckboard makes life easier as it can be lifted out, washed and dried before replacing. If your sauna has glass features like the Monarch range, a quick polish with a glass cleaner will keep them sparkling and clear.
Managing Ventilation
Good airflow is essential in any sauna. After each use, open the door or vents to let the space dry out fully. This prevents mould and mildew from creeping in. If you are using your sauna regularly, keeping it well ventilated will also make each session more comfortable. Barrel saunas are especially good at circulating air naturally thanks to their curved shape, but all models benefit from being aired out.
Looking After the Heater
Your heater is the beating heart of the sauna and needs a little maintenance too. Whether you have a wood burning stove from Harvia or a sleek electric heater from Huum, regular checks will keep it working smoothly. If it is a wood burner, clear out the ash pan and make sure the chimney is not blocked. A quick sweep now and then keeps the draw strong and safe. For electric models, check the stones regularly and replace them if they are crumbling or cracked. Fresh stones help the heater produce even heat and satisfying steam when water is poured over them.
Professional Support
At Scottish Saunas we not only supply and install your sauna but we are also here to help with advice on care on sauna maintenance. Whether you have chosen a barrel sauna for your back garden, a cube sauna for a modern look, a Monarch sauna for that luxury feel or a mobile barrel sauna for flexibility, we can guide you on keeping it in top condition. If you are unsure about anything from heater stones to wood treatment, a quick chat with our team can set you straight.
Winter Care
Scottish winters can be fierce, but your sauna is built to handle them. Still, a few precautions go a long way. Clear snow from the roof of barrel and cube saunas so the weight does not build up. For Monarch saunas with large glass panels, check the seals and make sure water is not collecting anywhere it should not. Mobile saunas should be parked on solid ground so they do not sink into mud after heavy rain.
If you have an external water supply for your sauna, drain it before hard frosts to avoid frozen pipes. Otherwise, all you need to do is fire it up as usual and enjoy the cosy warmth while the weather does its worst outside.
Summer Care
In the summer months your sauna will see more daylight and possibly more use from friends and guests. This is the perfect time to give it a spruce up and knuckle down to some sauna maintenance. A wash down of the exterior wood and a new coat of protective oil will set it up nicely for the year. Sweep out dust and give the heater stones a check.
If you are running an Airbnb, lodge or holiday cottage, summer is also a good moment to restock accessories like buckets, ladles and essential oils so guests get the best experience.
Routine Inspections
Once or twice a year, take a moment to inspect your sauna properly. Look for any cracks in the wood, leaks in the roof or signs of pests. It is rare to find serious issues, but catching small problems early means they are easy to fix. Check the wiring if you have an electric heater or make sure the flue is in good order if you have a wood burner. These small inspections give peace of mind and keep your sauna safe for everyone who uses it.
Enjoying Your Sauna All Year Round
With the right care, your outdoor sauna will give you joy in every season. Crisp autumn evenings, snowy winter mornings, springtime weekends and long summer nights are all made better with a relaxing session. By keeping the wood treated, the heater maintained and the space clean, you will extend the life of your sauna and keep every visit as enjoyable as the first.
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