How to Clean and Maintain Your Infrared Sauna

A Complete Guide for Clearlight Sauna Owners

Owning a Clearlight infrared sauna is one of the most rewarding wellness investments you can make. Fortunately, infrared saunas are also very easy to maintain.

With just a few simple habits and occasional cleaning, your sauna can remain hygienic, beautiful, and operating efficiently for many years.

Clearlight saunas are crafted from premium Okoume Mahogany or Basswood, two durable and stable woods chosen for their performance in sauna environments. Proper cleaning helps preserve these natural materials while keeping your sauna fresh and comfortable.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, including:

• The supplies you’ll need

• Safe cleaning solutions for sauna wood

• Step-by-step cleaning instructions

• Monthly, quarterly, and annual maintenance

Recommended Sauna Cleaning Supplies

Before you begin cleaning, it helps to have a few simple supplies ready.

Most sauna cleaning can be done with items you likely already have at home.

Recommended supplies:

• Soft microfiber cloths or non-abrasive towels

• Spray bottle

• Clean warm water

• White distilled vinegar

• Optional: a dedicated sauna wood cleaner

Microfiber cloths work especially well because they lift sweat residue and oils from the wood without scratching the natural surface of the sauna.

Avoid abrasive pads or stiff brushes, which can damage the wood.

Safe Cleaning Solutions for Sauna Wood

There are two simple and safe options for cleaning the interior wood of your sauna.

Both are gentle enough for Okoume Mahogany and Basswood surfaces.

Option 1: Natural Vinegar Cleaning Solution

A diluted vinegar solution is one of the safest and most effective natural cleaners for sauna wood.

Vinegar helps break down sweat residue and neutralize odors while remaining gentle on the wood.

Spray Bottle Mix (Most Common)

• 2 cups warm water

• 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar

For lighter cleaning, you can also use:

Small Batch

• 1 cup warm water

• 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar

This solution works well for routine maintenance cleaning.

Option 2: Sauna-Specific Wood Cleaner

Some sauna owners prefer using a cleaner specifically designed for sauna interiors.

One commonly used option is Clean Spa Professional Sauna Wood Cleaner, which is formulated for sauna woods such as Okoume Mahogany and Basswood.

These cleaners are designed to:

• Clean sauna wood without harsh chemicals

• Help remove perspiration odors

• Maintain the condition of sauna wood surfaces

If you choose a commercial cleaner, always follow the product instructions and avoid spraying directly onto heater panels or electrical components.

How to Clean Your Infrared Sauna (Step-by-Step)

Cleaning your sauna is quick and usually takes only a few minutes.

1. Turn Off the Sauna and Allow It to Cool

Before cleaning:

• Turn the sauna completely off

• Allow it to cool down

Cleaning a hot sauna is unnecessary and can cause cleaning solutions to evaporate too quickly.

2. Remove Towels and Accessories

Take out any items inside the sauna, such as:

• Towels

• Backrests

• Cushions

• Mats

This makes it easier to clean the benches and floor area.

3. Wipe Down the Interior Wood

Using a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with your cleaning solution, gently wipe:

• Benches

• Backrests

• Interior walls

• Door handles

• Floor area

⚠️ Important:

Never spray cleaner directly onto heater panels or electrical components. Always spray the cloth first, then wipe the surface.

4. Clean Sweat Marks or Spots

If you notice sweat marks:

• Use a slightly damp cloth with the cleaning solution

• Gently rub along the wood grain

Avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can damage the natural wood surface.

5. Clean Glass and Exterior Surfaces

For the glass door and exterior panels:

• Use a mild glass cleaner or soap and water

• Wipe dry with a soft cloth

6. Allow the Sauna to Air Out

After cleaning:

• Leave the sauna door open for 10–15 minutes

This allows the interior wood to dry completely and stay fresh.

How Often Should You Clean an Infrared Sauna?

One of the advantages of owning an infrared sauna is that maintenance is simple and minimal.

How often you clean your sauna depends largely on how frequently it is used.

Light Cleaning (After Regular Use)

For most households, a quick wipe-down is recommended every 1–2 weeks if the sauna is used regularly.

This typically includes:

• Wiping benches and backrests

• Cleaning sweat spots

• Wiping door handles and high-contact surfaces

If you always sit on a towel while using the sauna, cleaning may be needed even less often.

Deeper Cleaning

A more thorough cleaning of the entire interior – including benches, walls, and floor – is generally recommended every 1–3 months, depending on usage.

Households that use their sauna daily may prefer monthly cleaning, while occasional users may only need to do this every few months.

Simple Habit That Reduces Cleaning

The easiest way to keep your sauna clean is very simple:

Always sit on a towel during sauna sessions.

This protects the wood from sweat and body oils, which significantly reduces cleaning frequency.

Common Sauna Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Infrared saunas are designed to be low-maintenance, but a few common cleaning mistakes can damage the wood or sauna components.

Avoiding these issues helps ensure your sauna lasts for many years.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemical Cleaners

Never use cleaners that contain:

• Bleach

• Ammonia

• Harsh disinfectants

• Abrasive scrubbing agents

These chemicals can damage the natural wood surfaces and may leave residues that produce unpleasant odors when the sauna heats up.

Mild natural cleaners or sauna-specific products are the safest choice.

Avoid spraying Liquids Directly on Heater Panels

Infrared heater panels should never be sprayed with liquid cleaners.

If dust needs to be removed, use a dry microfiber cloth only.

Always spray cleaning solution onto your cloth first, then wipe the wood surfaces.

Avoid Scrubbing the Wood Too Aggressively

Sauna wood should be cleaned gently.

Scrubbing too hard can roughen the wood surface and damage the natural finish.

Always wipe along the wood grain using a soft cloth.

Avoid Blocking Heater Panels or Ventilation

Avoid placing:

• Towels

• Cushions

• Accessories

directly against heater panels or ventilation openings.

Clear airflow allows the sauna to heat efficiently and prevents unnecessary strain on the heaters.

Don’t Leave the Sauna Closed After Cleaning

After cleaning, it’s important to leave the sauna door open for 10–15 minutes.

This allows the wood to dry completely and prevents moisture from being trapped inside.

Keeping Your Clearlight Sauna in Excellent Condition

Maintaining your infrared sauna is simple and requires only a small amount of regular care. With occasional cleaning, basic inspections, and a few good habits, such as sitting on a towel during use, your sauna can remain clean, comfortable, and operating efficiently for many years.

By following the cleaning and maintenance guidelines in this guide, you can help protect the wood, maintain optimal performance, and enjoy your sauna sessions with confidence.