Minimal Maintenance

Exterior Sauna Maintenance

Heat-treated hemlock is highly durable; no stain or sealer is required to maintain your sauna’s structural integrity. Left untreated, the wood will naturally weather to a rustic grey over time due to sun exposure, without losing its strength.

A water-based stain can be used to maintain or change your sauna’s exterior color. Note: stains should never be used inside the sauna.

Interior Sauna Maintenance

Our heat-treated hemlock is built to withstand the hot and humid sauna environment; no sealers are required on the interior walls. In high-traffic areas such as benches and floors, applying a protective treatment is recommended to guard against dirt, sweat, and body oils.

Recommended interior treatment options include:

  • Sauna grade paraffin oil – only a light coating on the benches and floor is needed, preserving the deep natural color of the wood. We recommend sauna safe Harvia Paraffin Oil. Note: only use sauna-grade paraffin oil.
  • Supi Sauna Wax – a nontoxic treatment safe for walls, floor, ceiling and benches; Supi Sauna Wax is available in three different finishes: clear, black, and white. 

Sauna Heater Maintenance

Sauna heaters require little maintenance. Simply cleaning the heater and taking care of the rocks will keep your heater running in peak condition for years to come. 

To maintain your heater, follow these easy steps: 

  • Periodically wipe the exterior of the heater with a soft cloth and use a mild cleanser to remove any water spots if needed—we recommend Harvias Heater Cleanser.
  • Every 6 months, restack and inspect your heater stones. As you pull out the stones, look for cracks, chips and excessive wear. Remove and replace any damaged stones. 
    • Rinse the stones with warm water, lightly scrubbing any that might have slight calcium build up, letting them air dry before restacking in the heater.  
  • After 2 to 3 years, replace your heater stones. For heaters that use split-face stones, upgraded options are available, like vulcanite stones for better steam or the longer-lasting elite pro stones.