A little care goes a long way. 

To keep your outdoor sauna in your backyard paradise in top condition, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some tips on how to maintain their outdoor saunas in Edmonton. 

1. Clean the Interior Regularly 

To prevent the buildup of dirt, sweat, and bacteria, it’s important to clean the interior of your sauna regularly. How often it needs to be cleaned depends on the frequency of use—but try to go for a deep clean every month. Alternatively, if you wipe down the surface after every use, you can get away with less frequent cleaning sessions. 

Use a mild all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the benches, walls, and floor. For a more organic approach, you can always go for the 1:1 ratio of water to vinegar solution. Make sure to rinse the space thoroughly with a hose to remove any residue.

2. Check the Heater

The heater is the heart of your sauna. It can’t bring the heat if it isn’t in optimal condition—so it’s check it regularly for any signs of damage or wear. Make sure the rocks are in good condition and replace them if necessary. Typically, these rocks need to be replaced once a year for elevated performance. 

Additionally, keep the heater clean and free of dust and debris to ensure it functions properly—you don’t want it struggling, trying to cough up these particles!  

3. Monitor the Temperature

You’ll want to monitor the temperature in your sauna to ensure it stays at a comfortable level. Invest in a high-quality thermometer to keep track of the temperature and adjust it as needed. 

Here’s a super important tip to keep in mind: Avoid overheating the sauna, as it can damage the wood and pose a safety risk.

4. Ventilate the Sauna

As you lean back and relax in your sauna haven, you wouldn’t want mould and mildew to be chilling with you, now would you? 

Proper ventilation is crucial for a safe and comfortable sauna experience. Make sure the vents are clear of any obstructions and open them during and after each use to allow fresh air to circulate. This will help prevent mould and mildew growth and maintain a pleasant aroma inside the sauna. Your sauna can’t speak and tell you this directly—but trust us when we say it could really use a breather every now and then. 

5. Maintain the Wood

With constant exposure to the elements, your backyard sauna’s wooden structures have to battle it out with moisture, mould, and rot. And you can count on it that it’s counting on you to give it some backup. 

Given the Edmonton climate, it’s essential to focus on proper wood treatments, like sanding, sealing, staining, and adding wood preservatives and oils to protect it. Exerting the effort to carry out regular maintenance will give you a valuable ROI in exchange: your backyard sauna will remain a safe and enjoyable retreat for years to come.

Regularly inspect the wood for any signs of damage, such as cracks or warping, and repair or replace as needed. Also, make it your duty to be at the ready to maintain the wood with the following tips:

1. Sanding: If the wood becomes discoloured or rough, light sanding can help restore its appearance. Use fine-grit sandpaper and work along the grain of the wood to avoid scratching.

2. Natural Oils: After cleaning and sanding, you can apply natural oils that are suitable for high-heat environments. Linseed or tung oil are popular choices–they penetrate the wood and provide a protective layer against moisture without forming a surface film.

3. Wood Preservatives: Sauna-specific wood preservatives can protect against moisture, mould, and mildew. They typically contain natural anti-fungal ingredients and are safe for high temperatures.

4. Stain and Seal: Some sauna owners opt to stain their wood for aesthetic reasons or to provide additional protection. It’s important to use non-toxic products that can withstand high temperatures. After staining, sealing the wood helps lock in the colour and adds another layer of protection.