If you’re a sauna owner, you know how important it is to keep it clean. However, many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment, your sauna benches, and your health. Let’s discover my granny Elsa’s best sauna cleaning tips for a sustainable and eco-friendly sauna experience.
Key Takeaways
- You can clean your sauna ecologically using ingredients from your kitchen cabinet
- Many conventional cleaning products are harmful to the environment, your sauna benches, and your health
How to Clean a Sauna Ecologically
When it comes to cleaning a sauna, using eco-friendly and natural substances is a great way to keep your sauna clean and healthy. Here are some great tips for cleaning your sauna ecologically. Let’s start with the number one thing my granny uses to clean our sauna (and, well, just about everything): Mäntysuopa.
Using soft pine soap To Clean Your Sauna: Mäntysuopa
Soft pine soap, Mäntysuopa in Finnish, is commonly used for cleaning saunas due to its natural properties and gentle cleansing abilities. To clean your sauna with soft pine soap, dilute the soap in water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the solution to the sauna benches, walls, and any other wooden surfaces.
Gently scrub the surfaces to remove any dirt or residue. Finally, rinse the surfaces with clean water and allow them to dry thoroughly before using the sauna again. The natural pine scent of the soap will also leave a pleasant fragrance in the sauna.
But, be aware not to use too much of the soft pine soap as it might leave stains in your sauna.
Using Euca-Cleaning Concentrate To Clean Your Sauna
Euca wash concentrate is made of essential eucalyptus oil, which is the active ingredient – not just a perfume. Euca leaves a wonderfully fresh scent that is not too intrusive.
To use Euca, add one cap of detergent to 10 liters of water. You can use Euca for pretty much everything, including counters, laundry, rugs, bathroom, sauna, furniture, boat, dishes, and generally your whole house.
Using Vinegar To Clean Your Sauna
Vinegar is a natural substance that is suitable for household cleaning and is perfect for cleaning your sauna. Vinegar is known to remove mold and other germs.
To use vinegar for cleaning your sauna, add 1 dl of vinegar to a full bucket of water. Use the vinegar water to scrub your sauna.
Using Baking Soda To Clean Your Sauna
Baking soda is a great substance for removing unpleasant odors and works well on sauna benches.
To use baking soda, mix a bucket of water and a few tea spoons of baking soda. Use the water to clean your sauna.
Using Soda Crystals To Clean Your Sauna
Soda crystals are a more robust form of baking soda, serving as a cost-effective, efficient, and eco-friendly detergent for various tasks. They are free from harmful substances and do not impart any flavor or scent to surfaces.
When using soda crystals, simply mix 1 dl of soda crystals with bucket of water. Be aware that this is a very strong cleaning material so use with case.
Using Clay Stone To Clean Your Sauna
Clay stone, also known as universal stone, and it cleans sauna benches and shower rooms safely and eco-friendly.
To use clay stone, pick up a little bit of powder using a wet sponge. Then wash the benches with a sponge. Rinse well with plenty of water and repeat if necessary. This is not recommended in case you don’t have running water in the sauna!
Using Steam Cleaner To Clean Your Sauna
If you own a steam cleaner, you can use it to wash the sauna benches. Clean the benches according to the instructions of the steam cleaner.
To use a steam cleaner, vacuum the sauna first to remove limescale and dust, make the benches slightly wet using lukewarm water, wash with the detergent of your choice, and scrub thoroughly with a soft brush in the direction of the wood grains. Rinse first with warm water and finally with cold water. Remember to dry the sauna and turn it on for half an hour.
What Not To Use To Clean Your Sauna
It is important to note that there are detergents and methods that we do not recommend for cleaning your sauna.
- Chlorine-containing products must not be used in the sauna, as they are harmful to health and the environment.
- A pressure washer is also not recommended, as the pressure in the pressure washer is too high and can damage the wood.
Steps To Cleaning Your Sauna
- Begin washing the sauna by vacuuming the sauna floor. It’s important to clean away small stones and other debris before starting the actual cleaning. Regular vacuuming of the sauna is also a convenient way to maintain its cleanliness.
- Take a bucket of warm water and your choice of ecological cleaning materials. Apply the solution with a bathroom brush to the sauna’s large surfaces, such as the wooden surfaces of the benches and the walls’ tiles. The order of cleaning the sauna does not matter, so you can proceed in any way you prefer.
- Clean the gaps between the benches and tiles with a brush. For example, a dish brush or a floor brush are well-suited for cleaning.
- Wash or rinse the walls as needed. Avoid streaks on the walls by washing the surfaces from the bottom up. Especially wooden walls can absorb detergents effectively.
- Finally, rinse the surfaces thoroughly with water.
- If desired, clean the outside of the sauna heater with detergent and a sponge.
- If you have glass doors, you can use vinegar solution in a spray bottle to clean the doors.
Regular sauna cleaning and routine maintenance are essential for keeping your sauna clean and healthy. Use mild detergent and soft soap to clean the wooden surfaces and benches after each use. When your sauna is squeaky-clean, you can oil the sauna benches with linseed oil to protect them and deepen the color of the wood.
FAQ – Sauna Cleaning With Ecological Products
Sauna Cleaning
What natural ingredients can be used to create an eco-friendly sauna cleaner?
There are many natural ingredients that can be used to create an eco-friendly sauna cleaner, such as vinegar, baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. These ingredients are safe, effective, and affordable alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners. For example, vinegar can be mixed with water to clean the sauna walls and benches, while baking soda can be used to remove unpleasant odors. Citric acid can also be added to water to remove dirt and grime without harming the environment.
Sauna Cleaning
How can one effectively clean and disinfect a sauna without using harsh chemicals?
To effectively clean and disinfect a sauna without using harsh chemicals, you can use natural ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Vinegar can be mixed with water to clean the sauna walls and benches, while baking soda can be used to remove unpleasant odors. Essential oils such as tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil can also be added to water to disinfect and add a pleasant scent to the sauna.
Sauna Cleaning
What is the recommended frequency for deep cleaning a public sauna?
The recommended frequency for deep cleaning a public sauna is at least once a week. This includes cleaning the walls, benches, floors, and all sauna equipment with a natural cleaning solution. It is important to maintain a hygienic environment in public saunas to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
Sauna Cleaning
What are the best methods to remove sweat stains and prevent mold in a sauna?
To remove sweat stains and prevent mold in a sauna, it is important to regularly clean and dry the sauna after each use. This includes wiping down the walls, benches, and floors with a natural cleaning solution, as well as ensuring proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. You can also use a dehumidifier to help control humidity levels and reduce the risk of mold growth.
Sauna Cleaning
Can you suggest a DIY recipe for an effective sauna cleaning solution?
Yes, a simple and effective DIY recipe for a sauna cleaning solution is to mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. You can also add a few drops of essential oil such as tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil for added disinfecting power and a pleasant scent. This solution can be used to clean and disinfect the sauna walls, benches, and equipment, as well as remove unpleasant odors.
