Monthly Sauna Maintenance Checklist
(Works for both traditional rock-stove and infrared cabins)
Supplies You’ll Need
- Micro-fiber cloths & soft-bristle brush
- Warm water + a splash of white vinegar or 1 tbsp baking-soda per gallon of water (gentle, non-chlorine cleaner)
- Hand-held vacuum or broom
- Replacement 10 µm–20 µm filter screen (if your IR cabin has an intake filter)
- Pair of heat-resistant gloves for handling sauna stones
10-Step “First-Week-of-Every-Month” Routine
| # | Task | Why/Target Area | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Power-down & cool the cabin to < 100 °F | Safe surface temps for cleaning | 0 min (just wait) |
| 2 | Dry sweep or vacuum floor slats & under benches | Removes hair, grit, dead skin before it gets baked in | 5 min |
| 3 | Wipe benches & backrests with vinegar solution; towel-dry | Prevents sweat-stain bacteria and odor; safe for cedar & hemlock | 5 min |
| 4 | Wash glass door & handles (inside/out) with same solution | Clear view; kills hand-print germs | 3 min |
| 5 | Brush heater guard & dust exterior fins (rock stove or IR panel housings) | Dust reduces heat efficiency; Harvia recommends monthly exterior dust-off | 3 min |
| 6 | Rock-stove only – Quick stone shuffle: lift top layer, shake dust, restack loosely | Avoids “caking,” exposes elements, improves airflow; monthly mini-shuffle prolongs the annual stone-swap | 7 min |
| 7 | IR only – Inspect panel filter/intake fan; vacuum or replace 10-20 µm screen | Keeps airflow quiet and panels cool | 2 min |
| 8 | Check temperature sensor & door seal for looseness or resin build-up | Ensures accurate cabin temp and prevents heat loss | 2 min |
| 9 | Run an empty 20-min “dry-out” cycle at normal temp | Evaporates residual moisture, stops mold | 0 min (hands-off) |
| 10 | Log your meter reading or session counter (optional) | Track energy efficiency; spot rising kWh that hints at failing elements | 1 min |
Total elapsed hands-on time: ~25 minutes.
Quarterly/Annual Reminders (note them in your calendar)
- Re-arrange all stones thoroughly every 3–4 months; discard cracked ones.
- Replace stones every 12 months (sooner if they crumble). Bad stones choke airflow and produce smells.
- Deep-clean wood with mild baking-soda paste; sand any rough spots once a year.
- IR cabins: do a panel-surface wipe every session; deeper clean every two weeks.
Pro Tips for the Recovery-Focused User
- Sit on a towel every session—cuts monthly bench-wipe time in half.
- Leave the door ajar for 5 min after use if you skip the dry-out cycle; speeds passive ventilation.
- Log HRV after a fresh stone shuffle or panel dust-off; many athletes notice an extra 1–2 pt HRV bump thanks to cleaner air and steadier heat.
Keep this checklist laminated inside your equipment manual or save it in your phone’s notes. Twenty-five focused minutes each month keeps heat output consistent, extends heater life, and—most important—maintains the pure, clean air your recovery rituals deserve.