A garden sauna is a unique way to relax and promote health. However, proper maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you take care of the wood, stones, and other sauna elements. By following these tips, you can maintain full functionality of your sauna for decades.
How to Use a Garden Sauna?
Proper use of your garden sauna is key to its durability. First, always ventilate the sauna after each session. Steam and moisture left behind can lead to mold growth and damage wooden elements. Our saunas are equipped with a ventilation chimney with an adjustable valve. This feature allows you to control the air exchange rate in the sauna. When heating the sauna, partially close the valve (never shut it completely). This will help the sauna heat up faster.
While using the sauna, leave the valve slightly open to allow fresh air to flow in. This ensures proper oxygen levels, preventing dizziness. For outdoor saunas, where ambient temperature varies, there is no fixed optimal valve position. Adjust it based on temperature and wind conditions.
If you enjoy pouring water over the heater stones during your sauna session, which generates a lot of steam, it’s beneficial to ventilate the sauna by leaving the door open at the end. The residual heat from the heater will help dry the room.
Water Condensation in the Sauna
Significant temperature differences between the sauna and its surroundings can cause condensation on glass surfaces, especially when water is poured over the stones. This is a natural phenomenon. The window frame is protected with varnish, but it's a good idea to wipe the frame dry after your session if water condenses.
Garden saunas should also be heated regularly, even if they’re not in use. This is especially important during the autumn and winter seasons. Regular heating regulates the moisture content in the wood, which helps maintain its quality. High temperatures also eliminate bacteria and mold spores, protecting the wood from damage.
Daily Sauna Maintenance
To ensure your garden sauna lasts for many years, maintain its interior regularly. Always use a towel when sitting on the benches – this prevents direct contact with the wood, which is porous and can absorb dirt, often brought in on bare feet. If you accidentally stain a bench, clean it with a damp cloth. If that doesn't work, use a special sauna cleaning agent or fine sandpaper. Be cautious with sandpaper, as improper use can leave lighter patches on the wood.
For the floor, use a damp mop or cloth with a mild cleaning solution. If water spills in the sauna, wipe it up immediately. Prolonged exposure to water can cause the wood to warp or discolor.
Should Sauna Benches Be Oiled?
We often get asked whether sauna benches should be oiled. We do not recommend this as oiling requires regular reapplication and creates a sticky surface that makes it harder to clean the wood.
Proper Sauna Maintenance
Maintaining a garden sauna involves more than just its appearance. It’s about preventing damage to its components. At least once a year, inspect the heater to ensure it’s in good condition. Check the electrical installation if the sauna is powered by electricity. Examine the heater stones, as they can wear down over time, crumbling and falling between the heating elements. This can obstruct airflow, reducing efficiency. If the stones are in good condition, rearrange them to ensure they aren’t tightly packed. If they show signs of wear, replace them. In domestic use, stones typically need replacement every 2-3 years, while in commercial settings, replacement is recommended annually or more frequently depending on usage. Address any faults immediately to avoid hazardous situations.
Painting the Sauna Exterior
The wooden exterior of a garden sauna may need repainting. Our saunas are coated with Tikkurila lacquer, which typically requires renewal every 8-12 years, depending on weather conditions.
An exception is thermally modified wood, available in lacquered or untreated finishes. Leaving untreated thermally modified wood allows natural patina to develop. This process, influenced by UV rays, moisture, and temperature, gives the wood a silver-gray color over time. This effect is desirable in some architectural designs, lending a raw, natural aesthetic. Patina results from surface oxidation and does not compromise the wood’s durability.
Summary
Regular maintenance, care, and inspection of your sauna not only extend its lifespan but also ensure safe and comfortable use. Preventative actions like cleaning and proper upkeep significantly impact your sauna’s condition. Following these guidelines will ensure your sauna provides joy and relaxation for years to come.