What Sauna Wood Cleaning Products Should You Use for Cedar?

The best outdoor infrared sauna wood cleaning products for cedar are gentle, pH-neutral solutions that clean without stripping the wood’s natural oils. Cedar is soft and porous, so harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia can cause discoloration, dryness, and odors when heated. Safe options include dedicated sauna cleaners, diluted castile soap, and baking soda solutions. With the right products and a simple routine, you can keep cedar benches and walls clean, fresh-smelling, and long-lasting.

Key Takeaways

• Cedar requires gentle, non-harsh cleaners to prevent damage
• pH-neutral sauna cleaners, castile soap, and baking soda are safest
• Simple weekly care prevents stains, odors, and mold
• Only use sauna-rated oils or sealers if treating the wood
• Towels and proper drying reduce cleaning needs

Which Products That Are Safe for Cleaning Cedar Sauna Wood

Here are safe products and ingredients you can use to clean your sauna.

·       pH-Neutral Sauna Cleaners

Purpose-formulated sauna cleaner products designed for cedar and hemlock are typically your safest option. These cleaners are engineered to clean wood surfaces without degrading wood fibers, and most are 100% biodegradable. Look for products marketed specifically for sauna and steam bath use because they’re formulated to rinse clean without leaving residues that off-gas at high temperatures. When properly diluted, one liter of concentrated sauna cleaner can last for years in residential.

·       Mild Castile Soap Solution

A fragrance-free liquid castile soap diluted in warm water works well for regular bench and backrest cleaning:

Apply with a soft brush or damp cloth, then wipe with clean water to remove any soap film.

·       Baking Soda Solution

Baking soda provides gentle cleaning power without bleaching cedar. Mix approximately 1 tablespoon per liter of warm water. Baking soda solution is:

• Effective for lifting sweat stains and neutralizing odors
• Safe for repeated use on interior sauna walls and benches
• Ideal for addressing that sour smell that can develop after heavy use

Hydrogen Peroxide (3% Food-Grade)

For occasional spot-treatment of light mold or mildew:

• Use standard 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Apply sparingly with a cloth to affected areas only
• Allow to sit for 2–3 minutes, then wipe dry
• Not for routine cleaning. Reserve for problem spots

Essential Oil Sprays (Optional)

Diluted tea tree or eucalyptus oil in distilled water with a tiny amount of mild soap can provide light antimicrobial action. Use sparingly to avoid residue buildup.

·        The Right Cleaning Tools

Your cleaning tools are as important as your cleaning products.

• Microfiber cloths: Clean dust and debris without scratching fibers
• Soft natural bristle brushes: Provide gentle mechanical cleaning action
• Hand brush with medium-soft bristles: Ideal for scrubbing along the grain

Avoid anything abrasive that could gouge the soft cedar surfaces.

What Products and Ingredients Should You Avoid?

Many products that work perfectly in bathrooms or on outdoor decks are too aggressive for cleaning the best infrared sauna for home. Using the wrong cleaner can create create problems that require sanding to fix. These include:

Bleach and Chlorine-Based Cleaners

• Strip cedar’s natural color, creating patchy light spots
• Weaken wood fibers with repeated use
• Leave corrosive residues that release harsh fumes when heated
• Can damage metal fasteners and sauna accessories over time

While a diluted bleach solution may be used as a last resort for spot treatment with thorough rinsing, it should never be part of routine sauna maintenance.

·        Ammonia and Caustic Cleaners

Avoid these entirely:

• Window cleaners containing ammonia
• Oven cleaners
• Heavy degreasers
• Any product with “industrial strength” on the label

Ammonia can darken cedar, damage fibers, and react with natural tannins to create permanent discoloration.

·        Generic Floor and Bathroom Cleaners

Products labeled as “disinfectant” for tile or grout often contain quaternary ammonium compounds and solvents that:

• Soak into wood pores
• Off-gas when heated during sauna sessions
• Leave residues that become sticky in dry heat environments
• May contain fragrances that intensify unpleasantly at high temperatures

Tools That Damage Cedar 

·        Film-Forming Finishes

Never apply these to interior cedar surfaces:

• Glossy polyurethanes
• Exterior deck stains or sealers
• Varnish or lacquer
• Paint or primer (even “low-VOC”)

These finishes trap excess moisture, blister under sauna temperatures, become sticky when heated, and create a maintenance nightmare. Once applied, removal requires heavy sanding or chemical stripping.

Routine Cedar Sauna Cleaning Schedule (Weekly & Monthly)

Your cleaning frequency depends on usage. Here’s a practical schedule for a typical home sauna used 2–4 times per week.

After Each Session (2–3 Minutes)

• Wipe sauna benches, backrests, and floor duckboards with a slightly damp cloth
• Leave the sauna door open until surfaces are fully dry (usually 30–60 minutes)
• Remove any wet towels—leaving them creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mold

Weekly Routine (Every 3–5 Uses)

• Quick vacuum or sweep of the floor to clean dust and debris
• Wipe benches with diluted castile soap solution using a soft brush
• Follow with a clear-water wipe using a damp cloth to remove any soap film
• Prop sauna door open for complete drying

Monthly Deep Maintenance (Every 4–8 Weeks)

• Remove any removable duckboards or bench slats
• Clean both sides with baking soda solution
• Inspect for dark spots, rough patches, or early mold
• Address problem areas with targeted cleaning or light sanding
• Rinse thoroughly and allow complete drying before next use

Prevention as Part of Routine

Make these habits part of every sauna experience:

• Always sit on a towel. This practice prevents most sweat stains
• Rinse off lotions, sunscreen, and cosmetics before entering
• Keep shoes and dirty items outside the sauna space

All routine cleaning should be done when the best infrared sauna is off and wood is cool to the touch. Cleaning heated wood can cause rapid evaporation of cleaners, making them less effective and potentially releasing fumes.

How to Deep Clean Cedar Benches, Walls, and Floors

Deep Cleaning Benches Step-by-Step

• Vacuum thoroughly: Remove all hair, dust, and loose dirt from surfaces and crevices
• Apply cleaner: Use sauna cleaner or baking soda solution with a soft brush
• Lightly scrub along the grain: Never scrub across the grain—this raises fibers
• Wipe with clean damp cloth: Remove all cleaning solution
• Rinse if needed: For heavy cleaning, a gentle rinse with clean water helps remove residues
• Air dry completely: Prop the door open and allow several hours for full drying

Sanding Stubborn Areas

For dark stains or fuzzy patches that won’t clean:

• Use fine-grit sandpaper (180–220 grit)
• Lightly sand only the affected areas
• Always follow the wood grain direction
• Vacuum dust immediately after sanding
• This process also helps release cedar oil and refreshes the wood’s natural aroma

Cleaning Interior Walls

To clean the best infrared sauna walls use gentle methods to maintain the cedar without causing damage. Sauna walls require lighter cleaning than benches since they receive less direct contact:

• Wipe with diluted sauna cleaner or baking soda solution
• Use a damp cloth rather than heavy water application
• Walls don’t need to be washed like floors—just wiped down to remove dust and sweat
• Focus on areas near the stove where humidity concentrates

Floor Considerations

For outdoor saunas or those in damp basement spaces, schedule deep cleans seasonally to catch moisture problems before they spread. These environments create more challenging humidity conditions that accelerate staining and mold growth.

Common Cedar Sauna Cleaning Problems & Fixes

When something’s not right with your cedar outdoor full-spectrum infrared sauna, use this diagnostic flow to identify the problem and find the correct solution.

If you notice persistent odors, check the sauna heater and sauna rocks for any buildup or burnt debris, such as hair or residue. Clean the sauna heater according to the manufacturer's instructions and inspect the sauna rocks for any sources of odor. If the rocks are new or have been recently replaced, heat them thoroughly and pour water over them to help clear any initial smell.

For cleaning any part of your sauna, including benches, walls, and around the heater, using filtered or distilled water can help reduce mineral buildup and keep your cedar in top condition.

·        Step 1: Identify Your Main Issue

Choose the dominant problem you’re experiencing:

·        Step 2: Odor Issues

Ask yourself the following diagnostic questions:

• Is the sauna door left open after each use?
• Are benches wiped down after sessions?
• Has the sauna been cleaned in the last month?

Here are possible solutions:

• Increase post-use airing time. Leave the door open for at least 30–60 minutes
• Deep clean benches with baking soda solution (1 tbsp per liter of warm water)
• Check the drain area, sauna heater, and sauna rocks for trapped organic material or odor. Remove any debris, burnt hair, or residue from the sauna heater and rocks, as these can cause unpleasant smell
• Ensure adequate air circulation in the room

Step 3: Dark Sweat Stains (Without Mold)

Do you spot darkened areas where people sit, brown or gray patches, or staining that follows body contact patterns? You can:

• Perform a targeted deep clean with mild soap or baking soda
• Allow wood to dry completely
• Lightly sand remaining stains with 180–220 grit sandpaper, following the grain
• Vacuum all sanding dust
• Use a towel during all sauna sessions to prevent recurrence

Step 4: Visible Mold or Mildew

If you notice fuzzy growth, black or green spots, musty smell in corners, under benches, or near vents and drains:

• Address humidity first. Increase drying time, consider a nearby dehumidifier, improve ventilation
• Spot-treat affected areas with 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Allow to sit 2–3 minutes, then wipe clean with damp cloth
• Lightly scrub if needed with soft brush
• Monitor for recurrence over the following 2–4 weeks

Recurring mold indicates a ventilation or moisture problem in the space. Cleaning alone won’t solve it. You will need to improve drainage, add ventilation, or address building issues.

·        Step 5: Rough, Dry, or Faded Cedar

Wood feels splintery or rough, color has faded, and surface looks dried out or damaged:

• Immediately stop using any harsh cleaning products
• Perform a fine sanding (180–220 grit) on affected areas
• Vacuum thoroughly to remove all dust
• Clean with plain warm water and allow to dry
• Optionally apply a sauna-rated, vapor-permeable wood conditioner (such as paraffin oil)
• Follow conditioner manufacturer directions exactly

This condition usually happens when harsh chemicals strip natural oils, excessive sanding in the past, or extreme drying. Prevention means switching to gentle, cedar-safe cleaners going forward.

For home wellness sauna units with advanced deterioration, deep structural mold, heavily damaged fibers, or years of neglect, partial wood replacement may be more practical than continued use of aggressive cleaning attempts.

How to Protect Cedar on the Long-Term

Many interior cedar benches are traditionally left unfinished, relying on the wood’s natural properties for protection. If you choose to apply any treatment, it must be specifically rated safe for sauna temperatures of 70–100°C (160–212°F).

·        What Not to Use

Generic furniture oils and household polishes are dangerous in sauna environments:

• They become sticky when heated
• They collect dirt and sweat, creating a grimy buildup
• They release odors that intensify with heat
• They can trap moisture against the wood, promoting decay

Exterior cedar treatments, deck stains, and UV-protective oils are designed for outdoor use and should never contact interior surfaces.

What are Some of the Sauna-Safe Treatment Options?

Paraffin oil is a widely recommended interior treatment for sauna wood for the following reasons:

• Food-grade and hypoallergenic
• Produces zero harmful vapors when heated
• Creates a hydrophobic barrier that reduces sweat penetration
• Makes future cleaning easier
• One liter covers approximately 150 square feet of bench surface

Apply sparingly according to manufacturer directions after sanding or on new sauna installations. Expect a slight darkening of the wood, similar to how cedar looks when wet. Water-based, vapor-permeable conditioners specially formulated for sauna use are also available and can provide similar protection with minimal maintenance requirements.

Which Preventive Habits Should You Adopt?

These practices matter more than any treatment:

·        For Exterior Cedar

Weatherproof outdoor infrared sauna cabins with cedar exterior walls can benefit from UV-protective oils or stains rated for cedar. However:

• Keep these products completely away from the interior
• Apply only to outside surfaces
• Follow manufacturer recommendations for reapplication (typically every 1–2 years)

Annual Inspection

Schedule a thorough inspection every spring:

• Check for loose boards or hardware
• Look for cracks or checking in the wood
• Identify persistent dark patches that may indicate moisture problems
• Address issues early to avoid costly replacement

Summary

Cedar sauna wood remains beautiful when cleaned with mild, sauna-safe products consistently. Avoid harsh chemicals, limit water exposure, and focus on gentle weekly maintenance with occasional deep cleaning. Proper ventilation, towel use, and spot treatment prevent most stains and odors before they start. By following cedar-safe practices, your sauna can last for decades with minimal effort. Ready to protect your investment? Start using cedar-safe cleaners today and build a routine to protect your sauna.

FAQ

Can I use vinegar to clean my cedar sauna?

Diluting vinegar with water can control odor. However, frequent use may dull cedar’s color. For regular cleaning, stick to baking soda or dedicated sauna cleaners.

How often should I sand my cedar sauna benches?

Sand lightly once a year or only if rough or stained. Use fine-grit paper (180–220) along the grain and vacuum dust. Avoid over-sanding to protect thin cedar boards.

Is it safe to use disinfectant wipes on cedar benches?

Household wipes can leave residue, damage fibers, and off-gas when heated. Use cedar-safe cleaners or diluted hydrogen peroxide (3%) instead, followed by a clean water wipe.

What’s the best way to handle sweat stains from years of use?

Deep clean with mild soap or baking soda, let dry, then lightly sand stubborn stains along the grain. Prevent future stains by always using a towel and wiping the sauna regularly.

Can I use a steam cleaner on cedar sauna walls and benches?

Steam can push moisture deep, causing warping or raised grain. Safer methods are damp cloths, soft brushes, and mild cleaners. Clean gently without saturating the wood.