A challenge many sauna-owners face is wet marks—those unsightly stains on timber caused by excess moisture. Concerningly, the appearance of these stains can signal a range of much larger issues. This is why it’s vital to understand how to take care of your sauna timber.
For key insights into how to maintain your sauna wood, we spoke with Kermo Figol from premium European timber brand Thermory.
Kermo has a particularly unique insight into what’s required to keep your sauna wood in pristine condition, with all of SDS Australia’s exclusive Auroom saunas having been meticulously crafted with Thermory’s deluxe timber profiles.
6 Rules for Maintaining Your Sauna Timber
In speaking with Kermo, the first thing he shared was Thermory’s six golden rules for maintaining your sauna timber.
Each of these rules are absolute must-follows for every sauna-user.
1. Avoid any excess water pooling on the wooden surfaces.
2. Try to use seat covers or a towel to protect your bench getting excess water.
3. Avoid sitting directly on the bench with a wet swimsuit or wet clothes. Remove wet clothes and towels from benches immediately after use.
4. Clean your sauna with damp cloth after every use and let it dry out. Do not use a power washer to clean it or running water from a hose.
5. Use suitable protective products to treat the wooden surfaces of the sauna with a product meant for this purpose.
6. Use common sense and keep in mind that wood is a natural material that may crack or warp when exposed to temperature changes or excess water.
To explore these commercial and home sauna maintenance rules in more depth, Kermo graciously answered all the questions we threw at him!
In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes people make that lead to wet marks in the sauna? How can they avoid them?
Kermo: The first mistake is skipping towels or seat covers: Sitting directly on the wood allows sweat and oils to transfer, causing stains.
► Kermo’s Solution: Always use clean towels or seat covers to absorb moisture.
The second mistake that can lead to wet marks is poor ventilation. Without proper airflow, moisture remains trapped, leading to wet marks.
► Kermo’s Solution: Ensure adequate ventilation during and after sauna use. Allow the surfaces to dry after using the sauna and ensure good ventilation in the room. We recommend leaving the heater on for at least half an hour with the air vent open and the door and windows closed.
Lack of routine sauna cleaning is also a big problem when it comes to wet marks. Sweat and moisture residue build up over time.
► Kermo’s Solution: Wipe down all sauna surfaces with a damp cloth after each use and periodically deep-clean.
Another error is throwing water on walls or benches. This practice increases direct water contact with the wood.
► Kermo’s Solution: Only pour water on the heater stones to create steam.
Why is it important to clean the sauna after every use?
Kermo: It’s important to clean your sauna to prevent stains and odours. Regular cleaning removes sweat, oils, and dirt that can discolor wood or produce unpleasant smells. Proper cleaning maintains the sauna’s natural appearance and prevents dulling over time.
Another reason it’s essential to clean is because moisture left unchecked can lead to mold growth, posing health risks. Persistent moisture can also lead to timber rot, making the wood brittle and compromising the sauna’s integrity.
Why should you avoid sitting directly on a sauna bench with wet clothes or swimsuits?
Kermo: Wet clothes and swimsuits introduce excess water, soaking into the wood and leaving wet marks or stains.
► Kermo’s Solution: Shower and dry off before using the sauna, and always use towels to sit on.
Why should you avoid using a hose or power washer in your sauna?
Kermo: High-pressure water from a hose or power washer can damage the sauna wood’s surface, strip protective finishes, and force water into seams, leading to swelling or warping.
► Kermo’s Solution: Clean with a damp cloth and mild wood-safe detergent for effective and safe maintenance.
Are there signs to look out for that indicate the sauna wood needs attention?
Kermo: There’s three main signs to look out for in regards to your sauna’s timber.
The first is fading or discoloration of the wood. The second is rough or dry texture. And the third is you find you’re having difficulty cleaning stains or marks effectively.
► Kermo’s Solution: Regular treatment helps the sauna wood resist moisture and dirt, keeping it in excellent condition.
How often should sauna owners re-treat their wooden surfaces with protective products?
Kermo: Sauna owners should re-treat their wooden surfaces annually with a breathable, wood-safe protective oil or preservative.
How does routine sauna maintenance help extend its life?
Kermo: Regular care keeps wood from absorbing excess moisture. As we talked about earlier, this prevents mold growth and keeps the environment hygienic, as well as preventing damage by reducing the risk of rot and warping.
In fact, cleaning and treating the sauna wood regularly helps preserve its appearance and maintain its natural beauty.
Ultimately, routine sauna maintenance avoids costly repairs or replacement by addressing small issues early.
What advice would you give to someone who has already noticed wet marks or damage on their sauna benches? Is it possible to reverse this?
Kermo: If wet marks are present, you may be able to restore the surface.
Firstly, sand the entire affected board with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure an even and consistent appearance. Spot-sanding can result in uneven coloring and texture. Once sanding is complete, apply a wood-safe protective treatment to restore the board’s finish and enhance its moisture resistance.
If the wood is already warped or mold-infested, however, replacing the affected pieces may be necessary.
At the end of the day, wet marks are preventable with proper habits and maintenance. A focus on prevention will ensure your sauna remains a beautiful, long-lasting retreat. It’s essential to establish excellent sauna maintenance habits such as using towels, establishing good ventilation, and cleaning regularly.
Shop Deluxe Thermory Timber at SDS Australia
Thermory’s deluxe European Timbers are available at SDS Australia. Shop elegant natural and heat-treated Aspen and Alder profiles today!
Looking for a pre-fabricated sauna designed with Thermory timber? Discover the range of exclusive premium Auroom Saunas.
