How to Care for Your Leisurecraft Sauna

Regular care will help keep your Leisurecraft sauna clean, comfortable and performing properly for years. Cedar is naturally durable and requires minimal maintenance, but good ventilation, routine cleaning and periodic inspection are important.

Before Each Use

• Check that the sauna is clean and free of personal items or debris.
• Make sure the air intake and outlet vents are unobstructed to maintain proper airflow.
• Inspect the heater area and make sure nothing is resting against or near the heater.
• Check that the sauna stones are properly positioned and have not shifted excessively.
• Use a towel on the benches whenever possible to help absorb perspiration and protect the wood.
• If using a wood-burning heater, inspect the firebox and chimney area before lighting the fire.

After Each Use / Day-to-Day Care

• Ventilate the sauna: Open the door after each session to allow fresh air to circulate and moisture to escape.
• Wipe down surfaces: Use a clean, dry towel to remove moisture and perspiration from benches, backrests and other wooden surfaces.
• Leave benches and floor areas uncovered so they can dry thoroughly.
• Remove wet towels, clothing and other items from the sauna.
• If required, lightly rinse heavily used bench areas with clean water and allow them to dry completely.
• Do not leave standing water inside the sauna.

Regular Cleaning

• Use warm water and a mild soap with a soft cloth or non-abrasive brush.
• Pay particular attention to benches, backrests, floor areas and other high-contact surfaces.
• Wipe or rinse away any soap residue.
• Allow the sauna to dry completely with the door open.
• Lightly sand stained or rough cedar surfaces when necessary using fine-grit sandpaper — always sand with the grain.
• Vacuum or sweep underneath benches periodically to remove dust, hair and debris.
• For commercial or frequently used saunas, cleaning should be performed more often.

Sauna Heater & Stones

• Inspect the heater regularly and maintain according to the heater manufacturer's instructions.
• Check sauna stones periodically for cracking, deterioration or excessive settling.
• Rearrange stones as required to maintain good airflow through the heater.
• Replace broken or deteriorated stones.
• Never pack sauna stones tightly together — proper airflow is essential.
• Keep the area around the heater clear of towels, buckets and other objects.
• For wood-burning heaters, remove ashes when completely cool and inspect the chimney and flue regularly.

Cedar Care

The Interior Cedar

The interior cedar of your Leisurecraft sauna is normally left natural and unfinished. Over time, cedar may naturally darken or develop variations in colour — this is normal and does not affect performance.

If you wish to enhance and protect the interior wood:

• Use only a product specifically designed for sauna interiors.
• Leisurecraft recommends Livos Meldos Sauna Oil for this purpose.
• Never apply paint, varnish or conventional exterior stain to interior sauna surfaces.

The Exterior Cedar

The exterior cedar can be left unfinished or protected with an exterior wood finish.

• Natural Weathering: If left untreated, cedar will gradually weather to a natural silver-grey colour. This is normal and does not reduce its natural durability.
• Maintaining the Original Colour: Apply a high-quality penetrating exterior wood finish suitable for cedar. Leisurecraft recommends and stocks Livos exterior wood finishes. Reapply as required when colour begins to fade.

Barrel Sauna Band Maintenance

Cedar naturally expands and contracts as humidity and weather conditions change. This movement is normal.

• Check the bands after initial installation, typically within the first month.
• Inspect periodically afterward and tighten loose bands using a ¾-inch wrench.
• Bands should be secure but not excessively tightened — allow cedar staves to expand naturally.

Seasonal Care

In spring and fall, inspect the following:

• Exterior cedar and roofing
• Doors, hinges, handles and hardware
• Barrel bands (where applicable)
• Vents and airflow
• Heater and sauna stones
• Underneath benches and around the floor
• Sauna base drainage

For outdoor saunas, remove excessive leaves, snow or debris from the roof and surrounding area throughout the year.

Winter Care

Leisurecraft outdoor saunas are designed for year-round use, including Canadian winters.

• Remove excessive snow accumulation from the roof.
• Keep the entrance and surrounding area clear of snow and ice.
• Make sure vents are not blocked by snow.
• Do not use sharp metal tools to remove ice from cedar surfaces.
• Continue to ventilate the sauna after every use, even in cold weather.

Annual Maintenance Checklist

At least once per year:

• Thoroughly clean the sauna interior
• Inspect benches and backrests
• Tighten loose screws, bolts and hardware
• Check doors, hinges and handles
• Inspect ventilation openings
• Inspect the heater and electrical connections visually
• Inspect and rearrange sauna stones; replace damaged stones
• For wood-burning heaters, inspect and clean the chimney as required
• Check barrel bands on applicable models
• Inspect exterior cedar; lightly sand rough areas
• Reapply exterior wood protection if desired
• Inspect roofing and exterior components for signs of wear or damage

What to Avoid

• Do not use bleach, chlorine or harsh household cleaners on cedar
• Do not pressure wash the sauna interior
• Do not use abrasive cleaning pads on cedar
• Do not apply paint, varnish or conventional exterior stain to interior sauna surfaces
• Do not block sauna ventilation
• Do not leave wet towels or standing water inside the sauna
• Do not place combustible materials near the heater
• Do not pack sauna stones too tightly
• Do not excessively tighten barrel bands

With routine cleaning, good ventilation and periodic inspection, your Leisurecraft sauna will require very little maintenance while providing years of enjoyable use.