How to Remove Sweat Stains From Saunas

Sauna sessions are a perfect way to detox your body and spend some me-time after a taxing and energizing morning yoga session. 

Let's face it — while we all appreciate a good sweat for its health benefits, stubborn sweat marks can dull the wood's sheen and become a health concern. 

Beyond affecting aesthetics, these marks can harbor bacteria, leading to intertrigo and fungal infections or even exacerbating conditions like psoriasis. 

Upkeep is essential to keeping your sauna pristine and health risks at bay. In this article, we’ll share tried-and-true methods for removing sweat stains and maintaining your sauna's health.

Cleaning Products to Remove Sauna Sweat Stains

How do you remove sweat stains from saunas? Natural cleaning solutions should be your go-to choice if you want to adopt an eco-friendly approach to removing pesky stains. These solutions do not contain harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia that can cause respiratory or skin irritations, making them safer for users with sensitivities.

They also don't affect the sauna's heater usage or air quality. The best part? Natural solutions help neutralize the organic components of sweat that cause odors without masking them with overpowering fragrances. 

Some natural cleaning solutions include:

• White Vinegar: White vinegar contains acetic acid, which can break down oils, film, bacteria, and proteins found in sweat stains. Despite its mild content, it can react with certain types of wood, causing irreversible damage to its surface. To avoid this, it's best to test it in an inconspicuous sauna area, like under the bench, before starting on the bigger stains.

• Baking Soda: (Otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate) is a mild alkali that dissolves dirt, grime, and grease easily. It is useful for tackling sweat stains and cleaning a sauna.

• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is a non-toxic acidic product that works similarly to bleach. This natural disinfectant can help remove bacteria that may linger after a sweaty sauna session. You can even use the lemon rind to polish and enhance the natural luster of the wooden surfaces.  

• Hydrogen Peroxide: Known for its antibacterial properties, hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that can help lighten tough sweat stains.

While one can't deny the importance of baking soda and vinegar solutions, you should also add some non-DIY sauna-appropriate products, such as Steam Sauna Living Sauna Room Cleaner, to your cleanup arsenal. 

Tools for How to Remove Sweat Stains from Saunas

Besides these cleaning agents, you can use the following tools for a thorough cleanse:

• Non-Abrasive Brushes: Soft-bristle brushes can dislodge grime and stains without scratching the sauna wood.

• Microfiber Cloths: Microfiber cloths are effective for applying cleaners and wiping down surfaces. They do not leave lint behind and can absorb moisture.

• Bucket or Bowl: Buckets or bowls are commonly used to mix water with the cleaning product of choice. Ensure they are big enough to stir the solution and dip your sponges.

• Rubber Gloves: Cleaning solutions, even those made from household products, can sometimes be harsh on the skin. Rubber gloves act as a barrier between your hands and the bacteria present in the cleaning area while preventing dryness, irritation, and potential allergic reactions.

• Face Mask: During cleaning, some cleaning solutions might emit fumes that can be irritating or harmful if inhaled. Wearing a mask will protect your respiratory system.

How to Remove Sweat Stains from Saunas: Step-By-Step Instructions

After gathering all the products, follow these steps to remove sweat stains from the sauna:

• If you've recently used the sauna, turn down the temperature and ensure it's cooled down completely before cleaning to avoid any heat-related incidents or damage to the wood.

• Mix a solution of warm water and white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio in a bucket or bowl. Consider adding a few drops of liquid dish soap if you're dealing with a month-old stain. 

• For tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and water. 

• Now, wear your rubber gloves. Depending on your sauna's ventilation or if you're using a robust cleaning solution, you might also put on your facemask.

• Pre-treat sweat stains by applying the vinegar solution and leaving it for 10–15 minutes. 

• Use 150–180 grit sandpaper to lift the unsightly stains.

• Apply a thin layer of baking soda using the bristle brush and scrub it in a circular motion until it disappears. 

• Rinse the cleaned area with water and blot any excess water using a dry microfiber cloth.

• Repeat the previous steps if stains persist.

• After cleaning and drying, leave the door slightly open to air out any unpleasant, off-putting odor that might ruin your next sauna session. 

• While it's unnecessary, you should use paraffin oil to treat the wooden benches. This treatment will protect wood from dirt and impurities while reducing the likelihood of future sweat stains. Apply a generous amount to a clean cloth and rub it into the benches toward the wood grain. Allow it to soak in for a few hours or overnight for best results, then buff any excess oil off with a dry cloth to prevent a slippery surface.

FAQs: How to Remove Sweat Stains from Saunas

How do you clean a smelly sauna? 

To clean a smelly sauna, air it out to remove any lingering odors. Then, wipe down all surfaces with a mixture of water and mild detergent, paying extra attention to benches, walls, and floors. 

You can also consider using specialized sauna cleaning products or natural solutions like vinegar diluted in water. Also, make sure that there is proper ventilation to prevent future odors.

What happens if you don't clean your sauna? 

If you don't clean your sauna regularly, it can lead to the buildup of bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors. Neglecting sauna maintenance may also damage the sauna's materials over time.

Why do I sweat black in a sauna? 

Sweating black in a sauna could be a sign that your body is releasing toxins, particularly if you've recently engaged in activities that involve exposure to pollutants or heavy metals. 

However, consulting a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying health concerns is essential.

What happens when you sweat in a sauna? 

When you sweat in a sauna, your body's temperature rises due to the heat exposure. Your heart rate increases, blood vessels dilate, and you start to sweat, which helps regulate your body temperature. 

Sweating in a sauna can also promote detoxification, relaxation, and skin cleansing by flushing out toxins and impurities through your pores.

How to Remove Sweat Stains from Saunas: Final Words

When you use the sauna daily, preventing every mark of those intense sessions is nearly impossible. However, you can certainly take some preventative measures to maintain its cleanliness and longevity. 

This includes using towels or seat covers to absorb excess sweat, placing a yoga mat before a sauna ab workout, or wiping down the benches quickly after usage.

At GRIM PARENT LIMITED, we have a range of accessories, including gentle cleaning solutions, buckets, and more, to complement your cleaning process. If you have any questions or need recommendations, don't hesitate to contact us for personalized advice!