Sunlighten natural sauna cleaning products including sauna cleaner, glass cleaner, microfiber cloth, and sanding sponge inside a wood infrared sauna.
August 07, 2025

How to Clean an Infrared Sauna

Light Science

Infrared sauna maintenance is important to the quality of your sauna experience. Learn about how to clean an infrared sauna.

Infrared saunas & hygiene

Infrared saunas induce deep sweating that naturally deposits oils, skin cells, and impurities onto benches, walls and glass. Regular sauna cleaning and infrared sauna maintenance are essential to preserve a hygienic environment and protect the wood surfaces used in Sunlighten saunas. 

Choosing cleaning products

Sunlighten offers a  purpose-made, non-toxic infrared sauna cleaning solution that is safe on both interior wood and glass surfaces—and is more reliable than generic or multi-purpose household cleaners that may damage wood or void warranties. 

  • The Natural Cleaning Kit contains a plant-based Sauna Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, a microfiber cloth, and sanding sponge for gentle but effective cleaning and polishing.  
  • For specialized care, the kit includes separate Natural Wood Cleaner and Natural Glass Cleaner options, each vegan, fragrance-free, and gentle on surfaces.  

These cleansers are ideal for infrared sauna cleaning and infrared sauna care, offering antibacterial, antimicrobial, and mold-prevention without harsh chemical residues. 

Helpful tools for sauna cleaning include:

  • Microfiber cloths – Ideal for gently wiping down wood and glass surfaces without scratching or leaving lint. 
  • Soft-grit sanding sponges (around 150 grit) – Useful for lightly sanding away sweat stains or residue buildup on wood surfaces. 
  • Detail brushes or soft sponges – Help reach tight corners, control panels, and seams without damaging materials. 

These tools support effective infrared sauna cleaning while preserving the integrity and appearance of your sauna’s interior. 

Cleaning an infrared sauna after use

Quick post-session cleaning steps

  1. Wait for the sauna to cool down. 
  2. Use the Sauna Cleaner or diluted wood cleaner and the supplied microfiber cloth to wipe benches, walls, and backrests, focusing on areas in direct contact with skin. 
  3. Wipe glass surfaces with the Glass Cleaner spray. 
  4. Wipe down benches and floor after use and (if applicable) regularly launder sauna cushion covers. 
  5. Prop the door open 10–15 minutes to air out moisture. 

Using the Natural Cleaning Kit simplifies this routine with curated tools and solutions. 

Deep cleaning an infrared sauna 

For scheduled maintenance: 

  • Remove linens and vacuum corners or crevices. 
  • Wipe surfaces (wood and glass) thoroughly using diluted cleaners from the kit. 
  • Treat persistent stains or residue with the 150-grit sanding sponge. 
  • Buff wood with a dry microfiber cloth to eliminate sanding dust and restore texture. 
  • Inspect heater panels (when cool) and gently wipe them with a microfiber towel or soft cloth —never apply chemicals directly to heating elements. 

These deep cleaning steps are best done every 1–2 weeks, with monthly sanding using an 80-grit sanding sponge if heavily used. 

Cleaning & maintenance for portable saunas

The compact Sunlighten Solo portable sauna benefits even more from targeted sanitation: 

  • Use a CELLIANT® Bath Towel in addition to the SoloPad® cover consistently to minimize direct contact of the SoloPad with sweat. 
  • Extend the domes and turn the sauna on to max heat for 10-15 minutes to help dry out the sauna and prevent bacteria from forming due to residual sweat. 
  • While cool, you can wipe down the SoloPad using the Natural Sauna Cleaner—especially toward corners and floor area. 
  • In smaller spaces, ventilation is more critical—remove the Solo curtain after use and consider running a fan to expedite drying. 
  • For deep-seated stains, create a paste of baking soda and water. Let it set for a couple of hours, then wipe it off to help lift the stains.  

Integrating these cleaning protocols ensures effective portable sauna maintenance and infrared sauna care, even in tight quarters. 

How to clean an infrared sauna

Keeping your sauna clean is essential for hygiene, mold prevention, and longevity. Sunlighten’s Natural Cleaning Kit and individual Wood and Glass Cleaners are formulated to deliver effective, safe cleaning while preserving warranty and structure. With quick cleaning after each use, regular deep maintenance, and occasional sanding and inspection, you maintain a fresh, sanitary environment and ensure lasting performance of your infrared sauna. 

Shop industry-leading saunas

profile picture

WRITTEN BY: Sunlighten

Shining light on infrared technology, Sunlighten® is the #1 choice for personalized infrared light treatments. Since 1999, we have been committed to innovating wellness products and services that empower our customers to improve their quality of life. Our patented SoloCarbon® technology rejuvenates the body by delivering the highest dose of infrared energy to the body - proven up to 99% effective. Our technological innovations are fueled by our passion to make a difference. And we are building a global community of businesses, consumers, and trusted experts to support each other along the way and make the world a healthier, happier place.

Sunlighten saunas are not a medical device as defined by Section 201(h) of the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. Sunlighten provides general information relating to various medical conditions for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for advice provided by a doctor or other qualified health care professional. Please consult with your physician regarding diagnosis or treatment.