How to Properly Clean a Sauna on Board a Yacht

A sauna on a yacht requires different cleaning procedures compared to a land-based sauna. Marine humidity, salt, vibrations, and guest use make delicate and regular maintenance essential. To facilitate cleaning and ensure hygiene and wood longevity, Centro Italia Yachting provides the original Finnish professional kit, specifically designed for the care of saunas on board.

The kit includes disinfectant detergent, paraffin oil, abrasive paper, and professional sponges — everything needed to keep the cabin in perfect condition. Below is the complete cleaning procedure, which can be followed using the kit or equivalent sauna-safe products.


1. Products to Use (and Products to Avoid)

To preserve the wood and maintain a clean sauna without risking damage, it is essential to carefully choose the right products. Some detergents and oils are ideal, while others can damage the wood and create unpleasant odors when the sauna heats up. The most recommended products are:

  • sauna-specific detergents
  • soft sponges
  • microfiber cloths
  • paraffin oil specifically for sauna wood (included in the kit)

The products that should NOT be used include:

  • alcohol-based products
  • multi-purpose sprays
  • limescale removers or bleach
  • perfumed detergents
  • unsuitable oils (risk of burning)

These products damage the wood and generate unpleasant odors when the sauna is heated.


2. Cleaning After Each Use

After each session, it is important to remove sweat and residues to maintain cabin hygiene and ensure proper wood ventilation. Therefore, you should:

  • wipe benches and backrests with a damp cloth
  • remove sweat and residues
  • leave the door open for 30 minutes to ventilate and dry

 

3. Weekly Deep Cleaning

Once a week, it is recommended to perform a more thorough cleaning to prevent stains and dirt buildup, using gentle, sauna-specific products. Follow this procedure:

  1. Dilute 100 ml (3.4 fl oz.) of detergent in 10 liters (2.6 gallons) of water.
  2. Clean benches, slats, and walls with a sponge.
  3. For stubborn stains, use the rough side of the sponge.
  4. Rinse with clean water.
  5. Dry completely.

The kit detergent is non-toxic, fragrance-free, and sanitizing, making it ideal for yacht sauna cabins.
 

4. Monthly Cleaning and Wood Care

Once a month, after cleaning and drying, it is advisable to nourish the wood to protect it and maintain its original appearance. After cleaning and drying, proceed as follows:

  1. Apply paraffin oil using a lint-free cloth.
  2. Follow the direction of the wood grain.
  3. Allow to dry for 30–60 minutes.
  4. Repeat on very dry wood.


Paraffin oil offers the following benefits:

  • nourishes the wood
  • prevents mold
  • reduces absorption of sweat, creams, or salt
  • restores the original appearance


Note: never apply paraffin oil to the heater stones.


5. Post-Charter Cleaning (Essential)

After guest use, a thorough cleaning is essential to remove residues of creams and oils and to keep the cabin perfectly hygienic. The steps are:

  • remove sunscreen or oil residues
  • perform a deep cleaning with Harvia detergent
  • dry the cabin completely
  • optionally carry out light sanding

 

6. What NOT to Do

Be aware that some common practices can damage the wood or compromise sauna hygiene. It is therefore best to:

  • not wash the wood with excessive water
  • not close the sauna immediately after cleaning
  • not use aggressive products
  • not clean with metal sponges
  • not apply perfumed products


7. Persistent Odors or Mold

If unpleasant odors persist or mold appears despite cleaning, prompt action is required to protect the cabin and the wood. Recommended actions include:

  • checking ventilation
  • replacing blackened stones
  • checking internal humidity levels
  • sanding and treating with paraffin oil

If issues such as blackened or burnt slats, recurring mold, stones that darken quickly, burnt smells, or poor cabin ventilation occur, it is advisable to contact a specialized technician. For professional assistance and to purchase the complete cleaning and maintenance kit for yacht saunas, you can contact Centro Italia Yachting at the Italy Toll-Free Number 800 931 931 or at +39 327 612 0605 from abroad.