Barrel saunas are a valuable addition to any home for their unmatched aesthetic and incredible health benefits that accompany their regular use. They are affordable, built on-site, portable, energy-efficient, and offer natural insulation. Also, barrel saunas are portable, heat faster, promote even heat distribution, and allow the wood to swell and shrink to mitigate potential cracks and damages.
Learn more about barrel saunas
Barrel saunas construction uses durable materials to withstand external elements and last for years. Even though they are sturdy, barrel saunas are installed outdoors with constant exposure to wind, rain, snow, and sun year-round, which affects their lifespan.
Barrel saunas have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. While they are a lot of fun, they need some maintenance to perform better and prolong their life. A little TLC goes a long way in making them last even over 20 years. Wood is the major component of a barrel sauna, and its regular care and maintenance can help extend the fixture’s functional life.
These simple but crucial steps should be incorporated into the sauna routine to make the barrel sauna last longer and protect the investment:
Tips for before and after use
- Wash the feet before entering the barrel sauna to prevent dirt, grime, sweat build-up, and mold growth.
- Always keep fresh and washed absorbent towels inside the sauna to absorb sweat and dead cells that stain the wood. Place them on floors and benches and always replace used, wet towels after every use with new ones.
- Wipe the benches with a soft towel to remove extra moisture and prolong their lifespan.
- After a steam bath, leave the sauna door open for a few hours to help it dry out quickly.
Barrel sauna cleaning
Monthly cleaning of a regularly used barrel sauna aids in extending its life and keeps it in pristine condition.
- Never keep the barrel sauna on while cleaning it.
- Vacuum or sweep it after a few uses to clean grit, dust, dirt, or tracked-in leaves.
- For cleaning, use a mild cleaning solution with water.
- Avoid using any chemical cleaners as it can put the user at health risk if the sauna is used before the chemical dries or airs out fully.
- Fine-grit sandpaper is a valuable tool to remove stubborn stains and scuff marks.
- Pressure-wash the outside and inside of the barrel sauna at low pressure with a wide nozzle to remove dirt, dust, and debris.
Interior and exterior wood maintenance
- Never use hard water to clean or make steam. It leads to lime build-up, which looks unsightly and is difficult to clean.
- Avoid using sealants, varnish, or protectants inside the sauna as they may crack or warp the wood and expose the user to toxic fumes.
- Treat the exterior wood with wood-penetrating oil.
- Use a UV inhibitor stain to stain the exteriors for enhanced sunlight resistance and prevent fading.
How to increase the life of barrel sauna components
- Wipe down the sauna heater with a soft cloth.
- Always use sauna stones created for use with the sauna heater
- Check the sauna stones routinely and replace the cracked or split open ones.
- Check the door and vents for smooth operation and carry out required repairs.
- Replace any malfunctioning barrel sauna accessory.
- Check the exterior for wear and tear and loosening parts.
Preserve a beloved barrel sauna
Maintaining a barrel sauna or extending its life is not as difficult as it seems. Contact a professional for more information regarding barrel sauna upkeep.