Clean Portable Steam Sauna: 4 Powerful Hacks

Steam saunas create moisture constantly during use. After all, steam is how they heat up the air around the user, and indirectly, the user himself. However, keeping a clean portable steam sauna matters more than people realize.

If you skip cleaning, your portable steam sauna won’t stay pleasant for long. Damp smell and mold spots are quick to move in if your sauna is not properly maintained. Even your steam generator requires regular cleaning. Otherwise, you will quickly see mineral buildup that could cause problems in the long run.

While the cleaning process may be tedious and not something you are looking forward to, it matters. This guide will explain why.

Why Steam Saunas Need More Cleaning Than Infrareds

When it comes to portable saunas, you really only have two options – a steam sauna vs infrared sauna. They differ in many aspects, but when it comes to cleaning, steam saunas definitely need more work.

The reason behind this is that steam creates constant humidity, as mentioned previously. This is simply how they were designed to work. In doing so, they warm up the air inside the tent, as well as the user.

The warm and damp environment that the process produces is perfect for sweating. Unfortunately, it is also perfect for the development of mold, mildew, and odors. Additionally, steam generators themselves are not safe, as the process creates mineral deposits. You can even end up having issues such as leftover water residue.

All of this means that steam saunas require a bit more work in terms of maintenance. While it is less practical than infrareds, it is the price you pay for the true sauna experience.

What Do You Need to Clean Portable Steam Sauna

The good news is that you don’t need much to clean a portable steam sauna. You simply need some basic supplies, most of which you likely already have at home.

A soft cloth and a cleaning solution are the essentials. Mild soap works best, although you can also use baking soda mixed with water.

Apart from that, you just need some warm water and a dry towel. You can also use disinfecting wipes, but that is completely optional and up to you. If you have some at hand – great. If not, no harm done.

Lastly, you can also use white vinegar to prevent mineral buildup. That’s pretty much all there is to it in terms of preparation.

One thing to note is to avoid any sort of harsh cleaner or bleach. Strong chemicals are not recommended, as their effect is too strong for a portable sauna. Using them is a sure way to ensure that the fabric gets damaged.

Also, while cleaning a portable sauna is very simple, you should make sure not to soak electrical parts. Doing so might require you to replace parts, at best, or get a completely new sauna at worst.

How to Clean a Portable Steam Sauna After Use

To clean a portable steam sauna properly, you just need to follow four simple steps:

Step 1: Unplug the sauna

Start by turning off the sauna and unplugging the steamer. Let it sit for a while for everything to cool off. During this time, while you wait, focus on your own post-session routine. We talked about what this routine should look like in our guide on how to use a portable sauna.

Step 2: Empty the steamer

Once everything has cooled off, your next move is to empty the steamer. That means removing any leftover water from it. Doing so will help prevent mineral buildup. Not only that, but removing extra water will prevent the stagnant water smell from forming.

Step 3: Wipe down the inside of the tent

Next, to ensure you have a clean sauna for the future, you must wipe down the tent. Use a mixture of warm water and baking soda or gentle soap to clean it. You can even put the mixture into a spray bottle for easier use.

Make sure to wipe the tent walls, but also the chair and floor mat if you have them as part of your setup. Lastly, don’t forget to also clean the steam hose area. This is a section that many tend to forget or ignore. However, since the vapors are coming through it, it definitely deserves attention. Ignoring it is likely to result in unpleasant smells later.

Step 4: Dry the sauna completely

Finally, with everything clean, the last step is to let it dry properly. You can speed up the process by trying to absorb moisture with a dry towel. However, the best you can do is leave the sauna out for a while and let it dry naturally.

Leave any zippers and windows it may have open, and ensure it is in a well-ventilated room. You can even use a small fan if you have it, although it is not necessary. Good airflow is more than enough to get the job done.

Biggest mistakes to avoid

There are not too many mistakes one can make when cleaning their sauna. The biggest one by far is skipping the process and not cleaning it at all. As long as you do some cleaning, you are already better off.

As we have seen, the biggest problem comes from storing a sauna that is still damp. This will definitely cause mold problems very quickly. Using bleach or other strong chemicals is also a common mistake that could cause damage to the fabric.

To prevent moisture, wipe the tent and any other parts, and ensure they are dry before storing them away. Just be careful not to spray water onto electrical components. Lastly, don’t forget to clean the steamer and the vapor hose, as they also need attention.

Deep Cleaning the Steam Generator

One thing that you should remember is to deep clean your steam generator from time to time. This is done to prevent mineral buildup, which can negatively affect performance over time.

That is why it’s important to remove leftover water after a session and not let it sit for a while. 

Also, you can use a diluted vinegar/water solution and run a short cleaning cycle. Check if the manufacturer allows that in the instructions. After the cycle is done, rinse the steamer thoroughly, and that’s it.

How to Tell If Your Portable Steam Sauna Needs Cleaning

To keep things simple, it is best to clean your portable steam sauna regularly, after each use. Beyond that, you can keep an eye out for a few signs that your sauna needs cleaning.

For example, if you notice a damp or musty smell, that’s a strong signal that you should do a thorough clean.

Visible discoloration or spots that appear on the fabric are also a clear sign. Other than that, if you notice a reduced steam output or mineral residue in the steamer, clean it as soon as you can.

FAQ

Conclusion

It is essential to regularly clean a portable steam sauna and let it dry well. Fortunately, that is all you need to do for proper maintenance. The process itself is not difficult – the important part is to do it regularly.

Routine care is the most important thing to have a clean sauna. Regular maintenance prevents mold problems and eliminates odor before it can form. Plus, deep cleaning the tent, the steamer, and the steam hose has other benefits. It will ensure that your sauna stays in good condition and that it lasts longer.

Cleaning the hose and the steamer is especially important to remove mineral buildup. That allows you to maintain a strong steam output and have enjoyable sessions.

If you want help in picking a low-maintenance steam sauna, check out our top picks for the 5 best portable steam saunas for home.