caring-for-wood
Caring for your sauna.
One habit does most of the work: let it dry before you close it.
At a glance
| Task | How often | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Air out after use, 15–20 min | Every session | Both |
| Wipe interior moisture | Every session | Both |
| Unplug from the wall | Every session | Both |
| Dry fully before folding away | Before storage | Kiuas |
| Zip care (clean, don't force) | Ongoing | Kiuas |
| Wipe benches, check stove & stones | Regularly | Hemlock |
Kiuas Dry Sauna — after every session
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Power off and unplug
At the wall, every time. The heater holds meaningful heat for a while — let it cool before packing anything.
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Open up and air out
Unzip the cabin and let heat and moisture dissipate for 15–20 minutes. Even a dry sauna accumulates sweat moisture.
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Wipe it down
Dry cloth over any interior moisture, the seat and the mat.
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Only fold it dry
If you're packing the sauna away, it must be completely dry first. Folding fabric with moisture inside is how mould starts — and mould isn't a warranty fault.
Zip care
The zips are the hardest-working part of a fold-away sauna. Open and close them slowly; if you feel resistance, stop and check for caught fabric rather than forcing it. Wipe the teeth with a dry cloth now and then, and if a zip stiffens, a small amount of beeswax-based lubricant fixes it — never oil-based products on the fabric.
Heater care
- Keep the heater's vents clear of dust and lint.
- Check the cord and plug periodically for wear.
- Never let water contact the heater — this is a dry sauna by design.
Hemlock Sauna — routine care
- After each session, leave the door open 15–20 minutes so heat and moisture escape. Never close it up damp.
- Wipe benches and backrests with a clean damp cloth; a mild soap solution occasionally is fine. Never varnish, seal or paint interior timber — it needs to breathe, and coatings off-gas at temperature.
- Check the stove stones periodically: reposition any that have settled, and replace cracked ones per the manual.
- Interior timber will deepen in colour with use — that's normal.
- Never modify wiring or attempt electrical repairs yourself.
- Kiuas: wall socket only, no extension leads or powerboards.
- Hemlock: the 6 kW stove stays on its dedicated, electrician-installed circuit.
- A fuse or breaker that trips has a reason — find it before resetting, and if it repeats, contact us.
Signs something's off
- Musty smell (Kiuas) — packed away damp; air and dry it fully
- Weaker heat — check preheat time, placement and (Hemlock) which mode is running before assuming a fault
- Stiff or derailed zip — clean and ease it; don't force it, and contact us if it's off its track