August is a month when summer still spoils us with warm and cozy evenings, but autumn is slowly approaching. Attentive sauna enthusiasts usually start thinking about the approaching autumn this month, so they gradually begin the most important sauna maintenance work. Those who do not yet have their own sauna start planning its construction so that both the former and the latter can enjoy their saunas when the weather cools down and eventually freezes.
Sauna maintenance as autumn approaches: what is important to do?
If you already have a sauna, August is the perfect time to inspect it, clean it, and perform the necessary maintenance work. First, we recommend thoroughly inspecting the stove: check for cracks and burns. If you notice that the sauna is difficult to heat up, it may be that heat is escaping through damaged parts of the stove – in this case, for better sauna procedures and personal safety, it may need to be replaced.
The next step is to sort and clean the sauna stones. Over time, the stones become compressed and their shape changes, which reduces the amount of steam and impairs its quality. The stones should be washed with warm water, scrubbed with a soft brush, and rearranged so that air can circulate freely. If the stones are cracked or yellowed, it is time to replace them.
Cleaning wooden surfaces and protecting them from moisture and heat
At the end of the summer season, you will notice accumulated dirt in the sauna. The sauna benches, walls, and floor should be thoroughly washed with warm water and a special sauna cleaner. When cleaning, always scrub the wood along the grain to avoid damaging its structure.
After cleaning, it is recommended to cover the dried wood with a protective layer – paraffin oil or oil-based impregnants specially designed for sauna interiors are ideal for this purpose. These not only enhance the wood grain, but also help repel moisture and dirt. Darker spots can be removed with soft sandpaper and then thoroughly cleaned with the product.
Impregnation, varnishing, and other important work: when to start?
August is often a time for external sauna maintenance work – it is the perfect time to impregnate or varnish the walls, doors, and window frames of your sauna. Dry weather and warm winds allow the wood to dry quickly, so protective measures are more effective. Such work helps to preserve the aesthetics and longevity of the sauna.
At the end of summer, it is easier to spot areas damaged by sun, rain, or temperature fluctuations, such as cracks, discoloration, or loss of shine. Before impregnation, it is necessary to clean the surface of dirt, moss, or mold and, if necessary, sand it lightly. This not only improves the appearance of the wood but also allows the protective coating to penetrate or "stick" better. It is usually recommended to renew the exterior finish of the sauna at least once every 2–3 years, but if the sauna is located in an open, windy, or damp place, this should be done more often.
Planning the construction of your future sauna: from idea to reality
August is also a great time to start thinking about building a new sauna. It is during this month that people begin to take an active interest in projects, decide whether to build a sauna near their home or further away, choose materials, coordinate technical solutions, and look for reliable craftsmen. Although actual construction usually begins in the fall, in September or October, advance preparation allows the work to proceed more smoothly and quickly.
When planning to build a sauna on your farmstead or at home, it is important to consider the type of heating (wood-burning or electric stove), specially adapted stones (jadeite, vulcanite, soapstone, olivine diabase, etc.), choose the right insulation and ventilation, and decide whether to include a terrace, shower, or relaxation area. Experienced builders recommend having a clear plan and sticking to it – then you can expect the sauna to be finished by Christmas, and you will be able to try it out for the first time during the winter holidays. You can read more about building a sauna here: building a sauna – a difficult task for anyone who has one.
