Key Takeaways:
- Steam rooms should be kept clean and regularly disinfected to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria and viruses.
- They should be cleaned once or twice a week in a private setting or daily in a commercial one.
- The bench, walls, floor, and components must be cleaned thoroughly.
- Avoid ammonia-based products and use a mild detergent in the steam room.
- You can use natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda to disinfect.
Cleanliness is essential for health and hygiene, and this goes for steam rooms as well. Think about it, you're sitting there enjoying the steam and sweating, but where does that sweat go? It's all over the bench, the floor, and the walls. That means a lot of germs and gunk gets left behind.
Cleaning a commercial steam room (or a residential one) is simple and requires scrubbing it with hot soapy water, disinfectant, and plenty of cloths and mops. As long as you avoid ammonia, you will be fine, and there is plenty of detergents that are gentle on wood out there.
In this guide, we take you through everything you need about cleaning steam rooms to provide your guests (or yourself) with a clean and hygienic space. Grime only leads to illnesses, so it's in everyone's best interest to keep it clean and healthy.
How Often Should Steam Rooms be Cleaned?
Steam rooms should be cleaned REGULARLY to ensure that germs and bacteria are properly removed. Depending on the amount of use, a steam room SHOULD be cleaned at least once or twice a WEEK.
This is important as sweat and dirt can accumulate QUICKLY and create an ideal environment for bacteria and viruses to THRIVE. For commercial steam rooms, it is recommended to clean them daily since they are used by NUMEROUS people throughout the day [1].
How Can You Clean and Maintain a Steam Room?
If you want to ensure your steam room remains CLEAN and up to standard, there are several key areas to FOCUS on (and methods you can use to get them in perfect condition again). Here's everything you NEED to know.
Pro Tip: This advice can also be used for a steam shower or an infrared sauna, as they follow the same hygiene principles.
Cleaning the Bench in the Steam Room
Cleaning the wooden benches in a steam room is ESSENTIAL to maintain hygiene and prevent any possible illnesses. To properly clean it, you SHOULD use hot soapy water and scrub the bench's surface.
Additionally, you can use a CLOTH or mop soaked in a mild antibacterial cleaner to remove dirt and bacteria from the surface. It is important to AVOID the use of ammonia-based cleaning products as they can DAMAGE both wood and stone surfaces.
Cleaning the Walls of the Steam Room
Cleaning the walls of a steam room is essential to ENSURE that it remains hygienic and free from germs and bacteria. It is IMPORTANT to use proper cleaning methods to protect the surfaces and make sure they are properly DISINFECTED.
The first step is to use HOT soapy water and a cloth or mop to scrub the walls of the steam room. This will help remove any dirt and GRIME that has built up over time. Additionally, you can use a mild disinfectant to KILL germs and bacteria on the surfaces.
Next, you should use a deodorizing cleaner to neutralize any MUSTY or unpleasant odors that may have accumulated over TIME. This will help ensure the steam room remains fresh and INVITING for guests.
Finally, you should finish by WIPING down surfaces with a dry cloth to remove any remaining RESIDUE from your cleaning products.
Cleaning the Floor of the Steam Room
The floor of a steam room is just as IMPORTANT to clean and maintain as the walls and bench. This will help keep it hygienic and free from germs or BACTERIA that could otherwise cause harm.
To properly clean the floor, use hot, SOAPY water and a mop or cloth to scrub away dirt and grime. Afterward, use a disinfectant to remove any bacteria or viruses that MAY be lingering on the surface. Finish off by WIPING down the floor with a dry cloth to remove any residue.
Cleaning the Components of a Steam Room
Cleaning the components of a steam room is VITAL for ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for users.
Wipe down ALL surfaces, including any vents, paying special attention to hidden corners and crevices where dirt and dust accumulate. Then USE an appropriate disinfectant to clean these areas in ACCORDANCE with manufacturer recommendations.
Pro Tip: If cleaning a steam shower, you will also want to wipe down the steam generator with a damp cloth.
Finally, CLEAN the doors and other hardware like hinges, handles, and knobs with a soft cloth or brush using a mild cleaner that WON'T strip away any protective coatings.
To keep the steam room door SEALS in good condition, use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe away sweat and bodily OILS that can accumulate over time.
What Should You Use to Clean a Steam Room?
Keeping a steam room clean and well-maintained is IMPORTANT for providing users with an enjoyable experience. It can also help PREVENT the spread of germs and bacteria, which could lead to ILLNESSES.
Pro Tip: Whether a fitness facility, spa, or personal sauna, this cleaning advice applies to any steam space.
To properly clean a steam room, you should ALWAYS use hot soapy water, mild disinfectants, deodorizers, and all-purpose CLEANERS - supplied by your local store.
You can also use NATURAL products like vinegar and baking soda for additional cleaning power. The equipment you use can be a soft cloth, mop, or brush, DEPENDING on the type of surface you’re cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use a Pressure Washer in a Steam Room?
Pressure washing can destroy the walls and floors of a steam room, so its usage should be avoided.
Can You Use Bleach Solution in a Steam Room?
Bleach is too corrosive and can damage surfaces, but you can use mild disinfectants that are safe for use in steam rooms and can remove perspiration stains.
Can You Use a Vacuum Cleaner in a Steam Room?
Vacuums are not recommended for use in steam rooms as they can damage surfaces. Instead, a soft cloth or mop should be used to clean.
How Does a Steam Room Get Moldy?
Mold can form in steam rooms if the environment is not kept dry. To prevent mold and mildew, make sure to open the door or windows after use to allow for proper air circulation.
To Conclude
Cleaning a steam room is ESSENTIAL for providing users with an enjoyable experience, as well as helping to PREVENT the spread of germs and bacteria.
The recommended cleaning METHODS are hot soapy water, mild disinfectants, deodorizer, all-purpose cleaners, and NATURAL products such as vinegar and baking soda.
Pressure washers should NOT be used in steam rooms due to the risk of damaging surfaces, while vacuums can also cause damage. Finally, PROPER air circulation must be maintained after use to AVOID mold or mildew buildup on walls or floors.
Sources:
- admin. How To Clean A Steam Room - Get The Facts to Stay Healthy. Beststeamshowers.com. Published March 9, 2018. Accessed March 20, 2023. https://beststeamshowers.com/how-to-clean-a-steam-room/
Content editor, marketer and product tester. A regular contributor for the ‘Home And Garden’ and Modern Homes Magazines, now part of a close-knit team, I oversee all the content on Posh. All roads have led to this job which I love. I get to focus on my love of interior design and health and work with a fabulous team. The role brings me a good level of freedom to my family and me and keeps me productive
