Support & Maintenance
Guide

Post Installation Care & Maintenance

Congratulations on the purchase of your new True North Sauna! 

Our units are engineered to withstand the Canadian climate, but because they are crafted from authentic, raw wood they require specific care to ensure they perform for a lifetime. Use this guide to season your sauna, maintain your heater, and protect your investment against the seasons.

Interior: Keeping the Sauna Clean

A clean interior ensures a better breathing environment and preserves the natural scent of the wood.

 

Routine Maintenance: Regularly sweep or vacuum the interior to remove dust and debris brought in by foot traffic.

 

Seasonal Refresh: A few times a year, lightly scrub the benches and floor with warm water and a mild, natural soap.

 

Deep Cleaning: For stubborn stains or a total refresh, you may use a low-pressure wash or lightly hand-sand the wood with fine-grit sandpaper.

 

A Note on Chemicals: Never use ammonia or harsh chemical cleaners. These will strip the wood’s natural oils and cause it to turn an unnatural gray.

 

The "Low-Moisture" Rule: Never use a high-pressure washer inside your sauna. A simple damp cloth and a mild oxygen-based cleaner are all you need for the benches.

 

Foot Traffic: To keep the floor staves pristine, we recommend a "shoes-off" policy or using a cedar floor duckboard that can be removed and rinsed.

 

Post-Sauna Venting: After your session, leave the door or vents open for 30 minutes. The residual heat from the stones will "bake out" any remaining moisture, preventing mildew.

Exterior: Managing the Elements

Your sauna is a living structure designed to react to its environment.

 

The "Tightening" Process: Depending on your local humidity, the wood will naturally expand and contract. This is intentional. As the wood absorbs moisture, it swells against the steel tension bands, creating a tighter, more efficient seal between the staves.

 

Natural Weathering: Over time, exposure to sun and rain will cause the wood to transition into a rugged, silver-grey patina. This is purely aesthetic and will not compromise the structural integrity or the performance of the sauna.

 

Preserving the Color: If you prefer the look of fresh-cut wood over the weathered look, you may apply an exterior UV-resistant stain.

Water Seepage

Moisture & Stave Seasoning Expect minor moisture seepage on the roof and side walls during the initial seasoning of your sauna. This is a result of the wood’s natural grain and the profile of the staves. This seepage is harmless and will be dried out by the heat of your stove. For any aesthetic water spotting, a light sanding with 80 or 100-grit sandpaper will easily remove the marks.

 

Is my sauna supposed to leak? While a properly installed sauna should never have water dripping inside, minor seepage is normal and expected for outdoor units. This occurs because wood is a natural material, and the staves are designed to expand and contract. This moisture will not damage the structure and disappears once the sauna reaches temperature. 

 

Normal Water Seepage Stains:

Glass Maintenance

Soot buildup is a natural byproduct of wood-fired heating, but it shouldn't block your view of the landscape.

 

The Chemical-Free Trick: For a no-nonsense clean, dip a damp paper towel into the cold, white ash from your stove. Use the ash to scrub the soot off the glass door or windows. It acts as a gentle, effective abrasive that cuts through grime without chemicals.

 

Temperature Safety: Never spray cold water or glass cleaner onto a hot glass surface. Always wait for the sauna to cool completely before cleaning.

Stove & Chimney Safety: Off-Grid Essentials

Ash Management: Empty the ash drawer before every second or third fire. A clogged ash pan restricts oxygen to the fire, causing a "lazy" flame and potentially warping the grate.

 

Creosote & Chimney Sweeping: Inspect your chimney pipe annually for creosote buildup—a sticky, flammable soot. Using dry, seasoned hardwoods (like birch or maple) will significantly reduce buildup compared to softwoods or unseasoned wood.

 

Stone Tray Inspection: Ensure the area where the stones sit is clear of small stone chips that may have broken off, as these can block the heat from rising effectively.

Questions? Call Us: 226-668-5110

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