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Caring for Your Panorama Barrel Sauna 🌿

Looking after your panorama cedar barrel sauna is straightforward and a little regular maintenance will go a long way. Below is an easy step-by-step guide covering oiling, cleaning, heater or fire stove care, stone replacement and general upkeep.


Oiling the Exterior Cedar of Your Panorama Barrel Sauna


Woodfired Panoramic Barrel Sauna Looking Over Clutha River Near Wanaka New Zealand

Cedar is naturally durable, but it still needs protection from New Zealand’s weather.


Why oil and not stain?


Stains sit on top of the wood and can trap moisture. Oil soaks into the cedar, lets it breathe, and protects the timber without creating a surface layer.


What we recommend


  • Use Dryden WoodOil (exterior use only) as it is specifically designed for New Zealand weather.

  • We recommend the Lite Oak or Walnut tint, but you can choose any tint you like. You can browse the colour range here. 

  • The tint is sold separately and gets mixed into the clear oil. We recommend always adding a tint as opposed to just applying the clear oil (the cedar will naturally weather silver if you only use clear oil) as the tint adds more UV protection.

  • One 4L container should give you multiple applications.

  • Follow the instructions from the Dryden product for the initial application and then reapply to exposed cedar at least twice per year (externally ONLY), or as needed.

  • We recommend applying with a PAL SpeedBrush




Red Cedar Barrel Sauna With Full End Window Looking Over Ocean From Inside At Marlborough Sounds New Zealand

The acrylic/plexiglass window needs gentle cleaning:


  • Handle with care and avoid contact with sharp or abrasive objects.

  • Use a leaf blower or VERY soft brush to wipe off dust before cleaning to avoid scratching.

  • Clean using warm soapy water (EcoStore dish-wash liquid for example) and a very soft microfibre cloth.

  • Avoid harsh chemicals and avoid window or glass cleaners.


Checking the Stainless Steel Straps


Cedar naturally expands and contracts with temperature, humidity and seasonal changes.


  • Check the stainless straps occasionally.

  • Tighten slightly if they have loosened

  • Do not overtighten


Keeping the Inside Clean


Simple cleaning habits help keep your sauna fresh.


Panorama Window Inside A Barrel Sauna Looking Out Over Lake Hawea And New Zealand Southern Alps

  • Vacuum dust and debris with a small handheld vacuum.

  • Shower before using your sauna and always sit on a towel to reduce the build up of sweat marks. You can also put a towel on the floor.

  • Leave the door open for a while after sessions or run the heater briefly to dry out moisture.

  • Clean your feet before entering the sauna to reduce dirt and debris inside

  • After each sauna session, leave the door open until the sauna has cooled and dried out.

  • Do not apply stains, sealants or harsh chemical cleaners on the inside of the sauna - these can off-gas or damage the wood.

  • If benched are visibly stained or discoloured, lightly sand with fine grit sandpaper and wipe clean.


Sauna Stones


Stones are an important part for proper heat and steam.


How to maintain them


At least every 6 months, remove and re-stack the same stones (depending on usage). Vaccum any stone dust or debris sitting at the bottom of the cavity.


  • Larger stones on the bottom, smaller stones on top

  • Ensure good airflow around the heating elements (if electric) and between rocks.

  • Do not over stack your heater.


Replace stones every 12–18 months, or sooner if they crack or crumble. Ensure stones are washed prior to stacking (to remove dust).


Only use proper certified sauna stones (not landscaping, decorative rocks or self-supplied rocks from a quarry).


After Heavy Rain


Some moisture entering the sauna, especially around the window, is normal.


Barrel saunas, especially panoramic saunas with a full window are not sealed like a house. The cedar needs airflow and room to move.


If rain enters:


  • Leave the door open and let the sauna dry naturally.

  • You can run the heater for a short time to help dry it out.

  • If some water is pooling, drill a drain hole through the bottom of the sauna.


Woodfire


Ensure your chimney is swept regularly for optimum performance, keep the fire glass door clean and ensure there are no large gaps in the top of your fire between sauna stones as this can lead to thermal shock (where the water directly hits the bottom of the stone box, putting stress on it).


If you need help or have any questions about caring for your sauna, feel free to get in touch. We’re always here to support you.


 
 
 

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