Provide inhalation masks, protective glasses or full-face visors and gloves as standard protection when handling chemical cleaners; use small brushes to ensure all corners and niches are cleaned. In addition, consider adding a portable UVC air sanitizer to your hydrothermal hygiene toolkit.
Cleaning a Steam Room, Hammam or Other Tiled Room
The truth is, cleaning a steam room, hammam, or other tiled room, is really as simple as cleaning a bathroom. Regular soap and water will clean the surfaces and even wash germs away and cut down their quantity; but, to actually kill germs, you must sanitize or disinfect all surfaces after cleaning them. The best way to do this is to follow the CDC’s recommendations to use cleaning products with at least 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Cleaning a Sauna
Disinfecting a sauna is similar to a steam room: first clean the surfaces with soapy water and then clean the benches with 3% hydrogen peroxide straight from the bottle.
Avoid Commercial Steam Cleaners
If you’re planning on a deep clean, avoid commercial steam cleaners or pressure washers because they can damage tile grout and remove the wood’s natural protective surface. Instead, opt for a domestic-quality, low pressure steam cleaner as an excellent way to remove excess, residual dirt and body oils before any of the above cleaning processes are undertaken.
Ventilation and Air Exchange
Air in a sauna and steam room should be refreshed/exchanged six times an hour
Instruct staff to keep doors ajar at the close of business to increase ventilation and assist in drying the rooms
Consider adding a portable UVC air sanitizer to your hydrothermal hygiene toolkit
Follow Best Practices
Post clear instructions of “How to Use Thermal Rooms Safely,” including hygiene requirements (for more, click here).
Use recommended, high-quality consumables (aromatherapy, salts, body oils) to avoid damage to equipment/materials and to ensure scents are all natural.
Hydrothermal equipment requires high-quality, potable water. Poor quality water can damage equipment, increase maintenance frequency and create a negative user experience, so consider water softeners and filters as essential items.
Monitor All Areas
Monitor steam rooms, saunas, etc. to ensure they are set to the correct temperatures and humidity levels.
Thermal cabins and pools should be physically checked at regular intervals (typically every hour).
An on-going routine maintenance program must be in place in accordance with equipment manufacturer’s instructions to minimize hazards and ensure bather safety.