Description
Cleaning the sauna - biocide-free, chlorine-free, gentle on materials
Phoenix Sauna Enzyme Cleaner is biocide-free according to EU Regulation 528/2012 (no biocide → no approval required). Enzymatically broken down instead of masked with aggressive chemicals. Effective in saunas, steam rooms, infrared cabins, and wellness areas.
Phoenix Enzymreiniger — Granules, freshly mixed, Made in Germany.
Sauna wood: Deep cleaning in a before-and-after comparison
Sauna wood after years of use: dark sweat stains, mildew, and a lingering odor (left). After applying Phoenix Enzymreiniger, pH-neutral and gentle on materials (right) — the enzymes break down sweat proteins and skin oils directly within the wood fibers.
Phoenix Enzymreiniger — Short & sweet
What makes this sauna enzyme cleaner unique — the key facts at a glance:
- Biocide-free deep penetration action: Amylase, lipase, and protease break down sweat, skin oil, and skin flakes deep within the wood fiber.
- Not a biocide according to EU Regulation 528/2012: No licensing requirement, freely tradable
- Gentle on materials: Wood (spruce, aspen, hemlock, cedar, abachi), acrylic glass (solarium), tiles, marble and stainless steel tolerate slightly alkaline applications (pH 8.5–9)
- Granule concentrate: Not classified as hazardous material, compact storage, full power 48 hours after mixing, ready for use for up to 20 days.
- Made in Germany: WGK 1, surfactants biodegradable to at least 90%
- Suitable for cleaning in the food industry (Expert opinion of Dr. Mang, Chemical Laboratory Frankfurt) — with mandatory rinsing
Why cleaning a sauna with enzymes works
An effective sauna enzyme cleaner doesn't work superficially, but enzymatically deep within the material. Sweat, skin oil, and skin flakes are chemically complex organic structures — Proteins, lipids, polysaccharides. In the sauna, they penetrate deep into the porous wood fibers, oxidize there, and produce the typical "old sauna" smell. Mold stains on sauna benches consist of precisely these building blocks.
Conventional cleaners fail here: either too aggressive (attacking the wood fibers) or only superficially (the culprit remains in the wood). Phoenix works differently. Specific Enzymes They work through targeted actions hydrolysis — Amylase, lipase and protease — They break down the organic residues deep within the fiber into water-soluble fragments: amino acids, fatty acids, sugars. The substrate disappears, and the odor goes with it.
Also Biofilms In steam rooms and shower areas, the bacteria are broken down by a combination of lipase (fat) and protease (protein matrix of the bacterial layer). Phoenix deprives the microorganisms of their food source – this is the principle of substrate deprivation.
Principle of action in sauna wood: Phoenix enzymes penetrate the wood fibers and break down sweat proteins, skin oil and biofilm directly at the source — pH-neutral, without fiber damage.
Where you use Phoenix in the wellness world
Sweat stains in spruce, aspen, hemlock — spray liberally with Phoenix solution, leave to work for 30 minutes, then wipe clean.
Biofilm on tiles, greasy marble benches, slippery surfaces — weekly deep cleaning
Hemlock and cedar wood are soft and delicate — Phoenix pH 8.5–9 does not attack the fiber.
Burnt-on infusion residue — remove stones, soak in Phoenix solution, rinse, dry.
Sun oil, tanning accelerator, skin oil on acrylic glass — pH compatible
Organic residue from sunscreen and skin oil — compatible with wastewater treatment for pool water chemistry
Communal saunas, relaxation rooms, plunge pool area, whirlpool wooden decks — routine cleaning with bulk containers for daily hygiene.
Studio saunas, changing room benches, shower cubicle wood, relaxation rooms — if the studio sauna smells musty, sweat proteins in the wood are the cause.
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Expert hacks for stubborn sauna dirt
💡 Sauna cleaning with a double pass for old mildew stains
For deep mildew stains on sauna benches: Spray generously with Phoenix solution, cover with foil (occlusion), and leave overnight. Wipe with clean water the next morning. For very old stains, 2-3 applications are normal – no material loss like with sanding.
💡 Clean your sauna for a better aroma experience
If you use high-quality essential oils (eucalyptus, birch, mountain pine), a Phoenix deep cleaning is recommended every 2-4 weeks. Phoenix removes the underlying musty smell that would otherwise mask your expensive aromas. The subtle nuances only truly shine on a clean, odor-rich base.
💡 Clean sauna stones quarterly
If your infusion produces less steam: the stones are calcified or stuck together with infusion residue. Once a quarter, remove the stones from the oven, soak them in Phoenix solution for 2 hours, rinse them with water, let them air dry completely, and then return them to the oven.
Cleaning a sauna — step by step
Here's how to use the sauna enzyme cleaner correctly — from the initial concentration to the final rinse:
- Let the sauna cool down: Cool completely to room temperature — the enzymes only work at cool temperatures (max. 40°C, otherwise they denature).
- Mixing: Dissolve 20 g of Phoenix granules in 1 liter of lukewarm water (max. 30°C) in a pressure sprayer for 2 minutes.
- Material saturation: Spray benches, walls, and floors until saturated. Treat even inconspicuous edges. For deep mildew stains, allow to soak in longer.
- Effects: 30 minutes for normal basic cleaning. 2 to 4 hours for old mildew stains. For very stubborn cases, overnight with foil occlusion.
- Wipe clean: Remove with a damp microfiber cloth or clean water. For larger areas, rinse with a garden hose.
- Let it dry: Ventilate thoroughly and allow to dry completely before reheating. For professional use: a spray extraction vacuum cleaner accelerates the drying process.
How it works: Phoenix enzymes penetrate multi-layered surfaces, break down organic substrates and are rinsed away with clear water — without leaving any film residue.
Duration of action of the mixed solution
Full potency for 48 hours after mixing, followed by a slower degradation of the enzymes. Ready to use for up to 20 days when stored in a cool place. Freshly mixed solution provides maximum activity—for stubborn mildew stains, we recommend a fresh batch.
For hotels, spas and fitness studios
One granulate covers your entire wellness area: sauna, steam room, solarium, pool area, showers, changing rooms. According to an expert opinion by Dr. Mang, Phoenix is suitable for cleaning in the food industry — relevant for wellness facilities with an attached bistro or lounge.
Bulk containers of 500g and 1000g are available. For inquiries starting at 5kg: Get in touch →
Suitable accessories for maximum effect
Fine spray mist for even distribution on sauna bench, walls and floor
Professional deep cleaning for high-throughput studio saunas
Economical for hotels, spas and commercial wellness facilities
Material compatibility — which sauna materials are compatible with Phoenix?
Which sauna surfaces are compatible with Phoenix Sauna Enzyme Cleaner? Here is the complete material overview:
An overview of 12 typical sauna and wellness materials. Mixing ratio is always 20 g to 1 liter of water. Do not soak sauna wood; always wipe dry afterwards.
| material | compatibility | frequency | Notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemlock sauna wood | Very good | Suitable for routine use | Softwood, pH 8.5-9, does not attack the fiber. Apply with a damp cloth, do not spray heavily. |
| Spruce sauna wood | Very good | Suitable for routine use | Classic sauna wood. Patina is retained, sweat crusts dissolve enzymatically. |
| Aspen sauna wood | Very good | Suitable for routine use | The lightest classic sauna wood. Phoenix does not discolor, ideal for visible bench cushions. |
| Cedarwood (infrared) | Very good | Medium | Aromatic wood with essential oils. Phoenix removes skin oil without diminishing its natural scent. |
| Granite sauna stone | Very good | High | Remove burnt-on infusion residue, soak in Phoenix solution, rinse, and dry. |
| Stainless steel sauna heater | Very good | Medium | Clean the outer surface with a damp cloth when cold. This protects the passive layer. |
| Sauna door glass | Very good | High | Dries streak-free. Removes mineral water drops and sweat smeares in one step. |
| Acrylic glass solarium | Very good | High | Enzymatic dissolution of sun oil and skin sebum without clouding of the material. |
| Marble & tiles (steam room) | Very good | High | Remove biofilm and greasy deposits without exposing the joints to acid. |
| Leather loungers & leather cushions | Very good | Medium | A pH of 8.5-9 is compatible with leather. Skin oils and sweat crusts dissolve without causing the leather to crack. |
| Acoustic panels in the relaxation room | Good | Low | Pollen and skin oil film removed enzymatically from fabric covering without fiber damage. |
| Wooden infusion cup | Very good | Medium | Remove any remaining infusion from the aroma oils. Allow to dry thoroughly after treatment. |
Home remedies vs. sauna enzyme cleaners — what really works
Traditional home remedies for sauna use often have more disadvantages than benefits. Here's a sober comparison:
Effect: It has an acidic effect and partially dissolves mineral deposits.
Risk: It attacks sauna wood and makes it brittle, causes sauna stones to become porous, and irritates the skin.
Phoenix advantage: pH 8.5-9, gentle on materials such as wood, stone and fabric.
Effect: It visually bleaches mildew stains, but does not break them down.
Risk: Aggressive odor in the sauna, respiratory strain, damages wood impregnation.
Phoenix advantage: Chlorine-free, no aggressive odor after use.
Effect: Surfactant- and partly acid-based.
Risk: Leaves a surfactant film residue that evaporates upon the next infusion and irritates the skin/respiratory tract.
Phoenix advantage: Enzymatic, no surfactant residues in the wood.
Effect: Emulsifies fats superficially.
Risk: A greasy soap film remains, attracting new dirt and luring mold spores.
Phoenix advantage: It enzymatically breaks down coatings and is rinsed off without leaving any film residue.
Effect: Moderately effective against sweat crusts, fails against biofilm.
Risk: If it leaves white powder residue on dark wood, it can leach the wood.
Phoenix advantage: Completely water-soluble, without residue.
Effect: Hot steam loosens surface dirt.
Risk: Sauna wood absorbs moisture, swells and warps. The impregnation is washed out.
Phoenix advantage: Works with minimal moisture, protects the wood structure.
Why granules instead of ready-made solution?
A sauna enzyme cleaner in granular form is not a gimmick — it offers logistical advantages and active ingredient protection in one.
Granular concentrate travels in envelope format, no ADR surcharge
When stored dry, it remains stable for several years; enzymes are in dormant mode.
When freshly mixed, it is fully active for 48 hours, then slowly degrades.
A 20g sachet yields 1 liter of solution, a 1kg can yields up to 100 liters.
Made in Germany: WGK 1, surfactants biodegradable to at least 90%, expert opinion by Dr. Mang (2004) for use in the food industry.
Keep out of reach of children and animals. Even if there is no danger, children and animals should not have direct access to the product.
Always use Phoenix cold (max. 30°C in the preparation water). Allow the sauna to cool completely before use — the enzymes become inactive above 40°C.
Frequently Asked Questions — Sauna Enzyme Cleaner
No. Phoenix operates at a slightly alkaline level (pH 8.5–9), which is gentle on all common sauna woods — spruce, aspen, hemlock, cedar, abachi. The enzymes only attack organic contaminants, not the wood fibers themselves.
No. Let the sauna cool down completely before use. The enzymes only work at cool temperatures—they become inactive above 40°C. Ventilate well after use, then you can heat the sauna normally again.
Private use: Wipe down with a damp cloth after each sauna session, deep clean once a week, and perform a full cleaning including the sauna heater and stones once a month. Hotel/Studio: Daily basic cleaning, weekly deep cleaning, and monthly cleaning of the sauna heater and stones.
Yes, with double the contact time. For very old mildew stains, generously spray on Phoenix solution, cover with foil (occlusion), and leave to work overnight. Repeat 2-3 applications if necessary. For stubborn black stains, also use our Phoenix Mold Special Cleaner questionable.
Yes. Phoenix works equally well on all organic soils. In steam rooms, it combats biofilms on tiles, while in infrared cabins it gently cleans sensitive hemlock and cedar wood. One granulate for the entire wellness world.
Suitable for cleaning in the food industry according to expert opinion by Dr. Mang (Chemical Laboratory Frankfurt) — with mandatory subsequent rinsing. Surfactants are at least 90% biodegradable.
No. Phoenix is a cleaner, not a biocide. Phoenix deprives microorganisms of their food source by removing substrate. Phoenix does not replace a certified surface hygiene solution. In commercial facilities, Phoenix is used as a gentle pre-cleaning step before certified hygiene procedures.
Standard dosage: 20 g per liter of water. For a home sauna, 100-250 g is sufficient for each complete cleaning. For commercial wellness facilities with daily use, we recommend larger containers (500 g or 1 kg).
Nils K. –
Very powerful cleaning effect, super fast. The sauna floor and even the bench looked like new. Unpleasant odors were also removed.
I'll do that once a year now.
Verified purchase. More information
Phoenix –
„"Hi Nils, thanks for the great report! Hygiene is absolutely essential in the sauna. The fact that the floor and benches look like new again after cleaning is a fantastic result. Doing the 'deep cleaning' with Phoenix once a year is exactly the right way to go. Enjoy your next sauna session!"‘