Spa centres operate in high-touch, high-moisture environments — and they carry elevated expectations when it comes to cleanliness. Clients arrive expecting comfort and calm, but what they don’t see matters just as much. Air quality, hygiene, odour control, surface condition — it all contributes to whether the space feels clean or simply looks clean.
Maintaining a spa centre goes beyond daily surface wipes. It involves regular, structured cleaning of wet areas, treatment rooms, and shared amenities — all while preserving the calm, sensory atmosphere that clients expect.
Wet Areas and Hydrotherapy Zones
These are the areas where water, steam and human traffic combine — which means mould, bacteria and product build-up form quickly.
Weekly cleaning should include:
- Floor and wall tiles (especially grout lines)
- Drains, vents and edges behind benches
- Shower recesses, hydro rooms and sauna entry points
- Glass doors, splashbacks and partitions
Additional points:
- Anti-slip mats should be lifted, cleaned and air-dried
- Any timber decking or slats should be scrubbed with a surface-appropriate cleaner
Room temperatures and moisture levels should be monitored — ventilation is as important as product use
Treatment Rooms
These areas are often overlooked in regular cleans because they appear tidy. But product residue, skin contact and equipment use make them high-priority.
Clean:
- Massage tables and headrests (under and around)
- Trolley wheels and drawer handles
- Light switches, power points and device cords
- Sinks and tap fittings
- Baseboards and flooring edges
All soft materials (like towels, head covers and linen) should be laundered according to spa protocols — not just washed, but handled as sanitised materials.
Steam Rooms and Saunas
Heat and humidity create the ideal environment for bacteria and mould. These spaces should be deep cleaned weekly, including:
- Bench seating (top, sides and underneath)
- Floorboards, tiles or grout
- Timber panelling (using correct non-corrosive products)
- Glass doors and framing
- Drain outlets and floor corners
After cleaning, these areas should be dried thoroughly before being closed up for the day. Leaving moisture sealed in only accelerates microbial growth.
Product Storage and Prep Zones
Spa centres often use oils, scrubs, lotions and hot towels — all of which contribute to unseen mess.
Include in weekly cleaning:
- Product shelves, bottle bases and containers
- Under-sink cupboards
- Hot towel caddies and warming drawers
- Oil burners or diffusers
- Door and drawer handles
Residue from essential oils can damage timber, leave marks on benchtops and cause slip risks if spilled and left unnoticed.
Reception and Client Areas
Presentation matters most in these zones — and so does hygiene.
Clean:
- Seating (arms, cushions and frames)
- Glass counters and brochures
- Pens, payment terminals and client forms
- Flooring near entranceways and inside mats
Foot traffic from wet zones can carry moisture into reception areas — regular drying and mopping under rugs or chairs prevents musty smells and floor damage.
Air Quality and Ventilation
Scent is a major part of the spa experience. But real freshness doesn’t come from diffusers alone.
Weekly checks should include:
- Vent filters (clean or replace)
- Duct covers (wipe down)
- Air conditioning return vents
- Storage rooms or product prep spaces where airflow may be limited
If the air isn’t circulating correctly, odours and moisture settle in — leading to unpleasant smells and a feeling of dampness that clients will notice before you do.
Consistency Over Correction
Spa clients pay for calm. The space should never feel like it’s “just been cleaned” — and it should never need a reactive clean after complaints. Scheduled weekly cleaning keeps high-use areas under control and allows daily cleans to focus on presentation.
A Better Cleaning Rhythm
Elynwood manages spa environments across Melbourne and beyond, supporting wellness spaces where presentation, health standards and customer experience intersect. Our commercial cleaning teams are trained to understand spa-specific requirements — not just in hygiene, but in tone, detail and timing.
FAQ
1. Why is regular cleaning of wet areas and hydrotherapy zones crucial in spa centres?
A. Wet areas in spa centres, such as showers, hydro rooms, and saunas, are high-moisture environments where mould, bacteria, and product build-up can occur quickly. Regular cleaning of these areas, including grout lines, drains, and vents, helps prevent microbial growth, maintains hygiene, and ensures the space remains safe and pleasant for clients.
2. What should be included in the cleaning of treatment rooms at a spa?
A. Treatment rooms require special attention to areas like massage tables, trolleys, sinks, and tap fittings, as well as light switches and equipment cords. Additionally, soft materials like towels and head covers should be sanitized and laundered according to spa protocols. These details ensure both cleanliness and a hygienic environment for clients.
3. How can spas maintain optimal air quality and prevent unpleasant odours?
A. Maintaining air quality in a spa is essential for both client comfort and hygiene. Weekly checks should include cleaning or replacing vent filters, wiping down duct covers, and ensuring proper ventilation in storage and prep areas. Good airflow helps prevent moisture and odour build-up, keeping the spa environment fresh and inviting.
