Steam shower maintenance comes down to three jobs: keep minerals out of the generator, keep moisture from lingering in the enclosure, and catch small problems before they become service calls. An auto drain (self drain) generator handles much of the first job for you. Below is what the manufacturers say and where their manuals disagree.
Steam shower maintenance schedule at a glance
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| After every session | Let the auto drain run, ventilate, squeegee walls and glass |
| Weekly | Clean the steam head, control panel, walls and floor with non-abrasive products |
| Monthly | Inspect grout, caulk, door seals and the drain pan |
| Per your manual | Manual drain or flush of the generator |
| Before a long absence | Confirm the generator has drained; keep it from freezing |
After each session: let the auto drain steam generator do its job
Boiling leaves minerals in the tank; an auto drain purges that water. According to SteamSpa’s user manual for its 4.5 to 12 kW generators, once the timer finishes or the generator is turned off and stays off for 2 hours, the auto drain starts and runs for 5 minutes (one control panel version lists 7 minutes). Mr. Steam describes its AutoFlush accessory the same way: it flushes sediment two hours after every steam bath.
The delay is intentional: Mr. Steam recommends flushing at least two to three hours after shutoff, because draining immediately may expose PVC piping to high temperature water. SteamSpa also says never to shut off the water to a generator that is in use.
How to descale a steam generator, and how often
Manufacturer guidance differs, so follow the manual for your model:
- Mr. Steam (MS series manual): open the manual drain valve fully every 2 months, or more often in hard water areas.
- ThermaSol (PRO Series III manual): Power Flush maintenance is recommended every 1,000 minutes of use.
- SteamSpa: relies on the built-in auto drain and lists no separate descaling interval.
None of the manuals we reviewed gives a do-it-yourself chemical descaling recipe. Do not pour vinegar or a descaler into a generator unless your manual or the manufacturer’s support line tells you to.
Hard water steam shower: what changes
Mr. Steam warns that poor water quality can affect efficiency or damage the generator, recommends an on-site water analysis by a water treatment company, and recommends AutoFlush in hard water areas. With hard water, choose a kit with auto drain and consider filtration. Our SteamSpa Black Package (4.5kW to 12kW), currently listed at $2,799, lists an inline water filter alongside the auto-drain system.
How to clean a steam shower: steam head, panel and enclosure
Steam head. Mr. Steam’s guidance is to use only mild soap and water on a soft cloth for the control and steam head, with no abrasive cleansers or chemicals. Wait until it is cool: ThermaSol warns not to touch or go near the steam head from the time the unit is on until one hour after it shuts off.
Control panel. SteamSpa notes the panel surface is glass. Do not rub it with hard objects, and wipe off water mist, which can interfere with the touch response.
Walls, grout and glass. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft brush on grout, then check grout, caulk and the door seal. SteamSpa stresses that enclosures must be sealed so steam cannot escape into the wall cavity. Reseal at the first sign of cracks. For dry-heat rooms, see how to clean a sauna.
Steam shower mold and ventilation
Mold needs lingering moisture, so ventilation matters as much as scrubbing.
- SteamSpa strongly recommends an exhaust fan installed outside the steam room to remove excess steam from the bathroom.
- Mr. Steam says no heating, venting or air conditioning devices should be installed inside the steam room itself.
- ThermaSol suggests a transom window or exhaust fan outside the enclosure to manage moisture after use.
- A sloped ceiling stops condensate from dripping and pooling. ThermaSol specifies a slope of 1 inch per foot.
If dark spots keep returning in the same grout lines, check that seal and your fan before reaching for stronger cleaners.
Monthly and seasonal checks
- Look under the generator for water. A SteamSpa stainless steel drainage pan (currently $119.99) collects water released from the generator, including during maintenance.
- Keep the access panel unobstructed. ThermaSol calls for easy service access and 6 inches of clearance around its generators.
- Before a long absence, confirm the generator has drained. SteamSpa generators are for indoor use only and must be protected from freezing.
Signs scale or a water problem is building up
- Error codes. On SteamSpa panels, E5 means the system detected no water and E8 means a temperature sensor failure. Mr. Steam’s H20 code (water level not reached within 6 minutes) lists a water feed probe that may need cleaning.
- Flashing power light. SteamSpa says the power indicator flashes when the generator is short of water.
- Erratic operation. Mr. Steam notes internal scale can interfere with operation and cause generator failure.
Check that the water supply valve is open, then call a licensed plumber or the manufacturer. SteamSpa’s manual says generator maintenance and service should be done by a licensed plumber or electrician.
SteamSpa kits with self drain
Every kit below lists a built-in auto drain that purges the generator after each steam bath. Sizing is based on room volume, so measure first with our steam shower generator size guide. Prices are at the time of writing.
| Kit | Generator | Max room volume | Electrical | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polished Chrome + Self Drain | 4.5 kW | 75 cu ft | 240V, 19A | $1,899 |
| Matte Black + Self Drain | 6 kW | 128 cu ft | 240V, 25A | $2,049 |
| Matte Black + Self Drain | 7.5 kW | 190 cu ft | 240V, 32A | $2,199 |
| Brushed Nickel + Self Drain | 9 kW | 255 cu ft | 240V, 38A | $2,399 |
| Gold + Self Drain | 12 kW, two steam heads | 430 cu ft | 240V, 50A | $2,799 |
| Oil Rubbed Bronze + Self Drain | Two 9 kW generators | 500+ cu ft | 240V, 38A each | $3,199 |
The twin-generator oil rubbed bronze kit includes two drain pans, one per generator, which fits SteamSpa’s rule that each steamer should have its own automatic drain. See every finish on our SteamSpa brand page. SteamSpa does not sell these Raven kits on its own site; its similar Black Series packages start at $2,324.99 there, the same starting price as our SteamSpa Black Series Package.
Health and safety: check with your doctor before using steam if you have heart disease, high or low blood pressure or another medical condition, take medication, or are pregnant. Mr. Steam advises 10 to 15 minute sessions until you know how your body reacts. SteamSpa says children under 16 should not use the steam bath. Electrical and plumbing work should be done by licensed professionals to local code. For a broader look at heat options, see steam shower vs sauna and our home sauna buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you descale a steam generator?
It depends on the brand and your water hardness. Intervals range from every 2 months (Mr. Steam) to every 1,000 minutes of use (ThermaSol), while SteamSpa relies on its auto drain. Follow your own manual.
Does an auto drain replace other steam shower maintenance?
No. It handles the generator tank; you still need ventilation, cleaning and seal checks.
How do I clean a steam shower steam head?
Once it has cooled, wipe it with mild soap and water on a soft cloth. Mr. Steam warns against abrasive cleansers and chemicals.
Can I drain a steam generator right after using it?
Mr. Steam advises waiting two to three hours so hot water does not reach PVC drain piping.
Questions about a SteamSpa kit or sizing? Call us at 866-777-2590, Mon to Fri 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship with free freight shipping, with a $200 flat rate below that. See our return and refund policy before you order.
