Sauna Usage & Maintenance Guidelines

Saunas are a fantastic way to unwind, relax, and warm up, especially during colder weather. They offer numerous health benefits, including pain relief, stress reduction, and temporary relief of cold symptoms. However, proper usage and maintenance are crucial for safety and ensuring a long lifespan for your sauna.

Benefits of Sauna Use

• Relieving Pain: The heat can relax muscles and soothe joint pain.
• Improving Athletic Performance: Regular sauna use may aid muscle recovery.
• Reducing Stress: Saunas create a calming environment to relax the mind and body.
• Easing Cold Symptoms: Steam can temporarily clear sinuses and improve breathing.

Precautions Before Using a Sauna

Who Should Avoid Saunas?

While saunas are safe for most people, individuals with the following conditions should consult a doctor first:

• High blood pressure or heart disease
• Pregnancy or trying to conceive
• Certain medications that may react to high heat

Tip: Always start with moderate temperatures (70°C) and listen to your body.

How to Use a Sauna Safely

Preparing for the Sauna

• Take a warm shower before entering the sauna.
• Avoid wearing metal jewelry or swimsuits with metal components.
• Use a cotton towel to sit on for hygiene and comfort.

Inside the Sauna

• Stick to temperatures below 80°C to prevent damage to the sauna and protect your health.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water after each session.
• Alternate between hot and cold experiences, such as cold showers or dips.

After the Sauna

• Cool down gradually with a cold shower or swimming pool.
• Moisturize your skin to prevent dryness.
• Rest for at least 10 minutes before resuming any strenuous activities.

Reminder: Avoid saunas if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or unwell, and leave immediately if symptoms occur.

Basic Sauna Safety Guidelines

Do’s

• Protect Your Hair: Cover it with a towel to prevent heat damage.
• Bring a Towel: Sit on a clean towel to keep the benches hygienic.
• Moderation: Limit sessions to 15–20 minutes at a time.

Don’ts

• Avoid Alcohol: It can lower blood pressure and cause dizziness.
• Skip Creams or Lotions: These can clog pores and make your skin unable to breathe.
• Don’t Leave the Sauna Unattended: Especially with wood-burning heaters or children present.

Sauna Maintenance Guidelines

Keeping Your Sauna Clean

• Daily Cleaning: Vacuum the sauna and wipe down benches with a damp cloth.
• Weekly Cleaning: Use natural cleaning agents like vinegar for deep cleaning.
• Remove Resin: Sand away resin spots carefully after the sauna has cooled down.

Proper Ventilation

Leave the door open or vent the sauna after each use to air it out. Dry wooden buckets and other accessories outside the sauna to prevent mold.

Extending the Sauna’s Lifespan

• Annual Maintenance: Sand benches, check for mold, and address any loose fixtures.
• Exterior Treatments: Use weatherproof oils or paint to protect against UV rays and moisture.

Key Tips for Sauna Use

• Stick to moderate temperatures of 70–80°C for optimal health benefits.
• Limit sauna use to 4–7 times per week, with each session lasting 20 minutes.
• Hydrate well before, during, and after each sauna visit.

Resources for Sauna Enthusiasts

• Sauna Heater Size Calculator