With the increasing popularity of saunas, they’re becoming increasingly common to find at more locations. Whether it’s your local gym, at the public swimming pool or at spa and wellness retreats, there are plenty of spots that you can relax in.
If you’re interested in experiencing the tension-melting heat of a sauna but haven’t ventured into one before, there are a few things to keep in mind before your first session. We’ll cover the standard sauna etiquette tips for various locations, along with a few extra tips to make sure you get the most from your time in the sauna.
Sauna Etiquette by Location
There are plenty of spots you likely frequent that have infrared saunas available. While some common sauna guidelines apply to all of them, there are a few extra things to remember, depending on where you are.
Gym
Before you get into the sauna, if you’ve just been working out, whether that’s cardio, weight lifting or reformer Pilates, make sure you have a shower to freshen up first. Infrared saunas in gyms are often communal, meaning there can be other people using it at the same time as you. When you’re ready to get in, make sure to enter quickly and close the door behind you to keep the heat inside.
Proper sauna behaviour doesn’t end when you’re finished with your session! When you’re ready to leave, make sure to wipe the bench the same way you’d wipe down gym equipment.
Spa
If you’re at a day spa and have time between, or after your treatment, you might be able to enjoy the benefits of an infrared sauna. Along with making sure you’re clean before you get in, you should check with the spa regarding the capacity. It may be a two-person infrared sauna that you can use alone or a larger sauna that you’ll need to share.
If you’re sharing, you’ll want to double check what the guidelines are regarding dress code in the sauna. Generally, most infrared saunas will require you to wear some form of clothing or, at the very least to be covered with a towel. We also recommend checking how long you can use the sauna, so that other people can enjoy the relaxing heat after their treatments, too.
Wellness Retreat
If you’re away for a full weekend of relaxation and indulgence, you’re likely going to be able to enjoy the benefits of an infrared sauna. Similarly to a day spa, you’ll want to check on the dress code, along with the capacity, so you’ll be aware of whether you’re sharing the space. Retreats often have larger capacity options, ranging up to a six-person infrared sauna.
You may need to book the infrared sauna in advance, even if you’re going to be sharing it. If this is the case, ensure you arrive promptly and don’t go over your time so that other people at the retreat can use it, too. As always, at the end of your session, you should wipe down the seat to leave it clean for the next guest.
Public Pool
If your public swimming pool has an infrared sauna, it’s important to have a shower before you get in. You’ll want to make sure there isn’t any chlorine left on you. This is important for two reasons. The first is that you can end up getting chlorine residue on the sauna benches, which isn’t good for the timber or anyone else using the sauna. The second is that your pores open up in the heat and any residual chlorine can be irritating to your skin.
Along with wearing sandals around the pool, it’s hygienic to wear them in the public sauna as well. You’ll also want to be aware of how long your sauna session is. Public pools often have high traffic and can get busy and people may be waiting to use the sauna after you’re done. We recommend keeping your sauna session to around 10 to 15 minutes to allow for others to enjoy it as well.
The Do's and Don'ts of Sauna Etiquette
Along with what to do before and after your sauna sessions, there are a few things to keep in mind for your own enjoyment and comfort.
What to Wear in a Sauna
Sauna usage rules may vary, and there may be different requirements regarding whether you need to be clothed. If you’re using a sauna that requires you to cover up, we recommend something comfortable and loose-fitting.
While it may seem like swimwear is the best choice given how hot and damp saunas can get, you’re better off wearing natural fibres like cotton or linen. Synthetic materials trap moisture and heat, while natural textiles offer more breathability.
Bring a Towel
No matter where you’re using a sauna, you’ll always want to bring a towel to sit on and clean the seat afterwards. Along with enhancing your own comfort during your infrared sauna session, one of the main sauna etiquette tips we have is to make sure it’s clean for the next person to enjoy.
Take a Shower
The cleaner you are before you get into the sauna, the easier it will be to leave the sauna in good condition when you’re done. We recommend cleaning up both before and after - so you’re fresh when you get in, and can wash off sweat post-sauna before you get dressed.
Staying Hydrated
With temperatures inside the sauna being so high, you’ll need to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated while you sweat. Take in a water bottle to sip on while you’re relaxing and make sure you drink more after your sauna session as well.
Jewellery
If you regularly wear jewellery, you may want to remove it and store it somewhere secure before you get in. The metal can heat up quickly and feel uncomfortable to wear. Additionally, the moisture from your skin can also corrode or tarnish your jewellery depending on what it’s made from.
The Benefits of Using a Sauna at Home
When you have an infrared sauna at home, most of the etiquette rules don’t apply. You’ll still want to sit on a towel and wipe the benches down after you’ve enjoyed your relaxing session to keep it clean but the rest is up to you.
When there’s no one waiting to use it after you, you can truly take your time. Whether you want a longer, 30 to 40 minute session, or feel like increasing the heat to a tension-melting 45℃ temperature, you’re in complete control. Equally, there’s no one to disturb while you’re in there, meaning you can connect to the Bluetooth speakers. Bring in an iced tea, listen to music or a calming meditation session and indulge in peace.
Discover the best at-home infrared saunas in New Zealand from Kiva Wellness. With options ranging from two-person capacity all the way up to an incredibly spacious six-person option, true relaxation can be yours any day of the week. For more information or any questions you may have, you can contact us online or give us a call.