Sauna Usage & Maintenance Guidelines

Saunas are a great way to unwind, relax, and warm up, especially during cold weather. Beyond relaxation, saunas offer many health benefits, such as relieving pain, improving athletic performance, temporarily easing cold symptoms, and reducing stress. However, it is essential to use a sauna in moderation to avoid any adverse effects.

Sauna Usage & Maintenance Guidelines

Health & Safety Guidelines for Sauna Use

Who Should Avoid Saunas?

While saunas are generally safe for most people, those with certain conditions should take extra precautions. If you fall under any of the following categories, consult your doctor before using a sauna:

  • Individuals with high-risk medical conditions.
  • People taking medications.
  • Pregnant women or those trying to conceive.
  • Anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.

Certain illnesses, such as a cold, might benefit from a short sauna visit, while others may worsen. Always err on the side of caution.

General Sauna Usage Tips

  • Temperature and Duration: Stay in the sauna for 10-15 minutes at a time, maintaining a moderate temperature of around 70°C. This is ideal for both your health and the longevity of your sauna.
  • Cooling Down: After each session, cool down to avoid stressing your heart. Cooling down between sessions is essential for your comfort and safety.

High humidity and moderate temperatures prevent timber splits, resin leaks, and other issues related to extreme heat. To avoid these problems, ensure the temperature never exceeds 80°C.

Basic Sauna Usage Guidelines

Following specific guidelines is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable sauna experience:

  • What Not to Wear: Avoid wearing jewelry, swimsuits with slimming panels, or anything containing metal, as metal can heat up and burn your skin.
  • Protect Your Skin and Hair: Never wear creams or lotions in the sauna as they will clog your pores. Protect your hair with a towel or turban to prevent it from drying out.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water—between 2 to 4 glasses—after leaving the sauna to prevent dehydration.
  • Avoid Alcohol: Never consume alcohol in the sauna, as it can lower blood pressure and cause dizziness.
  • Aftercare: After leaving the sauna, step into cooler air, a swimming pool, or a cold shower to cool down. Follow up with a shower but skip the soap unless it’s mild and natural.

Additional Safety Tips

  • Supervision: Never leave children or disabled individuals unsupervised in a sauna. Saunas are not suitable for babies and are not recommended for young children.
  • Fire Safety: Do not hang clothes to dry in the sauna, as this poses a fire hazard.
  • Rest: After your sauna session, rest for at least 10 minutes to allow your body to recover and your heart rate to slow down.

Sauna Maintenance Guidelines

Proper maintenance will help keep your sauna clean and ensure a great experience every time you use it.

Sauna Cleaning

  • Regular Cleaning: Wash your feet before entering the sauna to avoid bringing in debris. Clean the benches, walls, and backrests weekly with natural cleaning products like vinegar. Avoid harsh chemicals.
  • Deep Cleaning: Use baking soda to scrub away oil-based stains and rinse the wood with clean water. Tough stains can be removed with light sandpaper.

Ventilation

After each session, ventilate your sauna by leaving the door open during warmer weather or using the vent-hole during colder seasons. Empty the wooden bucket and ensure the sauna is dry before closing.

Regular Maintenance

  • Annual Sanding: Sand the benches at least once a year with fine sandpaper to remove impurities and keep the wood smooth.
  • Exterior Care: If your sauna is outdoors, periodically pressure wash the exterior, but avoid using the pressure washer on the interior as the wood is softer and can be damaged.

Sauna Treatment & Preservation

Exterior Treatment

Pinewood saunas require protection from weather conditions. Treat the exterior with wood impregnation and finish with a weather-protection paint to safeguard the wood from moisture and UV radiation.

Linseed Oil is a recommended option for protecting the exterior of your sauna. It is natural, forms a weatherproof layer, and enhances the wood’s texture.

Thermo-Wood Care

Thermo-wood requires impregnation to withstand different weather conditions. Use semi-transparent oil wax or pigment coating to protect the wood from UV exposure and maintain its natural appearance.

Sauna Room Treatment

Applying sauna wood oil to the benches and floors will preserve the natural colour of the wood and reduce moisture absorption, protecting it from dirt. Decide whether you want to use wood preservatives or keep the sauna untreated for a more authentic experience.

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