Stepping into a sauna for the first time is like opening the door to a soothing escape—a place where the outside world fades away and calm takes over. But for many beginners, those moments of relaxation can quickly be replaced by a swirl of questions. Should you bring anything with you? What are you supposed to wear—or not wear? Is it okay to talk, or does silence rule the room? The unspoken customs of sauna culture might feel puzzling at first, but they’re actually designed to make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Think of a sauna like a shared sanctuary, where small gestures show respect for the space and the people around you. By learning a few simple sauna etiquette guidelines, you’ll feel more at home while boosting the quality of your own experience. With the right tips in your pocket, you can relax with ease, soak up the benefits, and make every moment worth savoring.
Do: Shower Before Entering
Saunas are shared spaces, and starting with a clean body keeps the environment fresh and welcoming. Sweat, oils, and dirt from your skin can linger on the benches or create unpleasant smells in the heat, so a rinse beforehand makes a big difference.
Once you’re clean, bring a towel to dry off before stepping in to avoid dripping water all over the sauna floor. Being mindful of hygiene shows respect for others and lets you relax without worrying about disrupting anyone else’s experience. Plus, clean skin enhances the detoxifying benefits of sweating—it’s a win-win!
Don’t: Make Distracting Noise
A sauna is a sanctuary for relaxation, and nothing ruins that vibe faster than chatter or noisy behavior. Whisper if you need to communicate, but keep it short and low. Many people see saunas as escapes, moments to unwind and reflect in peace, so disrupting that space feels inconsiderate.
If you’re with a friend or group, keep the casual conversation outside your 4-person portable sauna tent. Phones should stay outside, as ringtone interruptions instantly break the calm. Enjoy the silence instead, letting the warmth and quiet do their work. You’ll leave feeling more refreshed, and so will everyone else.
Do: Always Bring Towels
Towels are a sauna essential. At the very least, you should bring one to sit or recline on. This protects the benches from sweat and makes the surface more comfortable, especially on higher heat settings. If you plan on spending a little more time inside or taking multiple sessions, consider bringing a second towel to wipe off excess sweat between rounds.
Compact, lightweight towels are your best bet—they’re easy to carry and absorb moisture effectively. Some people also like to bring a small face towel to dab away sweat, keeping their face cool and comfortable. Towels are simple but make your sauna time far more enjoyable, not just for you but for those around you.
Don’t: Wear Heavy Scents
Perfumes, colognes, or even strongly scented body lotions often become overpowering in the heat. Saunas are compact, closed spaces where strong smells are magnified, which can quickly turn into an issue for others. Some people might have allergies or sensitivity to fragrances, so bringing overpowering scents into the space comes across as inconsiderate.
Stick to unscented products if you intend to use skincare before your visit. Sweat naturally cleanses the body, so unnecessary lotions or oils aren’t needed. Minimize product use altogether, so the sauna remains neutral and relaxing for everyone sharing it.
Do: Stay Hydrated Before and After
The intense heat of a sauna helps your body sweat and flush out toxins, but this process can leave you dehydrated if you’re not careful. Drinking water before you step inside prepares your body for the session ahead. Keep a refillable water bottle handy so you can hydrate before or right after you’re done.
Avoid beverages that dehydrate, such as alcohol or anything too sugary or caffeinated. After your session, continue drinking water to replenish fluids and cool off. Pair this with a light snack if you’re feeling particularly drained.
Don’t: Take Phones or Electronics Inside
Your smartphone doesn’t belong in the sauna for several reasons. High heat damages most devices, which may lead to accidents or malfunctions. Apart from the practical concerns, electronics also ruin the peaceful atmosphere of the sauna. Beeping notifications or someone scrolling away on a screen pulls away from the sense of escape many find in these spaces.
A sauna is about disconnecting from the outside world, not staying glued to your devices. Lock your gadgets away in a locker or leave them in your bag instead. Take the opportunity to truly switch off and reconnect with yourself.
Do: Be Conscious of Your Time Inside
Saunas are often shared spaces, and courteous time management helps everyone enjoy them. While it might be tempting to stay in as long as possible, short sessions of 15 to 20 minutes are typically recommended, especially for beginners.
If you’re unsure how much time has passed, listen to your body—leaving when you start to feel too hot, lightheaded, or fatigued is always a good idea. You can take breaks outside to cool off and return for another session if you’d like to extend your experience. Sauna visits are best when shared, so practice consideration to create a relaxing experience for everyone.
Don’t: Invade Personal Space
Respecting boundaries in a sauna is key to making it enjoyable for everyone. If there’s plenty of room, don’t sit right next to someone—spread out instead. Avoid taking up more bench space than you need by lying across multiple spots or sprawling out unnecessarily.
Saunas are shared spaces, and nobody likes feeling crowded while trying to relax. If someone seems uncomfortable or shifts away, give them the space they need without making it awkward. Treat others how you’d want to be treated, and you’ll help create a calm, welcoming environment for everyone involved.
Start Your Sauna Adventure Today
The sauna experience for beginners is all about finding your rhythm and savoring the blissful heat. No matter where you are in your sauna journey, the biggest takeaway is to relax, respect the space, and enjoy the moment. Think of the sauna as a reset button for both your mind and your body.
Don’t overthink it; every visit will teach you something new, such as how long you prefer to stay or which spot on the bench feels just right. Every session is a small step toward mastering the art of relaxation. Be open to the experience, stay mindful of those around you, and appreciate how the sauna leaves you feeling lighter and refreshed.
