 As much as we like to indulge in the calm of steam saunas, the sauna etiquette basics are something that we're all expected to follow. And rightly so, as not only do these etiquettes or unspoken sauna rules ensure a comfortable session for your fellow sauna bathers, but they also help maintain sauna hygiene. Nevertheless, sauna etiquettes are vague despite their importance. So much so that from regular sauna users to those stepping in a sauna for the first time, everyone's uncertain about what exactly are the accepted norms and behaviors. Not to mention, the etiquettes vary from sauna to sauna, making them even more complicated. For instance, while some gym sauna etiquettes allow bathers to wear a swimsuit, that might not be the case with other gyms. But some etiquettes are standard for both saunas and steam rooms across the country. And we have discussed them in detail right here. So read on and learn about all the do's and don't of sauna rooms before you walk into that warm oasis the next time. Why are etiquettes so important in a sauna?Before we jump to the acceptable norms in a sauna, you might be curious why these unwritten rules are so crucial. Well, saunas are essentially shared spaces, meaning there are other people too in the same bath enclosures as you. Also, it goes without saying that everyone in the sauna bath comes to relax expecting a tranquil. And that holds for just about every sauna, including ones in the gyms, spa centers, wellness retreats, as well as your home sauna. So, with a set of etiquettes in place sauna sessions can be truly enjoyable for everyone. Sauna etiquette: the top 8 unspoken rules in a sauna While certain norms can vary for different saunas, here are some etiquettes that apply to all saunas: #1. Follow the sauna dress code The most important of all sauna etiquettes or rules is following the dress code. That's because appropriate attire makes the overall sauna session more relaxing, besides not making other bathers feel awkward. Now, when we talk about a traditional Finnish sauna, there isn't any dress code at all since sauna bathing in the buff is a part of Finnish culture. However, if you're new to saunas in this country or are about to go for your first sauna session, it's important to remember that we do have a dress code here. For instance, some gym saunas might ask you to wear your gym shorts while sauna bathing. Similarly, a lot of saunas at spas and health facilities, among others, require bathers to wrap a towel during a sauna session. Yes, the sauna dress code can be quite confusing, and we can't agree more. Nevertheless, to make the process hassle-free, we suggest you at least wrap a towel. Also, you can check with the receptionist about their dress code either before or upon your visit. #2. Be quick to enter and exit A sauna is best enjoyed warm. And you expect an optimum temperature when you enter a sauna. But did you know that saunas can lose their heat in no time? You see, not only does a sauna enclosure take a while to get warm, but it also loses its heat when you keep the door open for a long time. In fact, a sauna heater can take anywhere between 15 and 45 minutes to reheat the sauna bath, depending on the extent of heat loss. As such, we can't overstate the importance of entering and exiting the sauna quickly while also checking if the sauna door has properly closed behind you. Note: a lack of proper insulation can also lead to heat loss in a sauna, apart from open doors. #3. Always carry a towel When it comes to sauna bathing, a towel comes in handy more than anything else. How? Well, besides wrapping a towel as a sauna dress code, you can also spread your towel on the sauna bench before sitting on it. Sauna benches can be extremely warm, and sitting on one with bare skin can cause skin burns and also make your session extremely uncomfortable. And since towels have thick and soft fabric, sauna specialists suggest a layer of towels between the bench and skin to prevent heat-related injuries and ensure comfort. Furthermore, towels are also significant in preventing the spread of germs in a sauna, more so if you're in for the benefits of steam sauna after workout, as they prevent the sweat from our bodies from reaching the benches. #4. Enjoy your sauna session quietly You'll agree with us when we say that saunas are as much about their calm as they're about heat therapy. However, you'll encounter people talking loudly, either among themselves or on the phone while in the sauna. Even worse, there'd be some people blaring loud music on their phones. And that's completely against sauna etiquettes, as such behavior ruins the experience for every other sauna bather. So what's expected of you in the sauna?
#5. Ask others before adjusting the sauna ambiance  We all like to enjoy a sauna in our own way. But what's an optimum sauna setting for you can be uncomfortable for others. So it's important to get a nod from other sauna bathers before you adjust sauna settings to your liking. Here are a few common sauna features that you'd like to adjust and should ask fellow bathers before you proceed: Adjusting sauna temperature Most of the public saunas have a pre-adjusted temperature of around 180 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that's the standard heating level. But you might want the sauna to be a little colder or turned to the max heating, i.e., 195 degrees Fahrenheit. It's basic sauna etiquette to get a nod from everyone else in your sauna enclosure before you ask the sauna staff to adjust the thermostat for you. And although saunas don't usually adjust the temperature on demand, they can do it for you if other sauna bathers are comfortable too. Pouring water on the sauna rocks For most of us, there isn't a better feeling in the sauna than the soothing flow of steam generated by pouring water over the sauna rocks. And if you're one such sauna bather, you might as well want to create such a steamy experience in the sauna. But there's a catch here. You see, no matter how calming the flow of steam could be for you, it can be uncomfortable for some bathers around. So having the consent of fellow sauna users is crucial before you pour water on the rocks. Using essential oils in the sauna Just like steam, many sauna bathers consider their session incomplete without a drizzle of mellow essential oils. But like all things, consent before pouring essential oils is considered a vital aspect of the unspoken sauna rules. You might wonder what harm a little drizzle of aromatherapy oils could do. Well, not everyone likes scents, or they might not be a fan of your favorite aroma oil. Also, it's worth mentioning that some bathers could also be allergic to certain scents or the organic and chemical compounds in there. Meaning a drizzle of essential oils may not only ruin others' sauna experience but also endanger someone's health. #6. Make space for other bathers Remember the last time you were sitting on a park bench or in a subway seat, and you made space for others as general goodwill? A public sauna isn't very different either. We're not suggesting that you shouldn't lay back or lounge in the sauna. But lounging on a sauna bench while other bathers are sitting in congestion isn't fair. So making space for others when the enclosure gets to its capacity is an important etiquette in saunas, steam showers, and spas as well. #7. Saunas aren't meant for grooming Although rare, you can still find people grooming themselves in a sauna bath. For instance, you might come across someone shaving their beard or trimming their nails in the sauna. Similarly, sauna bathers have also encountered people applying lotion while in the enclosure, which leaves stains on the sauna benches and damages them too. And this sauna behavior can make sauna bathers very uncomfortable, apart from causing hygiene problems. You surely don't want to be one such person, right? #8. Cameras are a big no For an Instagram and Snapchat-savvy generation, it's commonplace to click a few pictures and share them with your followers and homies. However, that isn't a good idea in a public sauna, especially if you have people around you. That's because other bathers may feel like their privacy is being violated and they might even object to you taking pictures. At best, you can ask the people around you if you can take some shots by assuring them that they aren't being filmed. The do's and don'ts of sauna etiquette |
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J.D Moreno
Steam and Sauna Technician and Enthusiast. 786-837-1235 Archives
January 2025
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