Most sauna owners are curious about how to get the most out of their indoor barrel sauna. Knowing how to place your sauna, such as choosing the best type of flooring, will help you avoid safety hazards as you escape. This also helps you get the temperature right where you want it as you relish in your steam therapy session. 

Also, knowing just how long to relax while inside maximizes your health benefits in several ways. For example, your sauna increases your blood flow much to your benefit. To help you use your sauna in the most efficient way possible, here’s how to fully optimize the use of your indoor sauna. 

THE PLACEMENT OF YOUR SAUNA

With both the indoor sauna and infrared sauna, placement is just as important as choosing the correct sauna style. Finding the best location should be at the top of your barrel sauna plans. 

1. SAUNA FLOOR

When trying to figure out where your sauna should go, keep in mind that using carpet is not recommended. If you are doing your project yourself and using your materials, here are the best types of flooring to use: 

• Ceramic

• Concrete

• Stone 

Make sure that the floor has insulation. When using a pre-made sauna kit, try using one of these flooring types:

• Tile

• Concrete

• Laminate

• Vinyl 

You can also add an Almost Heaven Indoor Sauna Floor Kit to give your sauna a more cohesive look and feel. Featuring smooth red cedar, this kit will match the sauna floor with the walls and ceiling. The sections are free-standing, durable, and provide a custom fit. 

2. YOUR SAUNA AND ELECTRICITY 

Here are a few facts about electricity  to help you safely prepare your sauna for use:

• Your sauna will require 240 volts of electricity to function properly. If you decide to build your sauna, hiring a trained, a professional electrician will be necessary. 

• If using a kit for your indoor barrel sauna, be sure to check for any faulty wiring. 

• Also, make sure that the wiring has a clear path free of water or other liquids. 

3. SAUNA NEAR SHOWER OR POOL 

Many sauna users enjoy alternating between the hot, steamy sauna and a cooler environment, like the pool or a cold shower. Known as the “Nordic Cycle,” centuries ago Nordic cultures started the trend. 

The cycle requires sauna goers to participate in a 20-minute session, or longer, then immediately plunge into cold water. Repeat the process until you are fully relaxed. 

Placing your sauna near a shower or pool allows you to use the Nordic Cycle to your advantage with ease. Here are a few of the health benefits that come along with breaking your session up into hot and cold:

• Makes your blood vessels quickly constrict

• Raises your blood pressure, which helps with blood flow

• Releases norepinephrine, a hormone that also helps with blood flow 

• The body produces less lactic acid buildup in your muscles

If your home does not have a pool, consider placing your sauna in a small bathroom. The Almost Heaven Logan 1-Person Indoor Sauna with Backlit Himalayan Salt Wall is an amazing example. This sauna is an efficiently relaxing steam therapy tool that is small enough to fit into tight spaces.  

4. MOISTURE LEVELS 

Making sure that your sauna has enough drainage will keep extra water from pooling up around the bottom. If there is too much moisture or humidity, your sauna’s wood may become damaged over time.

The North American Sauna Society states that the “Rule of 200” is when your sauna’s temperature and relative humidity are 200 degrees Fahrenheit. By keeping your sauna around 200 degrees as you relax, you will cut back on your chances of having humidity issues.

Here are a few tips for keeping your moisture levels consistent:

• Rearrange your sauna stones to ensure that air is flowing correctly. 

• Be sure that your temperature sensor is not too close to the heater. 

• Try closing the vent that is below your heater.  

 Be mindful of humidity levels and make adjustments if necessary. 

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SIT IN A SAUNA?

Every sauna user has a different tolerance level. Here are a few tips to help you figure out how long you should stay inside your sauna:

• Most experts recommend only staying in your sauna for 15 minutes at a time. 

• Sauna Beginners: start with 5 to 10-minute sessions

• Do not enter your sauna right away after leaving the gym or exercising. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes. 

• Professional, long-time sauna goers sometimes use the sauna for up to 45 minutes. 

• The Finnish, who invented sauna use, suggest simply leaving when your body feels hot enough.  

• If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, leave your sauna right away. 

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR SAUNA 

Keeping your sauna neat and tidy will help you get years of good use out of your prized possession. Overall, saunas are low maintenance. If you keep up with a cleaning routine, sanitation is quick and painless.  

THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR SAUNA

Treating the wood on the outside of your indoor sauna is not required. If you still wish to do so, you can find a wood stain from your neighborhood paint store. Remember:

• Carefully follow directions when applying the wood stain. 

• Be sure to never use staining products or wood treatment inside your sauna. 

• Do not paint the outside of your sauna or use varnish. 

CARING FOR THE INSIDE OF YOUR SAUNA

Keeping your sauna clean will ensure that you get decades of use from your purchase. Here are a few tips for keeping the inside of your sauna tidy:

How to Keep Your Sauna Benches Clean

• Your sauna benches get the most traffic during your session.

•  You should wipe your sauna benches down with a soft cloth and warm water after every session. 

• If you start to notice sweat stains on the wood, gently sanding the area will rid you of your problem. 

How to Clean Your Sauna Floor & Walls 

• Your sauna floor is the next space that will require extra attention. 

• Sweep the area to get rid of dirt left behind. 

• If needed, use the hand-held attachment on your vacuum to clean dust or dirt. 

• Mop using warm water mixed with essential oil or a gentle sauna cleaner.  

• You can clean your sauna walls using the same cleaner that you used for the floor. 

• Every two weeks or so, be sure to deep clean your sauna. If needed, you can also use a tablespoon of baking soda mixed with water for better results.

•  To keep hard water buildup down, try using pure water. 

• Using filtered or distilled water while cleaning cuts back on left behind minerals.  

4 STEPS TO MAKE YOUR SAUNA HOTTER

Over time, you may notice that your sauna no longer reaches its maximum temperature. Use these 4 steps to make sure that your sauna always delivers the best in relaxation.  

1. CHECK YOUR SAUNA HEATER

• For KIP Heaters: Mount 5 to 7 inches from the ground to make sure the hot air reaches the bottom of your sauna as well. 

• Try lowering your temperature sensor. This keeps your heater from shutting off before it should. 

• Make sure your heater has the right amount of sauna stones. Use the smaller rocks first.

2. CHECK YOUR SAUNA VENTS 

• Close your sauna vents once your session starts to increase the temperature. If you close them too early, you might turn on your sauna’s high-limit sensor. 

• Indoor Barrel Sauna: Make sure corks are in your drain stave so that cold air cannot come in the bottom of your sauna.

3. ADD MORE HUMIDITY

• Drizzle water on your sauna stones to circulate steam in the room. 

• The temperature will stay the same, but your body will feel hotter. 

4. MAKE SURE YOUR SAUNA IS SECURE 

• Be sure that your barrel sauna staves have no gaps. 

• Tighten the bands after you check your staves.  Tighten door hinges as well.

• Add weather stripping to gaps around the door. 

SAUNA MAINTENANCE