Saunas can make for a relaxing journey into mindfulness. Imagine yourself surrounded by bursts of steam and waves of heat that soothe your body, calming your mind. You are living in bliss.

That is until someone's sticky thigh mushes onto yours, or their potent cologne invades your lungs and makes your head swim. Now that makes for a ruined day.

While saunas can be rejuvenating for your body, you've got to know how to use them correctly. Nobody wants to live out the scene I just described, much less be the cause of someone else's bad experience.

To get a deep mind-body cleanse that lasts, you'll need to follow the sauna etiquette tips listed down below namely, what not to do, what to do, and how to do it.

Breaking Down Proper Sauna Etiquette Guidelines

What rules could a small room designed to make you sweat possibly have? Wouldn't keeping lists of do's in don'ts in mind seem counterintuitive to the whole sauna experience? Saunas are more than just enclosed heated rooms. They carry a vast array of cultural traditions differing from region to region.

It's not feasible to go on a world tour of sauna traditions. However, several points can help keep us from disrespecting someone else while enriching our sauna experience.

By following proper sauna etiquette, we are maximizing the potential of these spaces and transforming them from boxes to sweat inside spaces to develop a healthier mind and body.

Respect Personal Space and Privacy

When you first enter a sauna, make sure that you choose a seat that provides the most personal space for all occupants. It's simple, don't sit next to someone if a better option exists. 

Once your seating arrangement has been decided, refrain from staring. Imagine how uncomfortable it must be to sweat out that day's stresses only to find someone gawking at you. To avoid unknowingly staring at someone for a long time, focus on your relaxation.

With that sorted out, try not to spread your personal items out on the bench. It'll prevent any disputes from occurring.

Sit on a Towel

Bringing a seat cover or towel is a sauna protocol that'll benefit you as much as everyone else. For starters, by placing a cover beneath you, you won't come into contact with any sweat left behind by the previous occupant.

A quality cover set that absorbs your moisture will also prevent any of your sweat from seeping into the bench below you.

However, not just any towel will do. The quality of your seating arrangement can elevate your entire stay. Something that is quick to dry will make for a much more comfortable seating arrangement, especially when it's made out of 100% linen, like the Auroom seat cover set.

Be Aware of Your Session Length

This is by far the hardest sauna courtesy tip to follow. It's difficult to put a limit on yourself when you are having such a great time. This tip becomes more prominent if you are using a smaller sauna as there could be others waiting for their turn.

Many can't afford to stand around for too long between work and home life. Counting seconds can be annoying, so accessories like a quiet sand timer are essential. It lets you know how long you've been in a sauna without annoying you with a constant ticking sound.

Cleaning Up

Cleaning up after yourself is a habit that should become a part of daily life regardless of whether you are visiting a sauna or not. Consult with this convenient list once you have sweated out your day's grievances.

• Gather up all of your belongings. Water bottles, towels, and robe included

• Tissues and other trash should be deposited in a bin

• Wipe down any surface that you personally came into contact with

• Hang or fold used towels before leaving them in their appropriate area

Sauna Protocols: What Not to Do

Why is it that some sauna enthusiasts do such a poor job of being respectful of others? Most people don't want to be jerks, but sometimes we get caught up in the moment and forget how to behave. Losing focus is natural, but you should complete as many preventative steps as possible.

You won't have to continuously remind yourself of these steps but rather have them as items to check off a list. Once you've accomplished them once, you won't have as hard of a time remembering during your next visit.

Get more out of your sauna stay. Stop the vanguard of annoyed looks heading your way. Here's how not to break the sauna code of conduct.

No Strong Fragrances

This is a common infraction to commit. Many people head straight to the sauna after work. While cologne or perfume may be adequate for office space, the same can't be said for a sauna. Avoid any strong smells such as:

• Cologne

• Perfume

• Strong Deodorant

• Unpleasant Body Odor

  
  

The steam and heat from a sauna can amplify these smells as they hang around and fill up the confined space.

Even if you avoid wearing strong artificial scents, there are other ways to stink up the joint—primarily your body odor. Practice proper hygiene regularly and perhaps shower beforehand if you were sweaty throughout the day. This will prevent your body from emitting strong smells that mess up a sauna session.

Put Phones Away

It may be difficult to part with your mobile phone but do so for your own sanity. Many saunas have lockers that'll safely hold your belongings.

Placing your phone on silent can be a detriment to yourself. Sure, you won't annoy anyone with your device's ringtone. However, you will keep yourself from fully focusing on the experience. The need to constantly check your phone for updates will be too great.

If having your phone nearby is a must, consider leaving it in the pocket of your robe. Install a robe hook far from your seating location and hang your robe there.

Inside Voices or No Voices at All

A talkative mouth reveals a chaotic mind. Not exactly a sauna-worthy mental state to be in. When using a communal sauna, act as if you are in a library. Talking should be kept to a minimum and at a whisper of volume.

Even then, whispers can be disruptive. Our minds tend to focus more on them to piece together what is being said. This is why you should refrain from chit-chat.

Talking also denies you precious minutes of silence. Minutes that you can use to compartmentalize and de-stress. What's the point of going to the sauna if not to de-stress?

Don't Splash Water Excessively

How do you start an argument inside a space designed for comfort and repose? Try raising the sauna's temperature when someone else is trying to unwind. A good bucket and ladle are necessary for controlling the temperature of a sauna. However, excessively splashing water onto the hot sauna stones will lead to a number of issues:

• Overwhelming heat

• Makes it harder to breathe

• Reduced visibility

• 
  

Practice moderation and consider the comfort of the sauna, not just yours.

FAQs Respectful Sauna Practices

Should I Bring a Towel With Me to the Sauna?

Yes, sitting on a towel creates a barrier between your bottom and the bench. This not only prevents you from sweating all over the bench, but it also prevents someone's sweat from contaminating your body. An Auroom seat cover set provides two pieces of quick-drying, moisture-wicking protection. 

The only reason you wouldn’t need to bring your own towel is if the location provides towels for you, but you should never enter a sauna without using a towel to sit on for sanitary reasons.

How Long Should I Stay in the Sauna?

Generally, a sauna session will last around 10 to 20 minutes. Be mindful that extended sauna stays can lead to dehydration and discomfort. A hygrometer helps you keep an eye on indoor humidity. Ensuring the sauna is humid enough to keep you comfortable and not dehydrate you too quickly.

Can I Socialize Inside the Sauna?

Silence is the best course of action. Saunas are less of a social spot and more of a spa getaway. If you must communicate, whispers are often appreciated. The goal is to maintain the silence for as much of your stay as possible.

Conclusion of Best Sauna Etiquette

Proper sauna etiquette makes for a much more enjoyable experience for all. Respectful sauna practices can be simplified as follows:

• Don't take up too much space

• No electronics inside the sauna

• No loud or excessive talking

• Don't wear any strong fragrances

  
  

However, if you had a personal home sauna, you could set your own rules. Not to mention, you'd be able to use it to your heart's content. We have a wide selection of indoor saunas, traditional saunas, and more for you to consider if you want your own sauna oasis.

Ready to invest in your own personal sauna? If so, contact us and our team will be glad to help!