Adding a Sauna session to your regular routine can sharpen your focus, deepen relaxation, and support your overall well-being. Still, knowing what is and is not acceptable inside the sauna can feel unclear at first. To help you step in with confidence and avoid some social faux pas, we have created a list of the top 23 sauna etiquette tips.
1.) Adhere to the dress code
In traditional Finnish sauna culture, most people go nude, particularly in same gender settings where that practice is expected and respected. However, in the United States, where saunas are often shared in mixed company, guests usually wear a towel or a swimsuit. Yet, many homeowners with a private sauna still choose to follow the traditional approach in their own space. If you aren’t sure what the appropriate dress code is for your context, ask the owner of the sauna if how ou plan to dress is appropriate for the event.
2.) Shower Before and After Sauna
Before you enter the sauna, it’s important to take a thorough shower and rinse off completely. The heat will make you sweat, and starting clean helps remove any hidden dirt or oils on your body. Since most people enjoy the sauna in minimal clothing, knowing everyone has taken care of their basic hygiene adds an extra layer of comfort and respect for all guests. Additionally, when you have finished being in the sauna, be sure to rinse off to remove the sweat and any oils your body pushes out.
3.) No Electronics
Saunas are designed to be spaces for quiet, reflection, and true relaxation. For this reason, electronics should be left outside, as they can interrupt the chance to be fully present and mindful. Many modern devices also cannot withstand the intense heat and humidity in a sauna, making them unsafe and likely to be damaged if brought inside, especially if it becomes a part of routine use.
4.) Put On Some Music
While we recommend keeping electronics out of the sauna, playing soft, relaxing music is generally acceptable. If you choose to do so, use a waterproof speaker and place it on the floor, where temperatures are cooler. This setup keeps your device safe from heat while still letting you enjoy a gentle soundtrack as you relax and unwind. As with everything in Sauna culture, just make sure everyone is ok with adding music to your sauna time.
5.) Keep Your Volume Down
Your time in the sauna should be dedicated to relaxation and calm, thoughtful conversation. When you enter someone else’s sauna, take a moment to “read the room” and adjust your tone and topics accordingly. Keep your voice low and choose subjects that feel appropriate for everyone present. A simple rule of thumb is: if it isn’t something you would comfortably discuss around a child, it’s best to save it for another time, ensuring all guests can enjoy the space peacefully.
6.) Quiet Socialization
While socializing is part of sauna culture, it’s important to respect the calm atmosphere of the room. If you enter and the space is silent, do not start a conversation without checking that others are comfortable with it. Conversely, if a quiet conversation is already happening, it’s polite to join in gently, keeping your tone soft and allowing the natural flow of the discussion to continue without disrupting the peaceful environment. Above all else, your time in the Sauna should be a time of quiet relaxation.
7.) Be Conscious About Water Use
A good rule of thumb is to avoid splashing large amounts of water on the sauna stones without warning. The beauty of a sauna is that everyone enjoys it in their own way, and each person may have a slightly different approach or preference. However, this can create challenges if others do not want to participate in the same kind of sauna experience as you. If a sauna with high steam amounts is what you plan to do, make sure to explain to your guests beforehand what to expect so they are prepared. Yet if you are using a shared sauna space, always ask if others mind additional steam during their session to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably.
8.) Close The Door
The whole point of being in the sauna is to enjoy the warmth of the space. That is why the way you move in and out matters. When entering, open and close the door quickly so the heat stays where it belongs. A few extra seconds can lower the temperature more than you think. At the same time, listen to your body. Step out for short breaks, especially if you are new to sauna bathing. The goal is steady, restorative heat, not pushing past your limits.
9.) Do Not Exercise In The Sauna
While a sauna might seem like the ideal place for hot yoga or stretching, it is not built for movement-driven workouts. The heat is designed for stillness, presence, and intentional recovery, not performance. Put in the work before you step inside. Train hard, move with purpose, then let the sauna help your body recover. The heat supports circulation, eases tight muscles, and gives your system space to reset after the effort.
10.) Ask Before Adjusting the Temperature
If you want to adjust the temperature or add water to the stones, ask the others in the sauna first. Shared heat requires shared awareness epcesially since there is more than one way to apply the 200 rule when using a sauna. Some prefer steady, even heat. Others like to build intensity slowly. Both approaches can work when everyone is on the same page. What matters most is respect.
11.) Don’t Wear Jewelry
Avoid wearing jewelry into the sauna. Metal heats up quickly and holds that heat against your skin, which can lead to burns, blistering, or significant irritation before you even realize it. Step in with less, keep the focus on comfort, and allow the experience to work the way it was designed to. The enitre purpose of a Sauna is to create an intentionally hot environment, because of that intensity, what you wear into the space deserves careful thought.
12.) Use a Towel
Even if your sauna dress code allows for swimwear, it is still wise to bring a towel with you. The goal is not just comfort, it is consideration.
As the heat rises, your body will sweat, and not all of that moisture stays with you. Sitting on a towel creates a clean barrier between you and the bench, helping keep the space dry and ready for the next person. It is a simple habit that protects the experience for everyone.
13.) Refill The Sauna Bucket
Most saunas include a bucket and a ladle to help you create steam and shape the intensity of the heat. It is a simple system, but it plays a big role in the overall experience. One of the easiest ways to show courtesy is to refill the bucket with clean water before you leave. The next person should be able to step in without having to reset the space.
At the same time, avoid adding essential oils or fragrances. Scent is personal, and what feels calming to you may feel overwhelming to someone else. Keep the water clean, keep the heat pure, and let the sauna speak for itself.
14.) Cool Off When Needed
If you are new to the sauna, plan on taking cooling breaks. That is normal and encouraged. Heat tolerance is built over time, not forced. The best way to cool down is to step out, rinse with cold water, and then return when you are ready. What you do not want to do is prop the door open to cool the room while others are still inside, unless everyone else agrees it is too warm.
But if you want an invigorating way to cool down after a sauna session, jump into a cold plunge, or do as the Fins do and go right into a natural body of cold water.
15.) Avoid Strong Scents
Before you step into the sauna, make sure strong perfumes, colognes, and lotions are washed off. The heat amplifies scent, and what feels subtle at room temperature can become overpowering inside a hot room. A sauna is meant to be clean, simple, and shared. Even if you are loyal to Old Spice aftershave, wearing that into your sauna session is a great way not be invited back.
16.) Respect Personal Space
When you enter the sauna, take a moment to notice how many people are inside and how the space is being used. Awareness sets the tone. You may prefer to lie down during your session, but shared comfort always comes first.
Give people room to sit, shift, and settle without feeling crowded. Personal space matters in a heated room. A simple rule, if there is not enough space for everyone to sit comfortably, wait until someone steps out before you step in.
17.) No Food Or Drinks in the Sauna
One of the clearest lines in sauna culture is this, do not bring food or drinks inside. The space is built for heat and stillness, not snacking. Many seasoned sauna users even avoid eating three to four hours before a session so the body can focus fully on circulation and recovery.
Traditionally, you would not bring water in either. That said, if you are concerned about dehydration, a sauna-safe water bottle is reasonable. Just avoid glass. Extreme shifts between heat and cold can cause it to crack or shatter, which is the last thing you want in a shared space built for restoration.
18.) Choose The Proper Spot For Yourself
If you have never used a sauna before, know that where you sit matters. Heat rises, which means the top bench delivers the most intense experience. It is ideal for seasoned sauna users who understand their limits and know how to listen to their body.
If you are new or still learning how your body responds to sustained heat, start on the lower bench. The temperature is milder, giving you space to adjust and build tolerance with confidence. Position is not about pride; it is about pacing yourself wisely. The last thing anyone wants is for someone to faint from the heat.
19.) Do Not Block The Heater
No matter how intense you like your sauna experience, never block the heat source. Doing so can create uneven temperatures, preventing the heat from circulating properly and reducing the quality of the session.
It also creates a safety risk. Placing items too close to the heater, even accidentally, can in rare cases start a fire. Though by purchasing a Zook Sauna, you decrease that risk greatly, as our units are electric saunas, not wood-fired saunas.
Ulitmaltey keep the area clear, let the heat flow freely, and maintain both comfort and safety for everyone inside.
20.) No Shoes
Shoes should never be worn in the sauna. The space is designed for bare feet, which helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Wearing shoes can track in dirt, sweat, and debris, quickly affecting the benches and floor. Going barefoot not only protects the environment of the sauna, it also connects you more directly to the experience, allowing you to fully engage with the heat and the space in a way that is respectful to everyone using it.
21.) Do Not Move Furniture
In some saunas, you may notice furniture or other items placed throughout the space. Most of these are positioned intentionally to create the best heat flow and comfort, so they should not be moved.
Sauna backrests, however, are often movable and can be adjusted to suit your personal comfort. As long as they are not fixed in place, feel free to reposition them to support your posture, relaxation, and overall enjoyment of the session.
22.) Ask Before Opening Vents
One of the most important elements of a quality sauna experience is proper ventilation. The system is designed to balance heat and air flow for comfort and safety.
If you plan to adjust the fresh air intake, check with others in the sauna first. Changing the airflow affects everyone’s experience. Opening the intake allows fresh air in, which pushes out stale air and helps maintain a more consistent, evenly heated environment. Small adjustments can make a big difference, so approach them thoughtfully to keep the session enjoyable for all.
23.) Respect Posted Time Limits
If you are using a public or shared sauna, respect the posted time limits. Long sessions can affect everyone waiting, and nothing disrupts the experience like a previous group overstaying and cutting into your time.
Time limits also serve your well-being. Spending too long in the heat can be taxing on the body, and the guidelines are often in place to help you enjoy the sauna safely. Following them ensures everyone has a fair, comfortable, and restorative session.
Conclusion…
Time in the sauna can be a perfect way to relax, unwind, and connect with others. That said, following these basic sauna etiquette tips ensures the experience is enjoyable for both you and everyone else sharing the space.
If you prefer complete freedom, you could bring the sauna experience home with a personal outdoor sauna from Zook Cabins. We help you create a space designed for your comfort, letting you enjoy heat, stillness, and restoration exactly the way you want.