Preparing your sauna for first use

The long-awaited moment has arrived — your new sauna is installed and you're ready for a deep relaxation experience. But before you start enjoying the wonderful health benefits your sauna has in store, it's essential to prepare it correctly for the first use. From heating to cleaning, here are the steps to optimise your sauna experience.

Step 1: Clean Your Sauna

Before heating your sauna, give it a thorough clean to remove any dust or debris from the installation process. Use a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution on the interior surfaces — benches, walls and floor. Let it dry fully before moving on.

Step 2: Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential in a sauna. Make sure the vent or window is open to allow fresh air during heating.

Step 3: Heat the Sauna

Now it's time to heat your sauna for the first time. Start the sauna heater according to the manufacturer's instructions, setting the temperature to around 70–80 °C for a traditional sauna or 38–54 °C for an infrared sauna. If you've chosen the more traditional route with a wood-burning sauna, place the wood in the heater and light the fire, ensuring the chimney is open for proper ventilation. Let the sauna heat slowly until it reaches the ideal temperature of around 70–90 °C.

Step 4: Let It Run

Let your sauna run for at least an hour. You can leave the door slightly ajar so any residue from the manufacturing process can dissipate.

Step 5: Increase the Temperature

After an hour, raise the temperature to maximum and let it run for several more hours. This 'tempers' the sauna, burning off any residue.

Step 6: Cooling

Switch off the sauna and let it cool fully.

Step 7: Final Clean

Once the sauna has cooled, clean it again. This time, scrub the floor and wipe the heater, especially if you notice any residue.

Step 8: Optimal Setting

Now your sauna is ready for first use. Adjust the temperature and humidity to suit your personal preferences. A good starting point is 70–90 °C for a traditional sauna and 38–54 °C for an infrared sauna, with humidity at 10–20 %. Each person's preference varies, so don't hesitate to experiment until you find the right setting for you.

Now that your sauna is ready to use, keeping it in good condition is key to its longevity. For all our tips, read the article 'Maintenance Tips for Your Outdoor Sauna' here on the blog.

Preparing your sauna correctly for first use will ensure a better, more relaxing experience. With the right steps and a little care, you'll enjoy the many benefits of your sauna for years to come.

Enjoy your new sauna.

Explore our products

Discover our infrared saunas — efficient heating and simple installation:

• Aura 150 Infrared Sauna
• Aura 110 Infrared Sauna
• Kajo Electric Heater

See infrared saunas →