How to Maintain Right Humidity in a Sauna

Let’s consider how to find that perfect balance of heat and humidity in your sauna for the best sauna experience. But getting that balance right requires a little know-how.

Maintaining enough humidity for the perfect sauna experience is all about balance. With these simple tips, you can create a sauna environment that doesn’t feel like a swamp, every time. Here is how to steam up your sauna routine the right way – perfect humidity, perfect relaxation, all in one perfect sauna session.

How to Maintain Right Humidity in a Sauna

Traditional saunas are known for their dry heat, with humidity levels typically ranging from 10% to 30%. However, adding a bit of moisture to the air can enhance the sauna experience, making it feel more comfortable and helping your body sweat more efficiently.

The key is finding the right balance—too much humidity, and you’re left with a swampy sauna; too little, and it feels like you’re baking in an oven. Humidity in a sauna is typically controlled by adding water to the hot stones on top of the sauna heater. The water instantly turns to steam, raising the humidity in the room.

But there’s a right way (and a wrong way!) to do this. In this case less is more. Pour small amounts at a time to create gentle, even steam. This keeps the humidity in check and the comfortable atmosphere.

If you want a little flair, mix a few drops of sauna-safe essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender with water for a scented steam session, but no direct pours on the stones!

Keeping your sauna well-ventilated is key. Make sure those vents are open to let fresh air in and excess humidity out. This prevents things from getting too steamy and keeps your sauna fresh. And after every session? Dry it out! Leave the door open, wipe down the benches, and let the air circulate. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in keeping your sauna mold-free and in top shape.

Maintaining Right Humidity in a Sauna – Dos and Don’ts

Maintaining the right humidity levels in your traditional sauna is key to creating a comfortable, relaxing experience that benefits both body and mind. By following these tips – adding water in small amounts, keeping your sauna well-ventilated, and monitoring humidity levels – you can enjoy the perfect balance of heat and steam every time you step inside.

Do: Add Water in Small Amounts

When adding water to the sauna stones, less is more. Start by adding just a small amount of water at a time—about a ladleful. This allows the steam to distribute evenly without overwhelming the space. If you find you want more humidity, you can always add more water, but it’s better to build it up gradually than to dump a large quantity of water all at once.

Don’t: Flood the Stones

In a Finnish sauna, the stones are placed on top of an electric or wood-burning stove. They are only needed to warm the air, but not to create the steam. Pouring too much water on the stones at once can lead to a few problems. First, it can create a sudden, uncomfortable blast of steam that may be too intense.

The water will start evaporating in large drops, so the steam will become heavy and scalding hot that can injure the respiratory tract or burn the skin. Second, flooding the stones with water can cause them to cool down too quickly, making it harder for your sauna heater to maintain a consistent temperature. In extreme cases, too much water can even damage your sauna heater, leading to costly repairs.

Do: Use Sauna-Safe Aromatics for a Scented Experience

If you enjoy adding a bit of scent to your sauna experience, you can mix essential oils with water before pouring it onto the stones. Just make sure to use sauna-safe essential oils, as some oils can release harmful chemicals when exposed to high heat.

Popular options include eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint, which can enhance your relaxation and even provide respiratory benefits.

Don’t: Add Oils Directly to the Stones

Never pour essential oils directly onto the hot stones. Not only can this cause the oils to burn, creating an unpleasant smell, but it can also be a fire hazard. Always dilute your oils in water first, and add the mixture carefully to the stones.

Do: Monitor Humidity Levels

If you want to get serious about maintaining the right humidity levels in your sauna, consider investing in a hygrometer. This handy tool measures the humidity in the air, allowing you to make precise adjustments as needed. Ideally, your sauna’s humidity should stay within the 10% to 30% range, but you can adjust this based on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a steamier sauna experience, aim for the higher end of that range.

Don’t: Let Humidity Levels Get Too High

While a little steam is great for enhancing your sauna experience, too much humidity can turn your sauna into a sticky, uncomfortable environment. High humidity levels (above 30%) can make it difficult for your body to cool itself through sweating, which can lead to overheating.

It can also increase the risk of mold and mildew growth inside your sauna, which can damage the wood and create health hazards. If you notice excessive condensation on the walls or ceiling of your sauna, it’s a sign that the humidity is too high.

Do: Keep Your Sauna Ventilated

Proper ventilation is key to maintaining the right balance of heat and humidity in your sauna. Make sure your sauna has an air vent near the floor to allow fresh air to enter, as well as an exhaust vent near the ceiling to release excess humidity. This will help prevent the air from becoming too stagnant or steamy, ensuring a more comfortable sauna session.

Don’t: Seal Off the Vents

It might be tempting to close off the vents in an attempt to trap more heat and steam inside, but this can actually backfire. Without proper ventilation, the air in your sauna can become too humid and stuffy, making it harder to breathe. Worse, it can lead to condensation buildup that damages the wood and creates the perfect environment for mold. Always keep your sauna vents open to allow for proper airflow.

Do: Dry Out Your Sauna after Each Use

After your sauna session is over, it’s important to let your sauna dry out completely to prevent moisture buildup. Leave the door open for a while to let fresh air circulate and help the wood dry out. You can also wipe down the benches and walls with a dry towel to speed up the process. Regular drying will help prevent mold and mildew from developing and keep your sauna in top condition.

Don’t: Neglect Regular Maintenance

Maintaining the right humidity levels in your sauna isn’t just about managing steam during your sessions – it’s also about taking care of your sauna in between uses. Make sure to clean your sauna regularly, paying special attention to the stones and heater. Over time, mineral deposits from the water can build up on the stones, reducing their effectiveness. Scrub the stones periodically to keep them clean and replace them if they start to crack or deteriorate.

Safety Tips for Sauna Humidity

• Stay Hydrated: Even with the perfect humidity levels, sauna sessions can cause significant fluid loss through sweating. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your session to stay hydrated.
• Listen to Your Body: If you start to feel lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous, it’s a sign that your body is overheating. Step out of the sauna immediately, cool down, and rehydrate.
• Be Mindful of Time: Don’t overstay your welcome in the sauna. Most experts recommend limiting your sauna sessions to 15-20 minutes, especially if you’re new to sauna bathing. Spending too long in a humid sauna can lead to dehydration and overheating.
• Use Caution with Steam: When adding water to the stones, do so slowly and carefully. The steam that rises from the stones can be extremely hot, so make sure to pour the water from a safe distance to avoid burns.
• Keep the Kids Safe: If you’re sharing your sauna experience with children, keep a close eye on them and make sure they understand the importance of safety in the sauna. Children are more susceptible to heat and humidity, so limit their time in the sauna and ensure they stay hydrated.

Just remember to stay safe, take care of your sauna, and most importantly, enjoy the blissful relaxation that only a perfectly maintained sauna can provide!