Saunas are provided as part of many health club memberships. They are also available in some spas. These public facilities are often used by many strangers all at once. This shared use means confinement in a small space wearing little or no clothing. These circumstances make it important to use proper sauna room etiquette so you don't disturb or annoy others.
Definition
A sauna is a room in which hot rocks are used to generate high temperatures. Public saunas generally have wood benches where users can kick back and enjoy the heat. They are often found in health clubs and fitness centers. Some may be limited to users of one sex, while others let men and women use the same room. The Sauna Community website explains sauna rooms are often used for detoxification, relaxation and relief of muscle pain.
Attire
The Sauna Fin sauna products website explains you should always wear at least a towel in a public sauna. Some require swimsuits, particularly in unisex facilities. Sauna Fin states there should be rules posted outside of the sauna, including required dress. It is poor etiquette to stare at other people, regardless of whether they are in swim wear or are totally nude.
Cleanliness
Take a shower before entering a sauna. This should be especially easy if you're using a facility in a health club or fitness center with a locker room and public showers. This is good etiquette because it helps prevent odors of chlorine if you've been swimming or sweat if you've worked out before relaxing in the heat, advises Sauna Fin. It also prevents bacteria and germs from contaminating the public benches. Good manners also dictate bringing in a towel and sitting on it rather than on a bare bench, according to the Home Saunas for Healthy and Beauty website.
Volume
Saunas are generally small, so loud talking and laughing can annoy other people sitting around you. Keep conversation volume low, and don't guffaw loudly, moan, groan or make other awkward noises, warns Sauna Fin. Strange sounds or conversations about personal subjects may make others in the sauna uncomfortable. Many people use saunas for relaxation and consider auditory disturbances to be bad etiquette.
Access
Don't hold the door open when entering or exiting the sauna. This allows the heat to escape. It is especially poor etiquette to stand in the sauna doorway and talk to people inside while holding the door open for several minutes. Your fellow sauna users don't appreciate being suddenly subjected to a cold breeze. Proper etiquette dictates that you come inside and have a quiet conversation or step in, close the door and ask the other person to step outside with you.
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