Finnish Sauna Use

1 First Start-up

The first start-up of the sauna requires some special attention to ensure proper operation and eliminate residual production odors.

1.1 Initial Preparation

1. Verify that the installation has been completed correctly
2. Check that all lava stones are positioned on the heater
3. Ensure that air vents are clear
4. Remove any labels or protections from the heater
5. Verify that the electrical panel is active

1.2 First Start-up Procedure

1. Preparatory ventilation: Open the sauna door and ventilate the room for 30 minutes
2. Heater activation: Turn the timer knob to 3/4 of the stroke
3. Temperature setting: Set temperature to 3/4 of the stroke (not maximum)
4. Open door: Leave the door completely open during this first phase
5. Initial heating: Wait 45-60 minutes with door open and ventilated room
6. Shutdown: Turn off the heater and let it cool completely

WARNING: During the first 2-3 start-ups it is normal to smell resin or burning dust. This is absolutely normal and will disappear after a few uses.

1.3 Break-in Cycles

Before the first actual use, repeat the start-up procedure 2-3 times:

After these 3 cycles the sauna is ready for normal use.

2 Daily Use

2.1 Start-up and Preheating

The Finnish Sauna requires preheating time before use:

Normal Start-up Procedure:

1. Turn the left knob (Timer) to the desired duration (maximum 90 minutes)
2. Turn the right knob (Temperature) to the desired value
3. Close the door and wait for the heating time
4. Verify that the temperature has been reached with the internal thermometer

NOTE: During heating it is normal to hear slight creaking of the wood due to thermal expansion.

2.2 Temperature Adjustment

The ideal temperature depends on experience and personal tolerance. In a Finnish Sauna the temperature ranges between 70°C and 100°C, with relative humidity typically between 10% and 20%. When water is poured on the stones, humidity can temporarily increase.

WARNING: Never exceed 15-20 minutes of continuous stay, even if experienced. Always listen to your body and exit immediately if you feel unwell.

2.3 Position in Sauna

The correct position affects the experience and safety:

• Upper bench: Higher temperature (up to +10°C compared to lower). For experienced users.
• Lower bench: Lower temperature (-5-10°C). Ideal for beginners and standard sessions.
• Lying position: Uniform heat distribution, more comfortable for long sessions.
• Sitting position: Head in the hottest zone, intense but less comfortable.

NOTE: Always use a towel to sit or lie on, both for hygiene and to protect the wood from sweat.

3 Using Water on the Stones

Steam is a characteristic element of the Finnish Sauna. It is obtained by pouring water on the heated lava stones, which evaporates instantly temporarily increasing humidity.

3.1 Correct Amount of Water

The amount of water to pour must be carefully dosed. Excessive use can temporarily lower the temperature:

Correct Procedure:

1. Fill the wooden bucket with clean water at room temperature
2. Take the wooden ladle
3. Collect the desired amount of water
4. Pour gently on the lava stones in the center of the heater
5. Wait for the steam to spread (5-10 seconds)
6. Breathe normally, the steam increases the heat perception

WARNING: Never pour more than 2 ladles at once. Too much water can cool the stones, damage the electric resistances (causing dangerous thermal shocks) and create excessive steam.

3.2 Lava Stones: Positioning and Maintenance

The stones must be correctly positioned on the heater:

• The flattest stones should be inserted between the resistances without forcing
• Rounded stones create upper layers that protect the resistances
• The electric resistances must be visually covered by the stones
• The stones must support each other without forcing on the resistances
• There must be sufficient space between stones for air circulation

Stone maintenance:

• Replace stones approximately every 2 years
• Regularly check if there are crumbled parts in the heater (sign of wear)
• Clean stones with lukewarm water before use to remove dust
• Wash stones with lukewarm water and mild detergent using a soft sponge

3.3 Essential Oils: Usage Rules

Essential oils can enrich the experience, but must be used correctly:

FUNDAMENTAL RULES:

• Use ONLY essential oils specific for sauna
• Always dilute oils: 3-5 drops per liter of water
• Mix water well before pouring on stones
• NEVER pour pure oils directly on stones
• DO NOT pour oils on electric resistances

Recommended Oils:

DANGER: Never use oils not specific for sauna, perfumes, salts, detergents or other substances. They can damage resistances, emit toxic fumes or be flammable.

3.4 What NOT to Pour on the Stones

PROHIBITED substances to pour on lava stones:

• Salted water or with salt
• Perfumes or spray deodorants
• Pure essential oils (undiluted)
• Beverages (beer, wine, tea, juices)
• Detergents or soaps
• Water with excessive limestone (leaves deposits)
• Alcoholic substances

All these substances can damage resistances, create unpleasant odors, hard-to-remove deposits or toxic fumes.

4 Common Mistakes to Avoid

4.1 Usage Errors

4.2 Maintenance Errors During Use

• Not ventilating after use: Always leave door open 30-60 minutes after each session
• Leaving wet towels inside: Always remove towels and bath towels, they bring humidity and mold
• Forgetting heater on: Always use timer, never leave unattended
• Sitting without towel: Sweat damages wood and compromises hygiene

5 Ideal Sauna Session

5.1 Complete Traditional Cycle

The traditional Finnish Sauna session includes heat cycles alternated with cooling. A complete session involves 1 to 3 heat exposure cycles lasting between 5 and 20 minutes each, interspersed with cooling periods:

1. Preheating: Turn on sauna 30-45 minutes before (70-90°C)
2. Personal preparation: Lukewarm shower without scented soap, dry completely
3. First cycle (8-12 minutes):
   • Enter sauna with towel
   • Sit or lie on bench
   • After 5 minutes: pour 1 ladle of water on stones
   • Breathe normally, relax
4. Cooling (5-10 minutes):
   • Exit sauna
   • Lukewarm shower or fresh air
   • Drink water (200-300ml)
   • Rest sitting or lying down
5. Second cycle (10-15 minutes):
   • Re-enter sauna
   • Temperature can be slightly increased
   • Pour water more frequently if desired
6. Final cooling (10-15 minutes):
   • Lukewarm/cool shower
   • Drink plenty of water (300-500ml)
   • Rest 15-20 minutes in comfortable environment
7. Possible third cycle (optional): Only for experienced users, 8-10 minutes

WARNING: Do not perform more than 3 cycles in one session. Total time in sauna (excluding rests) should not exceed 45 minutes.

5.2 Hydration

During sauna you can lose up to 500-1000ml of fluids through sweating. Adequate hydration is fundamental:

5.3 Recommended Frequency

To obtain maximum benefits from the Finnish Sauna:

• Occasional users: 2-3 weekly sessions
• Accustomed users: up to 4 weekly sessions

5.4 Benefits of Regular Use

Regular use of the Finnish Sauna offers numerous scientifically documented benefits:

• Cardiovascular system: Heat dilates blood vessels, improving circulation and contributing to optimal tissue oxygenation. This effect is beneficial for the heart and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases
• Deep muscle relaxation and tension reduction
• Skin purification through sweating and toxin elimination
• Mental wellness: Sauna acts positively on the mind through endorphin production, with beneficial effects on anxiety, stress and sleep quality
• Immune system: Regular sauna sessions can strengthen the body's defenses, reducing the risk of infections and seasonal diseases
• Beneficial effect on joints and muscle pain
• Sports recovery: For athletes sauna is a true muscle recovery tool

6 When NOT to Use the Sauna

Avoid using sauna in the following situations:

• After consumption of alcoholic beverages
• During fever or acute flu states
• Immediately after heavy meals (wait 1-2 hours)
• During pregnancy without medical consultation
• With uncontrolled blood pressure
• With heart diseases without medical authorization
• During heavy menstrual cycle
• In case of open wounds or skin infections
• In presence of severe circulatory disorders
• With uncontrolled epilepsy

WARNING: In case of doubts about your fitness to use sauna, always consult your doctor before starting.

7 Shutdown and Closing

Correct Shutdown Procedure:

1. The timer automatically turns off the heater when time expires
2. If you want to turn off early, turn timer to "0"
3. Completely open sauna door
4. Let ventilate for 30-60 minutes
5. Remove used towels, bath towels and accessories
6. Verify that benches are dry
7. Close door only when sauna is completely cold and dry
8. Empty and clean water bucket

NOTE: Proper ventilation after use prevents mold formation and unpleasant odors, preserving wood and ensuring sauna longevity.