Person cleaning a black sauna suit in a bright laundry room with bold guide text overlay.
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How to Wash a Sauna Suit (Step-by-Step Guide)

ByMadison Blake

If you’ve been using a sauna suit regularly, you’ve probably noticed how quickly it gets sweaty, and honestly, a bit funky too. That’s totally normal. These suits are designed to trap heat and boost sweating, which means they need proper cleaning after use.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to wash a sauna suit the right way, without damaging the material. We’ll also cover common mistakes and simple tips to keep it fresh and long-lasting.

Why Cleaning Your Sauna Suit Matters

Quick takeaway, if you don’t clean it properly, it won’t last long and can even become unhygienic.

Sauna suits trap heat and moisture, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria. Over time, that leads to:

  • Bad odors that don’t go away
  • Fabric breakdown or peeling
  • Skin irritation during workouts

Many people skip proper cleaning at first, but after a few sessions, the smell becomes hard to ignore. Keeping it clean helps maintain both performance and hygiene.

Person holding a wet sauna suit in a laundry room

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Keep it simple, you don’t need anything fancy.

Here’s what works best:

  • Mild detergent
  • Lukewarm water
  • Soft cloth or brush
  • Clean towel
  • Hanger

Avoid strong chemicals or bleach. These can damage the heat-retaining material.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Sauna Suit

This is the safest and most reliable method. Hand washing is always the better option.

1. Check the Care Label

Before anything else, take a quick look at the label.

Different sauna suits use different materials like neoprene or PVC, and each one reacts differently to water and heat. One common mistake beginners make is skipping this step and ending up with damaged fabric.

2. Pre-Treat Any Stains

If you notice sweat stains or dirt buildup:

  • Mix a little detergent with water
  • Gently dab the area
  • Don’t scrub aggressively

You’re just loosening the grime, not scrubbing a carpet.

3. Soak in Warm Water

Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of detergent.

Let the suit soak for about 10 minutes. This helps break down sweat and odor buildup. What usually happens is the water starts pulling out that trapped smell pretty quickly.

4. Gently Clean the Suit

Now lightly clean the surface:

  • Use your hands or a soft brush
  • Focus on high-sweat areas like underarms and back
  • Avoid twisting or wringing

In everyday use, these areas collect the most buildup.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse with cool water until all soap is gone.

Leftover detergent can irritate your skin during your next workout, so don’t rush this step.

6. Remove Excess Water

Instead of wringing the suit:

  • Lay it flat on a towel
  • Roll the towel to absorb water

This keeps the suit’s shape intact.

7. Hang to Air Dry

Hang it in a well-ventilated area.

Avoid:

  • Direct sunlight
  • Dryers
  • Heaters

Heat can damage the material. From a practical standpoint, air drying is always the safest option.

A woman putting a yellow and black checkered shirt into a white washing machine with a yellow triangle on the door.(How To Wash A Sauna Suit)
How to wash a sauna suit in a washing machine. Sauna suits are special garments that make you sweat more during exercise.

Can You Machine Wash a Sauna Suit?

Short answer, sometimes, but it’s risky.

If the label allows it, use:

  • Cold water
  • Gentle cycle
  • Mild detergent

Even then, many experienced users avoid machine washing because it can weaken seams over time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are the things that usually ruin sauna suits faster than anything else:

  • Using hot water, it breaks down materials
  • Throwing it in the dryer
  • Using bleach or strong chemicals
  • Not washing after every use
  • Storing it while still damp

A common issue many beginners face is letting the suit sit wet in a gym bag. That’s the fastest way to get stubborn odors.

Tips to Keep Your Sauna Suit Fresh Longer

Simple habits make a big difference.

  • Rinse it right after use
  • Always let it dry completely
  • Store in a cool, dry place
  • Turn it inside out while drying
  • Wash after every session

If you’re using your suit frequently, you might also want to check out this guide on choosing the best sauna suit so you get one that’s easier to maintain.

How This Fits Into Your Sauna Routine

Keeping your gear clean is just part of the bigger picture.

If you’re using sauna suits alongside heat therapy or sauna sessions, hygiene becomes even more important. For a broader understanding of safe usage, this guide on sauna safety basics is worth a quick read.

Also, knowing how long to stay in heat matters too. You can learn more here: how long should you stay in a sauna.

FAQs:

Can I wash my sauna suit after every use?

Yes, you should. It helps prevent bacteria buildup and keeps it odor-free.

Do I need special detergent for sauna suits?

No, a mild detergent works just fine.

Is it okay if I dry my sauna suit in the sun?

It’s better to avoid direct sunlight, it can damage the material over time.

Can I use a dryer for my sauna suit?

No, air drying is the safest option to prevent shrinking or damage.

What’s the best way to remove odor from a sauna suit?

Soaking in warm water with mild detergent usually removes most odors effectively.

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