Sauna Accessories That Actually Matter: What to Buy First (and What to Skip)
Setting up a home sauna is exciting—but once the heat is on, the next question is: what accessories do you actually need? With so many products marketed as “essential,” it’s easy to overspend on gear you’ll rarely use. This guide breaks down the must-have sauna accessories, what’s nice to have, and what you can skip—at least for now.
✅ Must-Have Sauna Accessories
- 🧴 Plant-Based Sauna Cleaner: Before anything else, keep your sauna fresh. Use a wood-safe sauna cleaner weekly to prevent sweat buildup, bacteria, and odors. Clean sauna = better sessions, longer-lasting wood.
- 🪣 Wooden Bucket + Ladle: For traditional or steam-enhanced saunas, these let you pour water over rocks safely. Look for heat-resistant, sauna-grade wood.
- 🌡 Thermometer & Hygrometer: Knowing your sauna’s temperature and humidity isn’t optional—it’s key for safety and comfort. Choose analog dials over battery-operated gadgets, which may fail in high heat.
- 🧺 Clean Towels: Sit on one, wipe down with one. It protects the wood and your skin. Always keep extras on hand.
- 🪑 Backrest or Headrest: Make the experience comfortable and ergonomic, especially if you’re staying in longer than 10 minutes. Look for smooth, curved wood designs.
👍 Nice-to-Have (But Not Essential)
- 🕯 Aroma Diffuser or Oil Bowl: Eucalyptus, birch, and pine oils can elevate the experience—but skip them if you’re sensitive to scents.
- 🌈 Mood Lighting: LED strips or salt lamps give ambiance, but they aren’t necessary for sweat equity.
- ⏳ Sand Timer: A heat-safe visual tool to track your session—but your phone timer works just fine outside the sauna.
- 🎶 Bluetooth Speaker: Music or guided breathwork is nice, but keep electronics away from extreme heat unless they’re built sauna-safe.
🚫 What to Skip (At Least for Now)
- ⚡️ Cheap Electronics: Most electronics fail quickly in sauna conditions. Don’t risk it unless it’s rated for high heat and humidity.
- 🧪 Harsh Cleaners: Bleach or vinegar might sound effective, but they damage wood and can leave behind fumes. Stick to cleaners made for saunas.
- 💸 High-Tech Add-ons: Smart thermostats, color therapy systems, or auto-dispensers sound cool—but aren’t needed when you’re just starting out.
Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Stay Clean
You don’t need a shopping cart full of gear to enjoy your sauna. Start with comfort, cleanliness, and safety. As your ritual evolves, you’ll naturally add what enhances your experience. And remember—no accessory is more important than a clean sauna.
🧼 Ready to start right? Try our plant-based sauna cleaner today and protect your setup from day one.