Welcome to the Heat

Thank you for trusting Sauna Cycle Company with your sauna purchase.

This is more than a product — it’s a ritual, a reset, and a space to slow down.

Review the guidelines below before your first use.

Getting Your Heater Ready

To protect your heater and ensure the best sauna experience, complete these steps before your first session:

Rinse the stones to remove debris, then allow them to air dry.
Load the stones into the heater. For electric heaters, do this after your electrician has finished. If you purchased a HUUM Drop electric heater, please watch this stone-placement video to ensure proper loading.
Complete a one-time burn-in to remove any residual manufacturing oils:
- Run the heater for 2–3 hours
- After 45 minutes, you may gently splash water on the stones to create steam
- When finished, leave the sauna door open to fully air out the room (if you have a wood heater, the door can remain open the entire time)
- Optional: repeat once if desired

This one-time process ensures a clean, enjoyable sauna experience going forward.

Exterior Care

We generally recommend that you don't stain or seal your sauna.

Cedar is naturally durable and will weather over time to a soft grey patina. This is normal and does not affect performance or lifespan.

If you prefer to preserve the original colour, an exterior stain may be applied for aesthetic purposes only.

Please note: once stained, ongoing maintenance is required (typically annually).

Never stain or seal the interior of your sauna.

Simple Maintenance

Your sauna is intentionally low-maintenance.

Wipe surfaces as needed using a 1:1 water and vinegar solution
A few times per year, remove and rinse the sauna rocks with water to keep them clean and properly spaced
Some minor water seepage is normal in outdoor saunas. When properly installed, you should not experience dripping, but light seepage—especially along the top and sides—is expected due to the natural porosity of the wood and because the wood is constantly shrinking and expanding with the climate. This moisture will quickly evaporate in the hot, dry interior and will not harm the sauna. If water marks appear, they can be easily removed with light sanding (80 or 100 grit) if you want to remove them.

How to Use Your Sauna

The Traditional Finnish Sauna Cycle

Helpful Tips

Start conservatively and build tolerance with consistency
Most sauna health benefits are achieved with at least four sessions per week, 20 minutes per session. More frequent use is associated with even greater benefits.
Lower the temperature when exercising in the sauna
WiFi heater? Use the scheduling feature - waking up to a pre-heated sauna is a game changer

Steam, Water & Oils

Add essential oils to the water bucket, never directly onto the stones
Pour water slowly and intentionally - if water pools beneath the heater, too much is being used

Sauna Hats

A Finnish tradition for good reason — sauna hats help regulate head temperature, prevent overheating, and support longer, more comfortable sessions.

Enjoy the Ritual!

Your sauna is a place to disconnect, restore, and recharge. Enjoy the heat. Embrace the stillness. Stay sweaty.

— The Sauna Cycle Team