If you’re a regular sauna-goer or athlete, you’re probably familiar with the magical powers of the sauna suit. By creating a sweat-inducing environment, these suits can help you shed extra water weight and toxins during your workout or sauna session. However, with great power comes great responsibility – and discoloration, smell, and bacteria buildup are just some of the issues that come with neglecting to properly clean your sauna suit.
In this guide, we’ll share the ultimate tips and tricks for mastering the art of sauna suit cleaning. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sauna veteran, we’ll cover everything from the best cleaning products to avoid damaging your suit, to the best practices for extending its lifespan and ensuring optimal hygiene.
So sit back (preferably in your freshly-cleaned sauna suit), grab a pen and paper, and get ready to become a sauna cleaning master.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Sauna Suit
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A sauna suit is a unique type of workout gear that serves as a tool for weight loss and detoxification. The suit works by raising your body temperature, causing you to sweat profusely during your workout. However, just like any other fitness apparel, it needs to be cleaned thoroughly to maintain its effectiveness and prevent unpleasant odors.
Regular cleaning not only eliminates bad smells but also helps remove toxins and bacteria that may have accumulated on the suit’s surface. Bacteria thrive in warm and moist environments like those created by a sauna suit, which makes it crucial to keep the suit clean and dry.
A dirty sauna suit can also irritate your skin and cause rashes, itchiness, and bacterial infections. In addition, the accumulation of sweat and bacteria on the suit’s surface can weaken the fabric, resulting in premature wear and tear.
Cleaning your sauna suit after every use is essential to preserve its integrity, improve its lifespan, and ensure your comfort and health. Follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you’re cleaning your suit correctly and maintain its quality.
Understanding the Materials of Your Sauna Suit
Before you even think about cleaning your sauna suit, it’s important to understand the materials it is made of. Most sauna suits are made from a blend of PVC, nylon, and/or polyester. These materials are chosen for their durability, waterproofing capabilities, and ability to promote sweat and heat retention.
While these materials are great for the purpose of a sauna suit, they require special care when it comes to cleaning. PVC, in particular, can be a bit tricky, as it is a sensitive material that can become damaged if it comes into contact with certain substances.
It’s also important to note that the inside lining of most sauna suits is made of a different material than the outside. This lining is usually made from a mesh or breathable fabric, which helps to wick away sweat and keep you comfortable during your workout.
To ensure the longevity of your sauna suit, always check the care instructions on the label before cleaning. Some suits may be machine washable, while others may require hand washing or dry cleaning. Additionally, certain detergents or fabric softeners may be too harsh for the material and should be avoided.
- PVC, nylon, and/or polyester are commonly used materials for sauna suits
- Sauna suits require special care when cleaning
- Inside lining of a sauna suit is typically made from a mesh or breathable fabric
- Always check care instructions before cleaning your sauna suit
Preparing Your Sauna Suit for Cleaning
Before you start cleaning your sauna suit, it is important to prepare it properly. This can help ensure that the suit is cleaned effectively and that any stains or odors are removed.
Step 1: Remove any accessories from your sauna suit such as your watch, jewelry, or phone.
Step 2: Brush off any loose dirt, debris or sweat from your sauna suit. You can use a soft-bristled brush to get rid of any dirt that may have accumulated on the surface of the suit.
Step 3: Fill a sink or bucket with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent. Make sure to read the instructions on the detergent to determine the right amount of detergent that you should use.
Step 4: Soak your sauna suit in the soapy water for about 10-15 minutes. This will help to loosen any dirt, sweat or grime that has built up on the suit.
Step 5: Rinse your sauna suit thoroughly with lukewarm water until all soap suds have been removed. You can also rinse the suit under running water for easier cleaning.
Step 6: Squeeze out the excess water gently from your sauna suit. It is important not to wring or twist the suit as this can cause damage to the fabric and reduce its effectiveness.
By following these simple steps, you can prepare your sauna suit for cleaning and ensure that your suit is cleaned effectively each time.
Machine Washing Your Sauna Suit: Dos and Don’ts
Do: Follow the Care Instructions
Before machine washing your sauna suit, check the care instructions on the label. Some sauna suits may be too delicate for machine washing and require hand washing instead. It’s important to follow the care instructions to avoid damaging the suit or reducing its effectiveness.
Don’t: Use Fabric Softener
Fabric softener can leave a residue on the sauna suit, which can decrease its breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. Avoid using fabric softener when washing your sauna suit in the machine.
Do: Use a Mild Detergent
Choose a mild detergent when washing your sauna suit in the machine. Harsh detergents can damage the fabric and reduce its effectiveness. A mild detergent will clean the suit without compromising its performance.
Don’t: Overload the Machine
Overloading the machine can cause the sauna suit to become tangled, which can damage the fabric. Wash the sauna suit in a small or medium load to avoid overloading the machine and prevent damage to the suit.
Do: Wash on Cold
Wash your sauna suit on a cold cycle to prevent the fabric from shrinking or becoming damaged. The cold water will also help remove sweat and dirt without causing any damage to the suit.
Don’t: Dry on High Heat
Avoid drying your sauna suit on high heat, as this can damage the fabric and decrease its effectiveness. Instead, try air-drying or using a low-heat setting in the dryer to prevent any damage to the suit.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Follow the care instructions | Use fabric softener |
| Use a mild detergent | Overload the machine |
| Wash on cold | Dry on high heat |
Hand Washing Your Sauna Suit: Step-by-Step Guide
If you prefer to hand wash your sauna suit instead of machine washing it, follow these steps:
- Fill the sink or basin with water. Use lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid using bleach, fabric softeners or any harsh chemicals.
- Turn the sauna suit inside out. This helps to prevent any damage or fading to the outer layer of the suit.
- Submerge the suit in water. Gently mix the suit around in the water, ensuring that every part of the suit is immersed and cleaning solution reaches all areas. Be careful not to scrub the suit too hard, this can cause damage to the material.
- Let the suit soak for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the cleaning solution to penetrate the fabric and remove any dirt or sweat trapped in the fibers.
- Rinse the suit thoroughly with cool water. Hold the suit under running water to remove any detergent residue. Continue to rinse until the water runs clear.
- Squeeze out the excess water. Carefully squeeze the suit to remove as much water as possible without twisting or wringing the material. Avoid using a dryer, as high heat can damage the fabric.
- Hang the suit to air dry. Choose a well-ventilated area and hang the suit on a hanger to dry. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause fading or discoloration. Once dry, flip the suit right side out and hang it in your closet or folding it for storage.
Drying Your Sauna Suit: Best Practices
Avoid Machine Drying
The intense heat and tumbling action of a machine dryer can damage your sauna suit beyond repair. It’s best to avoid putting your suit in the dryer altogether.
Air Dry Your Suit
Hang your sauna suit to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid hanging it in direct sunlight, as this can cause colors to fade.
Use Towels to Absorb Moisture
If your sauna suit is particularly wet after use, use clean towels to blot out the moisture before hanging it up to dry. This will speed up the drying process and prevent mold and mildew from forming.
Flip Your Suit Inside Out
By flipping your sauna suit inside out while it air dries, you’ll be able to better ventilate the seams and ensure that your suit dries faster.
Do Not Iron
Ironing a sauna suit can damage the fabric and negate its moisture-wicking properties. Avoid ironing your suit altogether, as it’s not necessary.
Ironing Your Sauna Suit: Tips and Tricks
Ironing your sauna suit is an essential step in keeping it clean and presentable. It not only removes wrinkles but also ensures that it remains in good shape. However, ironing a sauna suit can be tricky, and one needs to be careful not to damage the material.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you out:
- Start by reading the care instructions on the label. This will provide you with important information such as the recommended ironing temperature.
- Always use a low-heat setting when ironing a sauna suit. The high heat can melt the fabric and cause irreparable damage.
- Never iron over any prints or logos on the sauna suit. These can easily melt and ruin your suit.
- Use a pressing cloth. This will prevent the iron from making direct contact with the material and protect it from getting scorched.
- Iron the sauna suit while it is still slightly damp. This will help remove wrinkles more easily.
- Iron the suit inside out. This will prevent any damage to the outer layer of the material.
With these tips and tricks, you can easily and safely iron your sauna suit. Remember to always follow the care instructions to ensure that your suit lasts for many saunas to come!
Removing Stains from Your Sauna Suit: Common Methods
As much as we try to avoid it, stains happen. Whether it’s from sweat, dirt, food or drink, cleaning stains from your sauna suit is an essential part of keeping it in good condition. Here are some of the most common methods for removing stains:
- Pre-treating with detergent: Apply a small amount of liquid detergent directly onto the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then wash as usual. This method is effective for most types of stains.
- Baking soda and vinegar: Make a paste using baking soda and water, apply it onto the stain, then pour a small amount of vinegar on top. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash as usual. This method is effective for removing tough stains like sweat and blood.
- Lemon juice and salt: Combine lemon juice and salt to make a paste, then apply it onto the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash as usual. This method is effective for removing stains from white or light-colored sauna suits.
Remember to always check the care label on your sauna suit before trying any stain removal methods. Some materials may require special treatment, such as dry cleaning or spot cleaning.
| Tip: | When removing stains, it’s always best to tackle them as soon as possible before they have a chance to set in. Always follow the instructions on the stain removal product and test it on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the whole suit. |
|---|
Maintaining the Shape of Your Sauna Suit: Expert Advice
A sauna suit that fits you perfectly is essential for maximizing your workout results. However, with frequent use and washing, it can lose its shape and become less effective. Follow these expert tips to maintain the shape of your sauna suit:
- Reshape after each use: After each use, reshape your sauna suit by stretching it out and smoothing any wrinkles by hand. Do not fold or crumple it up.
- Wash with care: Always wash your sauna suit according to the care instructions on the label. Use cold water and mild detergent. Do not use fabric softener or bleach.
- Air dry: Never put your sauna suit in the dryer. Instead, hang it up to air dry naturally. Do not wring or twist the fabric, as this can cause it to lose its shape.
- Store properly: To further maintain the shape of your sauna suit, fold it neatly and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or heat.
- Replace when necessary: If your sauna suit has lost its shape or becomes too stretched out, it’s time to replace it. Investing in a new one will ensure that you continue to get the most out of your workouts.
By following these expert tips, your sauna suit will retain its shape for longer, allowing you to enjoy its benefits for months to come.
Storing Your Sauna Suit: Dos and Don’ts
After a good session in your sauna suit, it’s important to store it correctly to ensure it stays clean and functional for your next use. Here are some dos and don’ts for storing your sauna suit:
Do:
- Hang your sauna suit up to dry after each use. It’s important to let it air out and dry completely before storing it
- Store your sauna suit in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or high temperatures
- Fold your sauna suit neatly to avoid any creases or wrinkles that may affect its performance
- Keep your sauna suit away from any sharp objects or rough surfaces that may damage the material
Don’t:
- Store your sauna suit while it’s still damp or wet. This can cause unpleasant odors or mildew to form
- Leave your sauna suit balled up or crumpled. This can cause it to lose its shape and reduce its effectiveness
- Store your sauna suit in a plastic bag or airtight container. This can trap moisture and cause the material to deteriorate or become discolored
- Hang your sauna suit on a wire hanger. This can cause the material to stretch or become misshapen
Following these dos and don’ts for storing your sauna suit will ensure it stays fresh, clean, and in great condition for your next sweat session!
