How do I use the wood-fired sauna?
Heat the sauna with dry wood, keep the ventilation open, pour small splashes of water onto the stones, and never light the stove with a closed chimney damper. Heating usually takes 45 to 90 minutes.
A wood-fired sauna heats up more slowly than an electric one, but provides a softer warmth. Expect 45 to 90 minutes of heating; the exact time depends on the stove and the volume of stones. A typical temperature is 70 to 90 degrees.
How to heat the sauna
- Open the air supply and check that the chimney damper is open.
- Place dry, untreated wood in the stove and light it with a firelighter.
- Keep the sauna door closed during heating and leave the vent open.
- Add more wood after 45 minutes if the temperature is not yet right.
- Only pour water on the stones once the sauna has reached temperature.
Always pour small splashes of water onto the stones, about a ladleful at a time. A large splash can cause steam burns and damage the stove. Only use special sauna infusions, diluted in water; pure essential oil on the stones can catch fire.
Never light the stove with the air supply or chimney damper closed: incomplete combustion can produce carbon monoxide. Never leave the stove unattended with an open fire, keep children supervised, and do not use the sauna in combination with alcohol.
The heating time, location of the vent, and wood storage area vary per home. You can find these details in the information binder in the house and on your arrival page.