Do bacteria grow in saunas?

Author: Chanelle Gerhold  |  Last update: Friday, January 23, 2026

The bacteria found in the washing room and surfaces of a sauna (wooden benches) mostly match the flora found on the skin. The most common types include gram-positive coccus bacteria (staphylococci) and gram-positive bacilliform bacteria (bacilli and corynebacteria).

Does heat kill bacteria in sauna?

It's true. Infrared saunas use infrared heat, and that heat is going to kill a lot of bacteria and germs. So, you may think you don't need to clean your sauna because it does the job for you. But, that's not the kind of cleaning we're talking about when we talk about caring for your sauna.

How do saunas stay sanitary?

If your heater uses stones, they will occasionally need to be washed as well. Be sure to allow the stones to completely air dry before turning on the heater. That is really about all there is to keeping a sauna sanitary. Because they use mostly dry heat, saunas are largely self cleaning.

Are there any negatives to sauna?

Although sauna bathing does not cause drying of the skin-and may even benefit patients with psoriasis-sweating may increase itching in patients with atopic dermatitis. Contraindications to sauna bathing include unstable angina pectoris, recent myocardial infarction, and severe aortic stenosis.

Can you catch things from saunas?

``The sauna is not a microbiological health risk, as the microbes usually found in a sauna belong to the normal human flora. The amount is usually too small to cause an infection, and microbes can't pass through healthy and intact skin. Generally pathogenic bacteria is destroyed quite quickly in low temperatures.

Why Dr. Peter Attia Changed His Mind About Saunas | The Tim Ferriss Show

Are saunas germ-infested?

In terms of microbiology, a sauna does not pose a health risk, as the microbes that are typically found there are part of normal human flora. The amounts are usually too small to result in an infection, and microbes are unable to penetrate healthy, unbruised skin.

Is it okay to sauna everyday?

One of the most common questions we get asked is, "Can I sauna every day?" The short answer is yes, it can be safe for most people to sauna daily. However, it's important to keep a few things in mind, like how long you stay in and any health conditions you might have.

Why do you not wear clothes in a sauna?

There are two primary reasons: tradition and health. Wearing clothes in a sauna can trap heat and sweat, making the experience less comfortable and hygienic. Sweat also tends to collect in bathing suits such that it doesn't evaporate and cool the body as intended, which counteracts the desired effects of a sauna.

Why should you not shower after a sauna?

Cooling off after the sauna is important because you can catch a cold if you sweat too much. Sauna-goers should leave enough time to cool down before warming up again. If you can, don't have a shower straight after the sauna. It's better for the body if you cool off in the fresh air first.

Can you get staph from a sauna?

Examples of commonly shared items are towels, benches in saunas or hot tubs, and athletic equipment - in other words, anything that could have touched the skin of a staph infected person can carry the bacteria to the skin of another person.

Should I wear a bra in the sauna?

Try to avoid tight underwear, especially your bra, to avoid discomfort that can cause tight clothes in the cabin with high temperature and humidity.

How do you disinfect a sauna?

Sanitize with Natural Disinfectant: To sanitize the sauna and kill any remaining bacteria or mold spores, mix equal parts of water and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the interior surfaces of the sauna and allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before wiping dry with a clean cloth. 8.

Does sauna kill fungus?

The heat from saunas effectively kills off some harmful bacteria and fungi, but also has the added bonus of making your body sweat. Sweating is a great way to minimize toxins from your body, which is something that is crucial for fighting off infections.

Is an Apple Watch safe in the sauna?

No, it's not recommended. While Apple Watches, including the rugged Apple Watch Ultra, are designed to be water-resistant, that doesn't mean they're built to handle the extreme heat and humidity of a sauna or steam room.

Can I take my phone in the sauna?

The short answer is that it's generally not recommended to bring your phone into a sauna. The high temperatures and humidity levels can cause damage to your phone's internal components, and the risk of overheating or even explosion is not worth the convenience of having your phone with you.

Why is there no swimwear in the sauna?

In the sauna, our body is exposed to high temperature and begins to sweat intensively. Swimwear is often made of synthetic materials that can release toxins when exposed to high temperatures.

What are the negatives of a sauna?

3 Drawbacks of Using a Sauna After Exercise

You could get dizzy, pass out or get severe muscle cramps. Worst case scenario, you could develop heatstroke, a life-threatening condition caused by your body overheating.

How sanitary are saunas?

Dry saunas optimally range in heat from 176°F to 194°F with very low humidity (<20%). These conditions are inhospitable environments for germs, bacteria, and viruses that can make us ill. According to the USDA, most common forms of bacteria that are pathogenic to humans cannot live in temperatures over 165°F.

Does sauna detox the liver?

Using a sauna can support overall health by making you sweat, which helps remove some toxins from your skin. However, saunas do not directly detoxify the liver.

Does sauna burn fat?

Saunas themselves do not directly burn fat. The weight loss observed after a sauna session is primarily due to water loss through sweating, which is temporary and regained upon rehydration. With that being said, there are a few ways that saunas can have indirect benefits that may support weight loss or body mass loss.

Should I shower after a sauna?

Cool Down Effectively: After a sauna, your body temperature is elevated. A cool shower helps bring your body's core temperature back to normal, providing a refreshing and invigorating effect.

How long do you have to sit in a sauna to detox?

Knowing how long to sit in sauna for benefits is crucial to ensuring safe and effective results. While the optimal duration may vary depending on individual factors and sauna types, a general guideline of 15-30 minutes per session, 2-4 times per week, is a good starting point.

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