How to use a portable steam sauna: set-up, session length and safety
A portable steam sauna is one of the simplest ways to enjoy regular sauna sessions at home. It pops up in minutes, heats quickly and folds away when you're done. Here's how to set yours up, how long to stay in and how to look after it so it lasts.
Choosing the right spot
- Near a socket: plug the steam generator straight into a wall socket rather than an extension lead.
- On a hard, level floor: a tiled bathroom, kitchen, garage or garden room is ideal. On carpet or wooden floors, put a towel or waterproof mat underneath.
- With some ventilation: a little airflow in the room helps the steam clear afterwards.
- Away from anything that dislikes steam, such as electronics, books or soft furnishings.
Setting up, step by step
- Open the tent. The Pop-Up sauna springs open in about two minutes with no tools. The 6FT Pro takes around five.
- Place the chair inside, and a towel on the seat and floor.
- Fill the steam generator with clean water to the marked level. In hard-water areas, filtered water helps reduce limescale.
- Connect the steam hose securely to the tent port and the generator.
- Add aroma oil (optional). Put three to five drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil in the aroma cup, never in the water tank.
- Switch on and pre-heat for around five minutes, then step in and zip up.
How long should a session be?
If you're new to saunas, start with 10 to 15 minutes at a comfortable setting. As you get used to the heat, you can build up gradually. Many regular users settle on 15 to 30 minutes, two to four times a week. The remote timer on ThermoLab saunas runs from 10 to 60 minutes, but longer isn't better. Listen to your body and get out if you feel dizzy, light-headed or uncomfortable.
Before and after
- Hydrate: drink a glass of water before you start and another afterwards.
- Skip the alcohol: never drink alcohol before or during a sauna.
- Ease out: stand up slowly, then sit for a few minutes to cool down.
- Rinse off: a lukewarm or cool shower feels great and washes away sweat.
Using the infrared panel
ThermoLab steam saunas include a built-in 850nm near-infrared LED panel. You can use it during your steam session for gentle infrared warmth. Keep your eyes closed or face away from the LEDs.
Cleaning and storage
- Switch off and unplug the generator, and let it cool completely.
- Empty any remaining water from the tank.
- Wipe the inside of the tent with a soft cloth, and a little mild soap if needed.
- Leave the door unzipped so the tent dries fully, ideally for a few hours.
- Only fold it into the carry bag when it's completely dry, to prevent odours and mould.
- Descale the generator from time to time if you live in a hard-water area.
Staying safe
- Don't use a sauna if you're pregnant, have a heart condition, low or high blood pressure, or any other medical condition, unless your GP has said it's safe.
- Children and pets should not use the sauna, and should be kept away from the generator.
- Don't fall asleep in the sauna, and don't use it when you're unwell or very tired.
- Always follow the safety instructions supplied with your sauna.
Making it a habit
The best routine is the one you'll keep. Leaving the sauna set up in a spare room or garage makes it far more likely you'll use it. A waterproof phone case lets you take a podcast in with you. Some people like to follow a steam with a short session of red light therapy.
Frequently asked questions
Does it make the room damp?
Some steam escapes when you open the door, so open a window or run an extractor fan for a while afterwards.
Is it noisy?
The generator makes a gentle bubbling sound, similar to a kettle simmering.
Steam sauna or sauna blanket?
Read our side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you're pregnant, have a heart condition, a medical device or any health concerns, speak to your GP before using heat or light therapy.
