With the right care, our sauna textiles will stay beautiful and functional for a long time.
Always use a sauna cover in the sauna — it protects the porous wood surfaces and is easy to clean. It’s much simpler to wash a textile than to scrub the benches themselves, and regular use of a sauna cover reduces the need to clean the benches. Made from natural materials, the cover also stays pleasantly cool against the skin, even when the benches heat up. What could be better than sitting on a fresh, clean sauna cover in a warm sauna?
Linen has been used in Finnish textiles for centuries — especially in sauna products — thanks to its durability and practicality. Linen absorbs moisture efficiently but also dries quickly, making it the perfect sauna material. It feels pleasantly cool and soft even when damp, as it breathes well and doesn’t become clammy. Linen’s smooth, dense fibre structure prevents dirt from penetrating deeply into the fabric. Dirt stays on the surface, making it easy to wash off — another reason linen is so user-friendly.
Do not leave the sauna cover to dry on the sauna bench. Sauna textiles should be washed regularly — ideally after each use. Sweat and soap residue can damage the fibres if left to sit for too long.
Because frequent washing is necessary, it’s wise to choose durable natural materials and products with high-quality finishing. Good finishing ensures that the textile maintains its shape and lasts wash after wash.
A linen-cotton blend is an excellent, low-maintenance choice. It feels soft against the skin and can withstand machine washing at 60°C when needed. For lightly used textiles, 40°C is usually enough, but heavier use may require a hotter wash.
Linen sauna textiles dry quickly. After a gentle spin cycle, hang them to dry stretched out on a line — not in a tumble dryer. This helps prevent deep creases and ensures the textile is ready for your next sauna session in no time. For a more polished look, you can iron the textile damp and flat.
Text by Lapuan Kankurit
