Multi-user etiquette and shared sessions

Section 9.10Using your sauna

Multi-user etiquette and shared sessions

Six practices that keep shared sauna sessions comfortable for everyone — temperature agreement, löyly courtesy, towel rule, and watching for overheating.

When multiple people use the sauna together, a few practices keep the experience comfortable for everyone.

  • Discuss temperature and löyly before starting. Set a target temperature you all agree on.
  • Ask before pouring löyly. Some people prefer dry heat; pouring without checking is considered rude in Finnish sauna culture.
  • Sit on towels. Each person uses their own small towel under them on the bench.
  • Respect quiet sessions. Some people use sauna for reflection or meditation. If others want quiet, keep conversation low or save it for the cool-down.
  • Watch each other. If anyone shows signs of overheating (Section 14.7), help them out and cool down together.
  • Wipe benches after use. Each person wipes their own area before stepping out.

Last updated May 3, 2026