Home Sauna Accessories: What You Need, What You Don't
Which home sauna accessories suit a traditional sauna, an infrared cabin, or a sauna blanket, what to check in the manual first, how to look after the wood, and which extras to skip.
By PlungeSpots editorial · How we research · Updated
Accessory lists online are mostly written by people selling accessories, and many recommend the same bucket-and-ladle set whatever kind of sauna you own. The kind of sauna matters. Water on the stones of a traditional heater is part of the design; water on an infrared emitter is not.
Start with your sauna type and your manual, then add only what you will actually use.
Start with your sauna type
| Sauna type | Accessories that usually apply | Check the manual before |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional (heater with stones) | Thermometer and hygrometer, bucket and ladle, replacement stones, towels, backrest | Pouring water on the stones, using scents, replacing stones |
| Infrared cabin | Thermometer, towels, backrest, a timer | Using anything wet near the emitters, adding electronics |
| Infrared blanket | Towels or a liner, as the manufacturer specifies | Using it with other heat sources, cleaning products |
If you have not chosen a sauna yet, our home sauna buying guide covers formats, space planning, and quotes, and our traditional versus infrared guide explains how the experiences differ.
Monitoring: temperature, humidity, and time
A thermometer and hygrometer (paid link) shows the temperature and humidity where you sit, which can differ from the control panel reading. Mount it where the manual suggests; readings change a lot between the floor, the bench, and the ceiling.
Some people like a sand timer (paid link) on the wall so they do not need a phone in the hot room. How long you stay in is a personal decision; a timer is only a way to keep track.
Traditional saunas only: bucket, ladle, and stones
Pouring water on the stones of a traditional heater raises the humidity and the felt heat. If your heater manual allows it, you need a bucket and ladle (paid link) made for sauna use, with a ladle long enough to keep your hand away from the heater.
Stones break down over time. Replace them with stones the heater manufacturer specifies, stacked the way the manual describes, because the arrangement affects airflow and heater performance.
Never pour water on an infrared emitter or on a heater that is not designed for it.
Comfort: towels, backrests, and hats
- Towels. Sitting on a towel keeps the bench cleaner. A linen sauna towel (paid link) is thin and dries quickly.
- Backrests and headrests. A wooden backrest (paid link) makes upright benches more comfortable. Choose untreated sauna-grade wood, and check that it does not block vents or come close to the heater.
- Hats. A wool or felt sauna hat (paid link) is a tradition in some sauna cultures; people wear one because they find it more comfortable. It is optional.
Care and cleaning
Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, especially on what can touch the wood. Many sauna woods are meant to stay untreated on the inside, and some finishes are not suitable for high heat. After a session, leave the door open or run ventilation as the manual describes so the wood can dry, which helps prevent mould and odours. Wipe benches and backrests regularly, and keep the floor dry.
What to skip or check carefully
- Scents and essential oils. Only use them if the heater manual permits it, and only in the way it describes. Oils can be a fire and burn risk on hot surfaces.
- Electronics in the hot room. Speakers, phones, and lights not rated for sauna heat can fail or overheat. Use only items the sauna manufacturer approves.
- Health claims. Be wary of accessories sold with promises of "detox" or other health benefits. A towel or brush is a comfort item, not a treatment.
- Duplicates. Many saunas already include a thermometer, lighting, or a backrest. Check what came with yours before buying.
Try before you equip
If you are still deciding what you like, a session at a sauna studio or one of our sauna and plunge venues lets you try traditional and infrared rooms first. Heat is not suitable for everyone; if you have a health condition or any doubt, speak to a healthcare professional.
Sources and method
This guide is based on general manufacturer guidance for traditional and infrared saunas. We have not tested the accessories; the Amazon links open search results so you can compare options yourself. Your sauna's manual takes precedence over anything here. See our editorial policy.