Can You Put A Sauna Suit In The Dryer? (Find Out Now!)

Tiffany Nichols
by Tiffany Nichols

Some states ban sauna suits, while others say they’re okay. You can use them to shed unwanted water weight and fit into your favorite clothes. But can you put sauna suits in the dryer after you wash them? Here’s what you need to know.

You shouldn’t put sauna suits in the dryer because high heat and tumbling could destroy the fabric. Instead, lay yours out to dry or hang it on a clothesline outdoors. And whatever you do, never bleach or iron it.

What Are Sauna Suits Made Of?

Your sauna suit is waterproof. It makes you sweat profusely to drain fat cells of toxins. So, it’s often called a “rubber suit” because the cloth looks and feels like rubber. However, most manufacturers use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or coated nylon to make their hot suits for saunas.

Washing and drying a sauna suit can be tricky. So, always check the label for specific care instructions. And avoid taking yours to the dry cleaners because professional garment cleaners often soak materials in harsh chemicals. Instead, follow a gentler procedure to maintain your sauna garb.

How Do You Wash a Sauna Suit?

You spend a lot of money building a sauna, so you want to make the most of it. That’s why you bought a sauna suit in the first place. Sauna suits are supposed to help you sweat out toxins and water weight. But that means they can get pretty dirty inside. And you’ll have to wash them often, so how do you do it?

If you don’t follow the instructions, you could break your appliance or cause loud dryer noises when tumbling. But this is how you can avoid that and still maintain your sauna suit:

Step 1: Wash the Suit By Hand

Use cold water to scrub the inside and outside of the garment. But try not to use abrasive chemicals or brushes to remove debris. Choose gentle laundry detergents instead.

Step 2: Dry the Garment in the Shade

Shaded drying can help reduce shrinking and prevent damage. So, lay your suit in a cool, dark area until it’s dry. Then, let it air out before putting it back in storage.

Step 3: Check for Stubborn Stains

If your sauna suit is stained, don’t soak it in soap. That can create a film on the surface that can irritate your skin later. And since you can use bleach either, what can you do? Try fabric stain remover first.

You can’t iron your sauna suits, so don’t let them sit crumbled up while wet. You’re not supposed to iron sweatsuits for saunas, nor are you supposed to wash them in a machine. So, be careful because replacing damaged sauna suits can be expensive.

TIP: Wash and dry your sauna suits at least once per week if you wear them often.

Can You Put a Sauna Suit in the Dryer?

You shouldn’t put wet sauna suits in the dryer, and here are four reasons why:

  • Dryers can get extremely hot inside, which could melt the suit’s materials.
  • Melted PVC or nylon in your dryer is a costly fix.
  • Most hot suits dry faster in the open air.
  • Sauna suits are heavy, causing an imbalance when tumbling.

Drying certain materials can cause them to shrink, deform, break, or pull apart. So, avoid machine washing and drying when maintaining sauna garments. And remember to turn off your appliance immediately if you smell something burning.

Care and Maintenance Tips for Sauna Suits

Taking care of your sauna suits is easier than it may seem. You can bring it into the shower for a quick wash, then let it dry in your bathroom. Just be sure to rinse it out and let it hang overnight. And if you have to finish the process in your dryer, use these tips:

  • Set your dryer cycle to “gentle” or “delicate” to protect fragile materials.
  • Do not use the spin cycle on your appliance because it could damage your garment.
  • Never select the “high heat” setting on your dryer to finish drying a sauna suit.
For the best results, always check your dryer afterward. Look for damage first. Then clean the lint trap, and examine your suit for rips, tears, or signs of melting.

Related Questions

Why Are Sauna Suits Banned?

The NCAA and National Federation of State High School Associations banned sauna suits. That’s because the suits can cause dehydration and overheating if you don’t use them correctly. And in some cases, prolonged wear can cause significant injury, permanent damage, or even death.


Do Sauna Suits Help You Lose Weight?

According to studies, about 90% of your body weight is from water. So, sauna suits that cause you to sweat can help shed unwanted pounds. And while these suits aren’t practical for long-term use, they’re handy for short-term weight management and sports training.


Are Sauna Suits Worth It?

There are proven benefits to sitting in a sauna to sweat. But there are also some risks. On the positive side, saunas and sauna suits can help you lose weight and get rid of toxins in the body. Plus, some studies reveal a connection between sauna visits and lowered blood sugar levels.

If a sauna suit helps make your spa session more effective, then it’s a smart purchase. But if you have health conditions that hinder your exposure to extreme temperatures, skip the suit. You’re better off using nothing than getting injured.
How Long Should You Wear a Sauna Suit?

You should wear a hot suit in a sauna for no more than 60 minutes and no less than 10 minutes. But be sure to drink plenty of water along the way to prevent dehydration.

Lose Weight and Feel Great in a Clean Sauna Suit

Maintain your sauna suit like a pro so you can enjoy it for years. Then drop a few extra pounds and feel great without putting yourself in danger. And be sure to check your local laws because some states or organizations could ban hot suits for safety reasons.

Related Guides

Is There A Burnt Plastic Smell In Your House? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

How To Build A Sauna In Your House (Quickly & Easily!)

9+ Amazing Teak Shower Bench Ideas

Tiffany Nichols
Tiffany Nichols

Tiffany Nichols specializes in aesthetics, design, marketing, and manufacturing. She's a copywriter and editor for several home renovation companies in the U.S. and works alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. Her hobbies include architecture, art, mental health, and fashion.

More by Tiffany Nichols

Next