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How to Clean a Sauna Suit: Easy Steps for Longevity

how to was a sauna suit

Taylor Saipe |

Sauna suits are gaining popularity, especially among athletes and martial artists who are looking to shed some extra pounds or sweat out toxins as part of a cleanse.


They’re a handy tool for those needing to make weight for an upcoming fight or simply aiming to boost their workouts by sweating more.


To get the most out of your sauna suit and keep it in great condition, it's important to take good care of it. Whether you have a PVC or Nylon sauna suit, keeping it clean is essential. Regular maintenance not only helps prevent unpleasant odours and bacteria growth but also ensures your suit lasts longer and works as effectively as possible.


Wondering how to wash a sauna suit? No worries! Below, we've laid out some simple and effective steps tailored to the material of your suit, so you can keep it clean and fresh with ease.

Hand Washing Your Sauna Suit

Hand washing is usually the safest way to clean your sauna suit, especially if it’s made from delicate materials like PVC or Nylon.


These fabrics can be sensitive to harsh washing machines and high heat, which can cause them to wear out or lose their effectiveness over time.


By hand washing, you can gently clean your suit without risking damage, helping it last longer and perform better in your workouts.


Here's how to do it:

1. Rinse After Use: Immediately after each use, rinse your sauna suit with lukewarm water to remove sweat and debris.


2. Use a Gentle Detergent: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with lukewarm water. Avoid harsh chemicals as they can degrade the material.


3. Gently Scrub: Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the suit, paying special attention to areas that have accumulated sweat.


4. Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse the suit thoroughly to remove all soap residues, which can irritate the skin or damage the suit over time.


5. Air Dry in a Ventilated Area: Hang your sauna suit in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause the material to fade or crack.

Hand Wash Sauna Suit

Machine Washing

While hand washing is preferred, some sauna suits can withstand machine washing if done with care.


Note: Always check the care label instructions before proceeding.

1. Use the Delicate Cycle: Set your machine to a delicate cycle with lukewarm water. This helps in maintaining a consistent temperature and reduces wear and tear.


2. No Spin Cycle: To prevent stretching or tearing, avoid using the spin cycle. Instead, let excess water drain naturally.


3. Mild Detergent: Use a mild detergent to avoid harsh chemicals that can weaken the material.


4. Air Dry: Again, air drying in a ventilated area is key. This prevents the material from warping or shrinking.

For more durable options, like the Fairtex VS3 Vinyl Sweatsuit, these hand washing tips can help maintain the quality and longevity of the suit.

Air Drying and Odor Prevention

Proper drying is crucial to avoid odor buildup and bacteria growth.


Thorough Drying: Always ensure your suit is completely dry before storing it away. This prevents bacteria growth and lingering odours.


Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct exposure to sunlight can cause the material to break down more quickly. Instead, air dry in a shaded, ventilated area.


Consistent Temperature: Drying in an area with a consistent, moderate temperature helps maintain the material’s integrity.

Deep Cleaning Techniques

For those times when your sauna suit needs a more thorough cleaning, these deep cleaning techniques will help you tackle stubborn odors and bacteria buildup without damaging the material.

Baking Soda for Stubborn Stains

Baking soda is a great go-to for dealing with stains and odours on your sauna suit. Just mix it with a little water to create a paste, and then gently rub it onto any stained areas.


Let it sit for 10-15 minutes so the baking soda can work its magic. After that, rinse it off with lukewarm water and wash the suit as you normally would, whether by hand or on a delicate machine cycle. 


Make sure it’s thoroughly dry before storing it to prevent any mildew or bacteria from forming.


Baking soda is gentle yet super effective, making it perfect for all types of materials, even those that need a little extra TLC.

When is it time to Replace Your Sauna Suit?

Even with the best care, sauna suits aren’t designed to last forever. Knowing when to replace your suit is crucial to maintaining its effectiveness and your comfort. 


Material Breakdown: Over time, all that exposure to sweat, detergent, and the stress of your workouts can wear down the material. If you start noticing that the fabric is thinning, cracking, or becoming stiff, it’s probably a good sign that it’s time for a new suit.


Persistent Odors: If your sauna suit has a lingering odor even after regular and deep cleanings, it could mean that bacteria have worked their way deep into the material, making it tough to fully clean.


Reduced Effectiveness: If you’re not sweating as much as you used to when wearing your sauna suit, it might have lost some of its effectiveness due to wear and tear.


When it’s time to replace your sauna suit, explore the latest designs and materials available in our sweatsuits collection. Whether you’re looking for something lightweight and breathable or more durable and resistant, we have options to suit every need.