Preventing musty smells in a sauna blanket: the hygiene guide
In short
A musty sauna blanket is almost always a blanket that was folded up too soon. Moisture that cannot escape keeps smelling.
- Put a towel or inner liner inside the blanket
- Wipe the inside clean after every session
- Leave it open until it is dry
- Store it dry, never in a damp room
Musty smells in a sauna blanket are annoying, but rarely a sign that something is wrong. They come from sweat and moisture that cannot dry properly.
In this hygiene guide you will read how to prevent smells with a few small habits, and what to do if your blanket already smells a bit musty.
Where musty smells in a sauna blanket come from
A sauna blanket gets warm and you sweat in it. That sweat contains moisture and substances from your body which, if they soak into the material and cannot dry properly, can eventually give off a musty or sweaty smell. So it is not a sign that something is wrong with the blanket, but simply the result of heat and moisture. The good news: with a few simple habits you can prevent it almost completely.
Prevention starts before your session
The best way to prevent smells is to make sure as little sweat as possible soaks directly into the blanket:
- Wear thin, breathable clothing during your session
- Put a cotton towel or an inner liner for your sauna blanket inside the blanket
- Wash that towel or inner liner regularly
This layer catches most of the sweat, so the inside of the blanket stays much cleaner. Which size and weight work for this, and why a loose towel inside a blanket wrinkles up sooner than a made to measure inner liner, is covered in sauna towel: which size, which material and how many to bring.
After every session: a quick wipe
After use, wipe the inside of the blanket with a slightly damp, soft cloth. If you like, use a very mild, gentle cleaner. Important:
- Never get the blanket soaking wet and do not submerge it in water
- Do not use bleach, solvents or abrasive products, as they can damage the material
- Be careful around the connections and the wiring
The most important step: let it dry properly
The most common mistake is folding the blanket up and putting it away straight after use. That is exactly when moisture gets trapped and musty smells develop. So after every session, let the blanket air dry completely before you store it. Lay it out or hang it up open somewhere dry and well ventilated. A few minutes of patience prevents a lot.
- A layer in betweenBefore your session, put a towel or inner liner inside the blanket.
- Wipe cleanAfterwards, wipe the inside with a slightly damp, soft cloth.
- Leave it openLet the blanket dry unfolded in an aired room.
- Store it dryOnly fold it once it is completely dry and keep it somewhere dry.
A smell is almost always leftover moisture. If you let it dry, you never have to fix anything.
Store it dry and airy
Only put the blanket away once it is really dry. Fold or roll it loosely, without sharp creases, and keep it in a dry place, away from moisture. A storage bag keeps it dust free, but make sure the blanket goes in dry. Do not keep it in a damp cellar or bathroom, where the chance of a musty smell is greater.
If a smell has developed anyway
If your blanket already smells a bit musty, take it step by step:
- Wipe the inside with a slightly damp cloth and a very mild cleaner
- Then give the blanket plenty of time to dry completely in a well ventilated spot
- If needed, air the blanket in a dry place with fresh air
- Always follow the cleaning instructions in the manual for your model
Do not use harsh odour removers and do not use much water. Mild and patient works best and is safer for the material and the electronics.
If you have a second inner liner or towel to hand, you never have to skip a session because the first one is still in the wash.
Hygiene is also nicer for your skin
A clean, fresh blanket is not only more pleasant to use, but also nicer for your skin. By making the habits above part of your routine, your blanket stays fresh and naturally invites you to use it more. It takes little effort and makes every warm moment more pleasant. If you also use devices on your face, working cleanly matters just as much with an LED mask for your face.
- Catches sweat before it soaks into your blanket
- Easy to clean separately, so always a fresh layer
- 60 days to change your mind and a 2 year warranty
Finally
Preventing musty smells is easy: protect the inside, wipe it after use and always let the blanket dry completely before you store it dry. That way your sauna blanket stays fresh for a long time. Curious about the models and accessories? Take a look at the infrared sauna blankets from Luxyor or read more in the knowledge base on infrared sauna blankets.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my sauna blanket start to smell musty?
Usually because sweat soaks into the material and the blanket is then folded up before it's dry. The moisture has nowhere to go. Always let the blanket dry completely first.
How do I get the smell out again?
Wipe the inside with a slightly damp cloth and a very mild cleaner, and then give the blanket plenty of time to dry completely in a ventilated room. Follow the instructions in your manual.
Can I use an odour remover or fabric softener?
Preferably not. Harsh products can damage the material and a lot of moisture isn't good for the electronics. Gentle cleaning and drying well work better and are safer.
Does an inner liner help against smells?
Yes, that's the easiest solution. The inner liner or a cotton towel catches most of the sweat and simply goes in the wash, so the blanket itself stays much cleaner.
Where is the best place to keep the blanket?
In a dry place, loosely folded or rolled and only once it's completely dry. Avoid a damp cellar, shed or bathroom, because that's where musty air develops fastest.
