5 Ways to Avoid Buying a Sauna and Never Using It

We’ve all been there.

You splurge on something big—a treadmill, a guitar, maybe even a fancy kitchen gadget—thinking, This is it! This is the thing that’s going to change my life! And for a week, you’re all in. But fast-forward a few months, and that shiny purchase is gathering dust, staring at you from the corner of the room with judgment in its… eyes? (Let’s assume saunas have eyes for the sake of this metaphor).

The truth is, saunas can fall into the same trap if you’re not careful. According to the Association of Things People Buy and Barely Use (okay, that’s made up, but it sounds official), a significant percentage of at-home sauna owners end up using their sauna far less than they thought they would.

So how do you avoid the dreaded “purchase then neglect” cycle?

Here are some foolproof tips to ensure you’re not the person who buys a sauna and then lets it turn into a glorified towel rack.

1. Select the Right Sauna for Your Lifestyle

This is where a lot of people go wrong.

They buy a sauna that sounds fancy, or maybe they get convinced by a deal that was “too good to pass up.” But if the sauna doesn’t fit your routine or your needs, guess what? It’s not going to fit into your life. Do you want a sauna for quick, efficient health benefits? Or are you looking for the full “sit and sweat for an hour while contemplating life” experience? Getting the wrong type of sauna is a sure way to let it collect dust. At Sweet Life Saunas, we get it. That’s why we offer the Sweet Life Sauna Selector Quiz to help you find the sauna that matches your needs and habits. Don’t leave it to chance!

2. Put It Where You’ll Actually Use It

The location of your sauna matters more than you think. If you hide it in a remote corner of your basement that requires a full trek through a labyrinth of stored holiday decorations, chances are you’re not going to use it much. Place your sauna in a convenient location—like near your bathroom or bedroom—where it’s easy to hop in and enjoy. Out of sight, out of mind is a real thing, people!

3. Make It Part of Your Routine (and Reward Yourself!)

Using your sauna isn't be a chore—it's a treat! The key to regular use is making it part of your daily or weekly routine. Think of it as your reward for surviving yet another Zoom meeting or the fact that you didn’t completely lose it in traffic today. Schedule a regular sauna session, whether it’s right after your workout or just before bed. And if you’re struggling? Bribe yourself! Set up a mini speaker and stream your favorite show, or bring in your favorite essential oils to turn your sauna into a full sensory experience. No one said you couldn’t multitask while sweating it out!

4. Invite a Sauna Buddy

Let’s face it, we’re all more likely to stick to something if we have an accountability buddy. Invite a friend or family member to join you in your sauna sessions (bonus points if they bring snacks… although maybe wait until after the sauna for those). Sharing the experience can make it more enjoyable, and you’ll have someone to nudge you into actually using the thing.

5. Don’t Let It Become a Towel Rack

The most dangerous part of owning an underused sauna is that it slowly becomes an extension of your laundry room. First, it’s a towel draped over the door. Then it’s a couple of extra jackets you’re “airing out.” Before you know it, your sauna is holding more clothes than your closet. The fix? Stay vigilant! Remember, saunas are for sweating, not storage.

Conclusion: Don’t Buy the Wrong Sauna!

The best way to make sure you use your sauna is to pick the right one in the first place. Whether you’re after quick, infrared heat or a traditional sauna experience, choosing the right model is key to making your sauna a part of your life—not a dust collector.

Ready to avoid sauna neglect?

Take our Sweet Life Sauna Selector Quiz to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle, and start living that sweet (and sweaty) life today!