Sauna Essential Oils: How to Use Them Safely
Which essential oils suit the sauna, how much to use, why they must never go straight onto the hot sauna stones and what to ask your guests first.
Read →Sauna stones: which to choose and when to replace them
Nobody thinks about the stones when buying a sauna, yet they do more than anything else to decide how good your steam is: a pleasant wave of heat or a wet slap.
What they are for
They store heat and release it evenly. The greater the mass of stones, the steadier the temperature and the better the steam (löyly).
Which ones are suitable
Olivine-diabase, gabbro and peridotite: dense igneous rocks that can handle thermal shock.
An irregular shape with a rough surface, so water spreads out and air can flow between them. Usually 5–10 cm across.
What does not belong on a stove
River, beach or garden stones: trapped moisture can make them burst at high temperature.
Limestone and sandstone, which crumble quickly.
Smooth, round stones, which let the water run off instead of turning to steam.
Ceramics and bricks.
Stacking them properly
Loosely, never packed tight. Air has to flow between the stones, otherwise the stove overheats.
Large ones at the bottom, smaller ones on top. Rinse new stones and let them dry first.
When to replace them
When they crumble, crack or fall apart.
When the steam is noticeably weaker at the same temperature.
With regular use, usually every 2–3 years. Once a year, take all the stones out, clear any debris from the stove and restack them.
How many stones
The amount depends on the stove, not on the sauna. The figure is in the stove's manual. Too few stones on a powerful stove gives a harsh, stinging heat.
The stove you pick for your kit comes with its own stone recommendation, so ask us on WhatsApp if you are unsure.
