Portable Sauna Smells: 5 Common Causes and Easy Fixes

Many first-time portable sauna users might discover that their portable sauna smells. This is a valid concern, especially if you notice unexpected smells right out of the box. Some smells are normal, and can be expected even during the first few uses.

Just because you smell something while using a sauna, it doesn’t mean that something is wrong. However, portable sauna smells can come from several sources. Sometimes, there is cause for concern. After all, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

In this guide, we will discuss why portable saunas smell, and which smells are normal. We will also cover which smells might mean that you have a problem on your hands.

Why Do New Portable Saunas Smell?

Let’s start with the smells you may encounter with a new portable sauna. As mentioned, there can be several causes behind the smell buildup.

One of the most common smells is simply the smell of the new fabric and insulation materials. Waterproof fabrics, Oxford cloth, PVC components, and heat-retention layers all have their own smell. With the sauna packaged and shipped, these smells can build up and surprise you when you unpack it.

In addition to those, you could also smell manufacturing residue. Think adhesives, packaging materials themselves, and potentially protective coatings. These odors tend to fade quickly, but they can still stick around for a few uses.

Finally, the first few heating sessions can smell a bit odd. This is because the materials are all still new. As such, they release smells when they warm up for the first time, or first few times.

While it may feel strange, make no mistake – this is all perfectly normal. It is like the smell of a new book – inevitable, but it will fade after a bit of time.

Which Portable Sauna Smells Mean There Is A Problem?

As we have just explained, not all smells are a cause for concern. It is generally normal to experience a “new product” smell and light fabric odor. A temporary plastic smell can also be fairly common.

Most of them will last only a short while. However, you could experience smells that might indicate that there is an issue. These could be early signals that something is wrong with the sauna.

For example, a burning smell is definitely not normal. It could indicate an electrical fault or damaged wiring. Even if the wires are fine, it could suggest that the sauna is overheating. If you smell anything like that, stop using it immediately. Get out, unplug it, and wait for it to cool off, then inspect the unit.

Alternatively, you might feel the scent of chemicals while using sauna tents. If there is a strong chemical odor or similar bad smells, this could be a result of poor-quality materials. Other potential causes could include excessive off-gassing or some manufacturing defect.

Finally, the most common cause of bad smells is mold or mildew smell. As you might expect, this comes in case of mold growth in your sauna.

Typically, mold tends to develop due to trapped moisture. If you don’t dry your sauna properly and then fold it away, mold might appear next time you use it.

To properly dry your sauna, make sure to use it in an area with good ventilation. These smells are easier to prevent than remove, as they can be quite persistent.

How To Reduce Odors In A New Portable Sauna?

If you dislike the “new product” smell of your new portable sauna, there are a few ways to reduce the odors. The first and easiest one is to simply air it out. Unpack your portable sauna tent and leave it open in a well-ventilated room. The airflow will do the rest.

Beyond that, you can run a few empty heat cycles to get the sauna up and running. Think of it as working it in, and removing the unwanted smells along the way. All you really need to do is operate the sauna for a session or two without entering.

Finally, you can also try cleaning it. Removing the dust and packaging residue before use can help with a lot of the smells. This is where learning how to clean a portable sauna can come in handy.

Ultimately, don’t worry about these smells. They are normal and will disappear naturally in time.

How To Prevent Mold and Moisture Smells From Forming In a Sauna?

The bigger problem is the smells that aren’t supposed to be there. As mentioned, burning and chemical smells might mean that there is some technical issue. A smell of mold and moisture comes from mishandling your sauna.

These are always easier to prevent than to remove later. Removing them requires deep cleaning, which can be an issue.

The rule is to never use strong cleaning products to remove bacteria and mold. They can damage the fabric of the tent, and you could basically ruin your sauna with harsh chemicals.

Instead, prevent the issue by drying the tent properly after every session. You don’t need to do much – just leave the doors and windows open.

If you were wondering how to clean a portable steam sauna, you should also empty the heater. Once it is fully dry, make sure to also store it in a dry location.

Finally, clean your sauna with mild soap about once or twice a month, depending on use. This should prevent any musty smells, and it counts as deep cleaning.

Are Portable Sauna Smells Dangerous?

The short answer is that the smells themselves are not dangerous in most cases. However, that doesn’t mean that you can ignore all of them.

Mild, temporary odors that come from new materials are harmless. They will disappear on their own after a few uses. If you want to speed up the process, you can air out your sauna and run it a few times without entering. That should be enough to remove the “new product” smells.

As for more unexpected smells such as burning, chemicals, or moldy odors, those could be dangerous. They can be dangerous to inhale, but more importantly, they signal that something is wrong.

For your own safety, do not ignore them, especially burning or chemical smells. Moldy smells are a nuisance because they can be hard to remove. They generally mean that the sauna itself is moldy and needs deep cleaning.

Note that some odors can cause certain side effects. Things like headaches, dizziness, or respiratory irritation can happen. If you experience anything of the sort, stop using the sauna immediately. Get out, and try to identify what is causing them.

FAQ

Are Portable Sauna Smells Normal

Portable sauna smells are quite common, especially for brand-new saunas. Most of the “new sauna” odors come from fabrics, insulation materials, and other manufacturing residue. However, these smells disappear quickly, typically in a few weeks or after a few uses.

Once they are gone, they won’t come back. However, if you start smelling something unusual, like chemicals or burning, that is a cause for concern. You should exit the sauna immediately and not use it until you identify the source of the smell.

Meanwhile, if you smell mold, that could be a result of improper sauna use. Specifically, it likely wasn’t properly dried when you stored it away, and mold has developed.

While not unusual, it is an issue, and it can be persistent. To prevent it, make sure to let your sauna dry well. You should also clean it properly.

You don’t have to do it too often, but once or twice a month. Do not use harsh chemicals, but regular soap. Other than that, ensure proper ventilation and you should be fine.

If you are ready to buy your first portable sauna tent for home, we have a list of some of the best models for you to consider.