Infrared sauna studios have exploded in popularity, but not all are created equal—and some can pose real health or hygiene risks if you're not careful. Before dropping $30–$60 per session or committing to a membership, you need to know exactly what separates a legitimate, clean operation from a sketchy one. This checklist will help you vet any studio before you walk through the door.
Check Licensing and Insurance
A reputable infrared sauna studio should have proper business licensing displayed or readily available upon request. Ask to see their liability insurance certificate—this protects both you and them if something goes wrong. If they hesitate or can't produce documentation quickly, move on.
Call your local health department to confirm they've inspected the facility. Some regions regulate sauna studios under wellness facility codes; others treat them more loosely. Knowing the baseline standards in your area helps you ask informed questions.
Inspect the Sauna Cabins Directly
Visit in person. Don't book online without seeing the actual equipment first. Look for:
- Cabinet cleanliness: Check for mold, mildew, or water stains inside the cabin. Wipe your hand along interior surfaces—they should feel clean and dry.
- Control panel functionality: Buttons should be responsive, temperature displays clear, and timers audible.
- Ventilation: Ask how often cabins are aired out between sessions. A well-run studio will do this for 10–15 minutes minimum.
- Flooring and seating: Wood or composite material should show no soft spots, splintering, or rot. Benches should be clean and intact.
If a cabin smells musty or looks grimy, the studio isn't maintaining it properly—and that's a red flag for hidden mold or bacterial growth.
Ask About Cleaning Protocols
Request their written cleaning and maintenance schedule. A quality studio will clean cabins thoroughly after each use, not just between clients. They should use hospital-grade disinfectants safe for the sauna's interior materials.
Specifically ask:
- How often is the infrared heater element itself cleaned or inspected?
- What happens if a cabin malfunctions? Is it immediately taken out of service?
- Do they replace air filters, and on what schedule?
A vague answer like "we clean daily" isn't enough. You want specifics: names of products used, frequency (hourly vs. daily vs. weekly), and documented procedures.
Verify EMF Levels (If It Matters to You)
Electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure concerns some sauna users, though research remains mixed. If this is a priority for you, ask the studio for third-party EMF testing reports. Reputable brands (like HigherDOSE or Sunlighten) often provide these publicly.
Don't rely solely on the studio's claims. Independent testing is the gold standard.
Review Staff Training and Health Screening
Staff should be trained to recognize warning signs: dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath. Ask how they handle medical emergencies—do they have first aid certification? An AED on-site?
Also confirm they screen clients before entry. You should answer basic health questions (pregnancy, heart conditions, medications) before your first session. If they skip this step, they're cutting corners on safety.
Check Online Reviews and Ask for References
Read recent Google, Yelp, and Instagram reviews. Look for patterns: repeated complaints about cleanliness, equipment downtime, or staff rudeness are serious warning signs. Isolated negative reviews are normal, but clusters are not.
Ask the studio directly for the contact details of 2–3 regular clients you can reach out to. Legitimate studios won't hesitate. Existing members can tell you about actual maintenance, cancellations, and overall experience.
Understand Pricing and Cancellation Policy
Infrared sauna sessions typically cost $30–$60 per 30–45 minute session, with discounts for packages or memberships. Get the full breakdown in writing before committing to any membership. Check:
- Cancellation deadlines (24–48 hours is standard)
- Expiration dates on packages
- Whether you can freeze memberships if needed
- Refund policy if the studio closes
If a studio won't provide these terms in writing, that's a credibility issue.
Use a Comparison Platform
Platforms like Mercoly help you compare and find trusted infrared sauna studios in one place, making it easier to side-by-side review safety certifications, member ratings, and amenities before making contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should an infrared sauna cabin be cleaned between sessions? A thorough wipe-down with appropriate disinfectant should happen after every single use, with full ventilation for 10–15 minutes before the next client enters.
Q: Is it normal for an infrared sauna to have a slight smell? A faint wood scent is normal, but musty, moldy, or chemical odors indicate poor maintenance or ventilation—avoid that studio.
Q: What should I do if I feel unwell during a sauna session? Exit immediately and notify staff; they should offer water and a cool space to recover, and assess whether follow-up care is needed.
Use this checklist your next time you're scoping out a new infrared sauna studio in your area.