Everything you need to know about sauna stones

Sauna stones, also called infusion stones, regulate the temperatures that the sauna heater develops and thus the sauna climate. On the other hand, they provide the steam that is typical for a sauna: because with every sauna infusion on the heated stones, the infusion water is suddenly evaporated. The stones are usually heated with a wood fire. They store the heat and then gradually release it again in the sauna.

What to look for when buying sauna stones

Sauna stones should store heat for as long as possible and release it again as evenly as possible. This has the advantage that you can operate the sauna heater correspondingly more economically and save fuel or electricity. This will keep the operating costs of your sauna low. The stones should also be able to withstand large temperature ranges. The coefficient should be as small as possible, because then the sauna stone does not expand so much when you heat it up. The elasticity of the stones is also important. The larger these are, the lower the risk of parts breaking, flaking or splintering off the stone when it is heated. Another property of good sauna stones is their resistance to weathering. Because in addition to the great heat, the infusion water also causes weathering effects on the stone. In particular, the proportion of natural carbonic acid in water attacks the stone in connection with the heat. With regard to the nature of the stones, the following applies: Stones that has large air pockets into which the water can penetrate is more likely to weather. Of course, not all types are suitable as sauna stones. Stones are preferably used that are naturally particularly weather-resistant and have hardly any fissures or cracks.

What do you have to pay attention to when using sauna stones?

Take a close look at your new sauna stones as you unpack them. Are the stones covered with a light layer of dust? This can even be the case with stones that have been pre-washed by the manufacturer. The problem: When you heat up the stones for the first time, the dust can cause a sometimes strong, unpleasant and even acrid smell. It helps to wash the stones. A thorough wash is even recommended in order to prevent the smell, which can arise from burning dust and dirt, in the first place. If necessary, wash the stones off with clean water. You can also do this in between, because with use, deposits regularly form on the stones. These are often the residues of the additives that you add to your sauna infusions. A brush can sometimes help against stubborn dirt. It is not advisable to use chemical cleaning agents, because they could in turn leave residues that would evaporate or burn and thus create a new smell. Or the chemicals change the texture of the sauna stones, so that their quality suffers. In home saunas, high-quality sauna stones last around two years. However, this is only a guideline for you. So check your stones regularly and replace them if you notice any noticeable brittleness, thick deposits or a significantly reduced heating output during operation.