How to Clean Your Infrared Sauna Blanket (Avoid Mold)

When I first started using an infrared sauna blanket, I didn’t think much about cleaning it frequently. I’d sweat, unplug, wipe it down, roll it up, and stash it away. Efficient and supposedly no big deal. Until, a couple weeks in, it started to faintly smell like a high school locker room. Now, we probably all know that sweat plus heat trapped in a synthetic shell is a perfect storm for bacteria, funk, and even long-term damage. Infrared sauna blankets are no different and actually carry a bit of nuance to them. 

Cleaning your sauna blanket isn’t complicated, but it is necessary. Especially if you’re using it regularly like I am and getting the kind of deep, detox style sweat most people want. This isn’t about being a neat freak or an obsessive person. It’s about performance, hygiene, and protecting your investment.

Let’s quickly break down how to clean your infrared sauna blanket the right way.

 Why Cleaning Your Sauna Blanket Actually Matters

Infrared sauna blankets are designed to make you sweat. They are also designed to work well day in and day out, after multiple sessions of heavy sweating. And if your sauna blanket is working correctly, you’re going to sweat a lot. But when all that moisture gets trapped inside a sealed surface (even after supposedly whipping it down), it slowly creates an ecosystem for bacteria, odor, and potential mildew.

There’s also the performance side of this. A blanket that smells off and has all this wear and tear can start to heat unevenly and cause the materials to degrade. This form of neglect isn’t just unpleasant, it’s ineffective. You’re investing in recovery, circulation, and nervous system regulation. Skipping the maintenance undermines all of that.

As outlined in several clinical reviews, Infrared Sauna Benefits are heat therapy can support cardiovascular health, improve circulation, reduce pain, and lower stress levels. But those benefits assume safe and consistent use, including basic hygiene and a working device that has not degraded to the point where the infrared light is no longer doing what it is supposed to. 

Perhaps you’re still weighing the value of sauna blankets overall, we break it down in full for you our article, Do infrared sauna blankets work?. This is especially useful if you’re trying to decide whether they’re even worth the time and cost.

 The Simple Routine That Works (And What to Avoid)

If you use your sauna blanket regularly (think three to five times a week), especially at a high heat setting, you’re probably sweating buckets! That means regular cleaning is a must and generic wipe it down techniques might sound good on the surface, but they are not enough. . 

Here’s what works:

• Unplug and cool down first.
  Aside from the obvious safety factor, cleaning a cooled blanket prevents damage to the internal wiring and makes the surface easier to wipe down evenly.
  
  

• Lay it flat on a clean surface.
  This gives you access to all the zones that matter. You’ll be able to reach those hard to get fungus and bacteria prone corners that most miss. Laying it flat also increases the surface area you’re working with and helps avoid trapping moisture against softer surfaces like your carpet or upholstery.
  
  

• Use a soft cloth and mild detergent solution.
  Sweat contains oils and salts. Over time they build up. A light detergent helps break all that down without damaging the outer material of your infrared sauna blanket or leaving behind sticky residue that can undergo chemical changes if reheated again.
  
  

• Blot, don’t scrub.
  Scrubbing can wear out the material or stress the internal components. Blotting is gentler technique and gets the job done without creating new issues down the line.
  
  

• Use vinegar (optional) for stubborn odors.
  Vinegar is naturally deodorizing and antimicrobial. It won’t just mask the smell like most cleaning sprays. It neutralizes the odors and it doesn’t leave behind synthetic scents or residue.
  
  

• Final wipe-down with plain water.
  This step clears away any leftover soap or vinegar you used so that you’re not lying down in trace chemicals your next session. It's a small step, but it keeps the experience clean and is also critical for people with sensitive skin. 

The takeaway is not soaking the blanket and avoiding abrasive cloths or harsh chemicals. Those can eventually get to and mess up the heat layers and wiring inside.

 How to Deal with Sweat Stains and Funk (Yes, It Happens)

Eventually, even with regular wiping, you’ll  start to see sweat marks or start to notice... ‘the smell’. That’s when spot cleaning becomes necessary.

Here’s how to deal:

• Spot clean with a soft cloth and a gentle detergent solution. No scrubbing, just light, blotting pressure. This helps lift sweat and oils without damaging the outer material.
  
  

• Vinegar spray for odor: This time a diluted mix helps cut the sweat scent and remove stains without leaving behind synthetic smells or residue.
  
  

• Avoid carpet contact: I had one instance where i left a yoga mat under the blanket and stained the carpet underneath it. Lesson learned: Always try to protect the surface beneath the blanket, especially if you're sweating heavily.
  
  

Sweat stains are not the norm but typically happen when you’re using them day in and day out or even experimenting and wondering if sauna blankets work for weight loss. It’s still worth noting, whether you’re using infrared sauna blankets for weight management or just general recovery, sweat is a feature, not a flaw. You just need a system to manage it.

Quick Maintenance Habits That Keep Things Fresh Between Uses

If you're not looking to deep clean your sauna blanket every few days (and who is?), these low-effort habits go a long way toward keeping things fresh, functional, and high-performing.

• Wipe it down after each session.
  Just like you’d towel off gym equipment, a quick wipe prevents buildup before it sets in. It’s the easiest way to keep your blanket consistently usable. Just be sure to leave it in a well ventilated area.
  
  

• Air it out before storing.
  This prevents moisture from being sealed in, which can lead to mildew, weird smells, or even degraded electronics. A little airflow now means less hassle later.
  
  

• Store it smart, not tight.
  Tightly folding or compressing the blanket stresses the internal wiring over time. A loose, clean fold in a dry space protects both the heat elements and the outer shell.
  
  

• Use a towel or liner during sessions.
  This isn’t just about hygiene, it’s about efficiency. A towel will catch most of the sweat, reducing how much hits the blanket directly. Less mess = less maintenance.
  
  

If you’re in the camp still wondering if infrared sauna blankets are even worth the investment, A randomized controlled cross over study on infrared sauna bathing, highlighted significant cardiovascular and inflammation-reducing benefits. But again, consistency only pays off only if your gear actually stays clean and functional.

Some healthy level of skepticism is natural. In fact, there are a few things to keep in mind and infrared sauna dangers do exist. That said, the benefits are a compounding process. Regular use + good care = long-term results. How long until you see the benefits of your infrared sauna?, we caver that as well!

 Final Thoughts: 

Cleaning your infrared sauna blanket doesn’t need to be a big production. But it does need to happen the right way.

Whether you’re using it for recovery, sleep, inflammation, or just a quiet reset after a long day, keeping it clean protects the gear, the results, and frankly, the vibe. Because nothing kills a session faster than a sweaty smell or damp interior that you forgot to wipe down properly.

So treat your sauna blanket like what it is: a tool for long-term wellness. A few consistent habits will keep it fresh, safe, and ready when you need it.

And no, antibacterial wipes alone don’t cut it forever. But they’re a good starting point.

Frequently asked questions 

1. How often should I clean my infrared sauna blanket?
If you’re using your sauna blanket multiple times a week, a quick wipe-down after each session is a must. A more thorough clean, spot treatment and full surface wipe, once a week is enough for most users. Using a towel or liner can help your deceive last longer.

2. Can I use antibacterial wipes to clean my sauna blanket?
Yes, but stick to unscented, alcohol-free wipes to avoid damaging the material or affecting your skin . Wipes are great for quick maintenance but shouldn’t fully replace a deeper clean.

3. What’s the best way to get rid of the smell in a sauna blanket?
A diluted white vinegar solution (50/50 with water). It works well for neutralizing odors without adding synthetic fragrances. Just spray lightly, wipe down, and let it air out completely before storing.

4. Can not cleaning my sauna blanket actually affect performance?
Over time, it can! Sweat, oils, and grime can impact the heat distribution. This can affect internal components if moisture builds up. Proper care = better long-term performance. 

✅ Keep Exploring

✓ Do Infrared Sauna Blankets Work?
Curious whether these heat-filled cocoons actually move the needle on recovery and performance? We break down what they do, what they don’t, and who they’re really for.

✓ Infrared Sauna Dangers (And How to Avoid Them)
Yes, there are a few things worth watching out for. Especially if you're pushing high temps or stacking sessions. This guide covers the most common mistakes and how to stay safe while still getting the benefits.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Always consult your qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new health, wellness or recovery regimen.