If you love reading and relaxing, the idea of enjoying your Kindle inside a sauna might sounds fun, just you and your Kindle and peace. Right? But is it safe for your Kindle? Frankly, No. I do not recommend using a Kindle in a sauna. because they are not designed for high heat or steam and using them in a sauna can damage it, especially the battery.
However, if you are still thinking of reading with your Kindle in a sauna or steam room, I’ll explain the risks, safe practices alternatives and precautions.
Why you should not use Kindle in a sauna?
Kindles are designed to operate at 32 – 95 degree Fahrenheit (0 – 35 degree Celsius) and a sauna approximately ranges between 120 F to 195 F (50 – 90 degree Celsius)
If you compare the sauna heat and what your Kindle’s safe range, you’ll see even a few minutes inside a sauna can harm your Kindle, which may lead to –
Battery damage
High temperature can chemically degrade the battery and you’ll later notice short battery life requiring you to charge y our Kindle more, in extreme cases it can even cause swelling or leaking
E-ink screen aren’t built for heat
Kindles uses E-ink Carta or Kaleido displays. The microcapsules in an e-ink display move pigments with electric charges, that’s how it displays content. In a hot environment, the liquid inside them becomes too fluid and fail to move as intended, which can cause permanent black spots, ghosting, screen freeze or slow refresh.
Moreover, the glue that holds the screen to the frame can also soften, leading to display misalignment or “light bleed” or “screen bleeding” from the edges.
The heat inside sauna can damage the battery and cause swelling, damage the screen and black spot may appear on it, and many more issues.
Even if your Kindle is waterproof, that doesn’t mean its steam proof. Steam gets inside electronics through speaker grills, buttons or USB ports faster than water and may cause internal condensation, motherboard and battery corrosion and display damage. More importantly heat and steam damage are not covered by Amazon warranty.
Safe alternatives to reading Kindle in a sauna
Listening to audiobooks
The best way to enjoy books inside a sauna is through audiobooks. If your goal is to enjoy a relaxing screen free moment. You can listen to the book via Bluetooth earbuds and keep your phone or Kindle outside the sauna. This way you can enjoy the book, and earbuds are less likely to get damaged by the heat.
Read a paperback
Physical books still works best in heat, if you have or want to buy.
Your Kindle will thank you and so will your wallet.
Tips if you still want to read with Kindle in a sauna
(Not recommended)
What you can do is
- Put your Kindle in a steam-proof dry pouch or ziplock
- Read away from the direct heater vents
- have a soft towel to wipe moisture off the Kindle after reading if there’s any.
Final Words
Taking a Kindle into the Sauna or a steam room is not recommended at all. Heat and steam can permanently damage it. Even waterproofing may not save it. But you can use your Kindle in a hot bath or hot tub, which is safer than sauna. Just keep the Kindle above steam and avoid water splashes.
Saunas are meant to be relaxing, not for reading. Try to do one thing at a time and you’ll enjoy it more. The same goes for watching YouTube while eating. You should focus on the process and enjoy it.
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