Frequently asked questions

What is Valeja?

Valeja is a sauna ladle that transforms pouring water into a sculptural rainfall. It distributes water over a wide area, creating sauna steam that feels softer, longer-lasting, and less scorching than when using a traditional ladle.

How is Valeja used?

  1. Place Valeja into the water bucket to fill.
  2. Filling the ladle takes approximately 6 seconds.
  3. Once the ladle is full, close the air hole in the handle with your thumb.
  4. Lift the ladle up while keeping it horizontal.
  5. Release your thumb — and the rain begins.
  6. You can stop the flow of water at any time by covering the air hole again.

The ladle empties in approximately 9 seconds.

Why does water flow from the holes if the lid is not completely horizontal?

This is a completely normal and intentional physical phenomenon.

Valeja’s rain lid works using negative pressure. When all holes are on the same level, a vacuum forms inside the ladle, holding the water in place.

If the lid tilts and some holes rise higher than others, the vacuum is broken and air enters the ladle. As a result, water begins to flow out due to gravity.

This is not a defect — negative pressure only works when the system is in balance.

How much water does Valeja dispense?

Valeja holds 3 deciliters of water. Instead of releasing the water all at once, it distributes it as a steady rainfall over approximately 9 seconds. This makes the sauna steam gentler and helps avoid a sudden, harsh burst of heat.

Is Valeja compatible with alle sauna stoves?

Valeja works with all sauna stoves. We recommend to measure the distance from benches to stove to make sure it reaches easily.  

Is Valeja compatible with all sauna buckets?

Valeja works with standard sauna water buckets. We recommend using a sufficiently deep bucket so the ladle can fill without obstruction.

Where is Valeja made?

Valeja is designed and manufactured in Finland. Detailed material information is provided in the product-specific details.

Didn’t find the answer you were looking for?

If you have any questions or concerns about using Valeja, our customer service team is happy to help. Most situations are related to usage technique and can be resolved with a bit of guidance.