Are you looking for the answer to how to clean a yoga mat? Here is the complete guide to keeping your mats clean.
Germs love yoga mats, as they are a near-ideal breeding ground. As a result, you’re likely to sweat a lot when you practice, especially if it’s a more energetic version like power vinyasa or Bikram. And when your perspiration drips on your mat, bacterial development and unpleasant scents can occur. So after every yoga session, it’s a good idea to clean your mat for a quick time and then give it an extended cleaning once per month or so. Cleaning your mat removes dirt and sweat build-up, making it more sticky and extending its life. We’ll show you how to do it in this post.
Why You Need to Clean Your Yoga Mat?
Your mat should be cleaned regularly to keep germs and unpleasant mat odors at bay. If you’re practicing at a yoga studio where you share mats or props with others, cleaning your yoga mat is incredibly essential. The same precautions apply to your at-home practice whether or not you have an increased risk of cross-contamination. Remember: Cleaning does not eliminate germs, but it does remove them and dirt and pollutants from a surface. So consider disinfecting your mat to destroy germs and limit the spread of infection. (The EPA has additional information on disinfectant usage.)
Yoga Mat Cleaning Options
Some yoga mats are more porous than others; closed-cell mats have a thinner, water-resistant surface and will not absorb liquids as quickly. On the other hand, yoga carpets with a thicker construction are often made of open-cell materials, which means they can soak up more significant quantities of liquid and house additional germs. There are a few cleaning procedures to choose from, depending on the type of mat you have.
How often should I clean my yoga mat? After each exercise, use a store-bought mat cleaner or a homemade cleaning solution to wipe down your yoga mat briefly. Then, to remove the gunk that accumulates over time, clean your yoga mat once a month or so. We’ll get into it further below.
Can I Clean a Yoga Mat In a Washing Machine?
Excellent question! Some companies, such as Yellow Willow, produce yoga mats that are machine washable. Just keep in mind that even though the notion of washing your mat along with your yoga pants is appealing when you’re done, it’s time to hand-wash your mat. When you start using the mat, make sure that you read the instructions first and follow them precisely (or else, your pad may come out in an unusable form).
It’s wrong to put a rug in the dryer, and it’s not recommended to use bleach or harsh detergents on it. It’s also not a good idea to put it in the spin cycle or tumble cycle.
For Routine Cleaning
Whether you have a thick mat or a thin one, it’s a good idea to clean your mat after each session. Consider making your yoga mat cleaner after every practice or buying Manduka’s Mat Renew as a store-bought solution. It’s simple to create your cleaning solution with items you probably have around the house.
Bring a bottle of cleaner and a clean towel to your clinic. Spray the cleaning solution on your cloth, then use circular motions to clean your mat’s entire surface. Before rolling up your mat at the end of practice, make sure you wipe both sides down.
Check your mat’s care instructions before choosing a cleaner. For example, some manufacturers don’t recommend vinegar-based cleansers, while others warn against high concentrations of essential oils.
For Deep Cleaning
When you notice more dirt and grime on your mat, it’s time to give it a more comprehensive clean. Look for discolored, dirty areas on the mat. Yogis who practice in heated rooms or reside in hotter climates may need to clean their mats more frequently.
If you have an open-cell mat, consider cleaning it once a month by washing it in soapy water. When immersed in water, thinner, closed-cell mats will degrade.
Ways To Deep Clean An Open-Cell Yoga Mat:
- Fill a sink or bathtub with warm water and dish soap. You only need a small amount of soap—about 1 tablespoon for each gallon of water. Avoid using hot water since it may harm the mat.)
- Allow the mat to soak for 5 minutes before submerging it in the water. Then, using a soft cloth, lightly brush it.
- Remove any soap residue from your mat by rinsing it in clean water.
- If you’re using a microfiber mat, shake it out once it’s been washed. Then let it dry completely as soon as possible.
Ways to Deep Clean a Closed-Cell Yoga Mat:
- Lay your yoga mat out on a level surface.
- In a mixing dish, combine warm water and a few drops of dish soap. (Use only a little soap.)
- Wipe the mat with a clean rag first, then dip it in soapy water and go from top to bottom, focusing on filthy areas, using a circular motion.
- Clean the mat with a clean cloth.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after showering to air dry.
How to Dry And Store Your Yoga Mat
Before putting your yoga mat away, be sure it’s completely dry. A damp, heated surface may foster bacteria growth. Hanging your mat over a back chair or a porch railing will allow it to dry entirely. Never put your Yoga Mat in the dryer;
When the mat is dry, wrap it tightly and keep it in a place with good ventilation. Open the mat every few weeks to allow air circulation, even if you’re not using it.
If your mat begins to peel or pieces are sticking to your workout clothing, it’s time to replace it.
Conclusion
If you don’t want to DIY your cleaning solution, you may get a pre-made yoga mat washing spray from an online retailer.
Before cleaning your yoga mat, be sure to clean both sides. Allow the solution to set on your yoga mat for long enough for it to air dry (or for however long the maker of your spray recommends) before wiping it down.
It’s important to disinfect your yoga mat at least once a week, according to Manduka CEO Brandon Cech, but it all depends on how frequently you practice at home. If no one in your household is ill, Stiff advises disinfecting your yoga mat at least once a week.