Yoga is an excellent way to reduce stress and increase flexibility. However, yoga mats can easily accumulate dirt, sweat, and bacteria during home practice or crowded classes at the studio. That’s why learning how to properly clean a yoga mats is crucial for maintaining health and hygiene.
This comprehensive article will teach you everything you need to know about safely and easily cleaning your yoga mat, including:
Why cleaning matters
Supplies you’ll need
Step-by-step routine cleaning
Deep cleaning methods
Special techniques by material
Proper drying and storage
Signs it’s time for a new mat
Additional cleaning tips
Plus we’ll cover some of the best yoga mat cleaning products, common mistakes to avoid, and frequently asked questions about keeping your mat fresh.
While a dirty yoga mat might not seem like a big deal, it can harbor bacteria and fungi over time. Here’s why cleaning your yoga mat on the regular matters:
Prevents spread of germs: Sweat, dead skin cells, and body oils feed microbes like staph and ringworm. A clean yoga mat halts transmission. One study found detergent and disinfectants eliminated 99% of bacteria from used yoga equipment.
Limits body acne: Dirt and bacteria transfer back to your skin during yoga, potentially clogging pores and causing breakouts on your hands, feet or back. Dermatologists note body acne is increasingly common, especially among athletes and yoga devotees.
Eliminates odors: An uncleaned yoga mat starts to smell pretty funky pretty fast. A good scrubbing removes clingy sweat stink by eliminating the bacteria behind it.
Improves safety: Dust, pet hair and debris can make mats slippery. Cleaning improves traction so you can hold poses without sliding around. One study found 79% of yogis have been injured during practice, often due to poor flooring conditions.
The general rule of thumb is to deep clean your entire yoga mat at least once per week. But hot yoga or daily home practice may require cleaning before and after every single session.
Yoga instructors recommend using a non-toxic yoga mat cleaner before and after class at the studio. Publicly used rentals can’t guarantee thorough disinfecting between students. Wiping down minimizes risk until you can deep clean properly at home later.
Key Clean Yoga Mats Supplies
Before learning the best cleaning methods, you need to gather the right supplies:
Mild soap like dish detergent, Castile soap or specialized yoga mat cleaner
Warm water
Two microfiber cloths (one for soapy water, one for rinsing)
Small brush for textured mat surfaces
Spray bottle for applying cleaning solution
Essential oils like tea tree, lavender or eucalyptus oil (optional)
5-10% white vinegar solution (for odor elimination)
Baking soda (absorption for built-up stains or smells)
Always avoid harsh cleaners, chemical disinfectants or antibacterial soaps which could degrade the mat material, privatize essential oils in the rubber, or leave toxic residue. Utilize natural, biodegradable options whenever possible.
Recommended Yoga Mat Cleaning Products
Price
Cleancult Yoga Mat Cleaner Spray
$10
YogaRat All Natural Yoga Mat Cleaner
$15
OMlife Essential Oil Yoga Mat Cleaner
$25
Shopping for commercial yoga mat washing solutions? This handy comparison chart outlines top options under $25.
Step-By-Step Routine CleanYoga Mat:
For a basic yoga mat cleaning routine after class, simply mix a few squirts of natural soap with warm water in a spray bottle. Then follow these steps:
Lay out your yoga mat and lightly mist it all over with a cleaning solution. Focus on visibly dirty spots but cover the whole surface area.
Let sit 5-10 minutes allowing grime to dissolve so it wipes away easier.
Scrub away stubborn spots with a small bristle brush, using circular motions. This lifts away sticky residue.
Wipe up the cleaning solution with a damp microfiber cloth before residue dries. Dry buff any remaining moisture.
Allow to fully air dry for 1-2 hours before rolling up to prevent mold growth. Speed up the drying process with a fan or sunlight.
This quick 10-minute yoga mat cleaning routine makes a world of difference! But incorporate weekly deep cleaning too for the fullest freshness between hot yoga or CrossFit-style plyometric workouts.
Comprehensive Deep Cleaning Methods
Once per week or whenever your mat seems beyond a basic cleaning, use these more intensive methods tailored to the fabric:
Rubber Yoga Mats
The most popular kind featuring excellent grip and padding, rubber yoga mats need special care not to degrade the material.
The warm water and friction of washing can break down the essential oils in the mat slowly over time. So use cooler H2O when possible and spot treat instead of fully submerging.
To deep clean rubber yoga mats:
Combine 2 cups cool water, 1⁄4 cup vinegar and 5 drops tea tree oil in a spray bottle. The vinegar dissolves stubborn dirt while tea tree oil eliminates bacteria naturally without residue.
Mist solution liberally over the entire mat surface. Avoid completely soaking the mat.
Let sit for 10+ minutes allowing cleaners to penetrate the rubbery top layer. Set a timer and relax in child’s pose to pass the time!
Scrub every inch of the mat with a small bristle brush, using circular motions to lift debris from textures. Focus on areas your hands and feet touch most.
Rinse away all solution residue with a clean damp cloth. Dry buff to prevent lingering moisture and soap scum buildup.
Occasionally use baking soda instead of vinegar solution to help absorb odors and stains. Just sprinkle across mat, let sit 1 hour, then vacuum up. Baking soda also boosts traction.
For a deeper clean every 1-2 months, repeat steps using hot water and double the cleaning solution amounts. This further sanitizes.
Cotton Yoga Mats
Warm and eco-friendly, cotton yoga mats derive from sustainable bamboo and can handle machine washing. But limit washing cycles to every 2-3 months for longevity.
To deep clean cotton yoga mats:
When hand washing, fill a sink or tub with hot, soapy water then submerge the yoga mat fully. Allow to soak before scrubbing vigorously with a soft brush.
Add 1⁄4 cup baking soda or vinegar to the wash water as a nature-based disinfectant. This deodorizes too.
When machine washing, place your rolled cotton yoga mat inside a large delicate bag. Use cold water and mild soap then hang or lay flat immediately to dry.
For basic upkeep, simply spot-treat sweaty areas with soap and water between full washes using a damp cloth. Let fully dry before your next flow session to prevent mold.
Jute Yoga Mats
Biodegradable jute yoga mats require very gentle hand cleaning only to prevent fraying of the braided plant fibers:
To clean jute yoga mats:
Before each use, shake out your jute mat outdoors to remove dirt, hair and other debris that could scratch floors or feel unpleasant pressing into skin.
Spot treat any visibly dirty or stained areas using just water and a soft cloth. Avoid chemical cleaners which may discolor.
Once per month deep clean by handwashing in a large basin using mild soap and cool water. Avoid submerging entirely. Allow to dry flat for 1-2 days before storing.
Consider placing a yoga towel or blanket over your jute yoga mat during vigorous flows and inversions where feet could catch and unravel threads.
No matter what the yoga mat material, be sure your mat is completely dry before storage to prevent mold growth in humid environments. And deep clean at least weekly for best results in preventing deterioration and banning bacteria!
Proper Yoga Mat Storage & Care
To keep your yoga mat in great condition between deep cleanings:
Tightly roll up or loosely fold after ensuring thoroughly dry to touch. Leaving damp speeds decay.
Store upright resting on end
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