Maintaining or keeping a clean yoga mat is crucial for your hygiene and practice. A fresh mat enhances your experience providing a safe and pleasant surface for your poses whether you are a seasoned yogi or just beginning your journey. Keeping your yoga mat filthy can invite many unwelcome things such as bacteria, allergens, yeast, and sometimes even fecal matter. Yoga mats also can absorb sweat, lotions, body oils, and other dirt. They also pick up germs from the floor.
Fortunately, keeping your mat in top condition doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 effective ways to clean your yoga mat, ensuring it remains a supportive and clean space for your practice.
1) Basic Soap and Water Solution
using a basic soap and water is a simple yet effective method to clean your yoga mat. This method is suitable for regular maintenance and removes sweat, dirt, and oils.
Ingredients
- Mild dish soap or Castile soap
- Warm water
Steps
- Put just a few drops of soap in a bowl of warm water.
- Then, Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with the solution.
- Gently scrub the mat on any dirty or stained areas.
- Wipe the mat with a clean damp cloth to clear away soap residue.
- Allow the mat to air dry completely before rolling it up.
2) Vinegar
White vinegar is useful for disinfectant properties and is an excellent natural cleaner. Vinegar helps to remove odors and kill bacteria of your yoga mat.
Ingredients
- A cup of water
- A cup of white vinegar
- one or two drops of essential oil (optional for fragrance)
Steps
- Put an equal amount of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Add some drops of oil if desired.
- Spray the solution generously over the mat and wipe it down with a clean cloth.
- Hang the mat to air dry completely.
3) Tea Tree Oil Spray
Tea tree oil is one of the best natural disinfectants and antifungal agents. A tea tree oil spray can help keep your mat clean and free of germs.
Ingredients:
- One cup of water
- one or two teaspoons of tea tree oil
Steps
- Combine water and tea tree oil in a spray bottle and shake well to mix.
- After that, spray the solution on your mat and wipe it with a clean cloth.
- Let the mat dry completely before use.
4) Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is the best choice for scrubbing away tough stains and absorbing odors. This technique is essential for deep cleaning.
Ingredients
- Baking soda
- Water
Steps
- To form a paste, mix baking soda with a small amount of water
- Apply the paste focusing on any stained areas of the mat
- Gently scrub with a soft cloth or brush
- Wash lightly with water and wipe clean.
- Let the mat air dry completely.
5) Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
The combination of lemon juice and baking soda created a powerful cleaning and deodorizing solution.
Ingredients
- Juice of one lemon
- Two tablespoons of baking soda
- One cup of water
Steps
- Use a spray bottle to mix lemon juice, baking soda, and water.
- After mixing them properly, spray the solution onto the mat.
- Then, scrub with a clean cloth or brush.
- Wipe down with a clean, damp cloth to remove residue.
Also read, 8 Yoga Poses for Beginners
6) Alcohol-Based Cleaners
Alcohol-based cleaners are essential for sanitizing your mat and killing germs and bacteria. However, this method should not used regularly as alcohol can dry out and damage the mat over time.
Ingredients
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher)
- Water
Steps
- Put an equal amount of isopropyl alcohol and water in a spray bottle.
- Then shake the spray bottle to mix the properly
- Spray the solution lightly on the mat and wipe down with a clean cloth.
- Let the mat air dry completely.
7) Hydrogen Peroxide and Water
Hydrogen peroxide works as a high-level disinfectant that can be used to clean your yoga mat. However, don’t mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar because it can create peracetic acid, which may be toxic and can irritate your throat lungs, eyes, and skin.
Ingredients
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Water
Steps
- Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution generously on your mat.
- Wipe down with a clean cloth.
- Allow the mat to air dry.
8) Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is the best way to sanitize and deep clean your mat without using chemicals. This method is suitable for mats that can withstand high temperatures.
Steps
- Use a handheld steam cleaner or a steam mop with a cloth attachment.
- Run the steam cleaner over the surface of the mat.
- Allow the mat to dry completely before use.
9) Washing Machine (For Certain Mats)
Some Yoga mats which are made from certain materials like cotton or specific brands, are machine washable. Take note of the manufacturer’s guidelines before attempting this method.
Steps
- Put the mat in the watching machine.
- Use a moderate cycle with cold water.
- Incorporate a small amount of mild detergent but do not use bleach or fabric softeners.
- Air dry the mat by hanging it or laying it flat.
10) Sunlight and Fresh Air
Sometimes, all your mat just needs is a good airing out in the sun. Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant properties and can help eliminate odors and bacteria.
Steps
- Unroll your mat and place it in direct sunlight.
- Leave it outside for a few hours, flipping it halfway through.
- Be cautious with prolonged exposure to prevent fading or damage to the material.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the best way to clean a yoga mat?
Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a bowl. (Remember not to add too much soap.) Dip the rag into the soapy water, and clean the mat from top to bottom, focusing on dirty areas, using a circular motion. Wipe the mat clean with a towel to finish.
What is the best natural cleaner for yoga mats?
White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner for your mats. Vinegar helps to remove odors and kill bacteria on your yoga mat.
How often should I clean my yoga mat?
Ideally, you should wipe down your yoga mat after each use with a basic cleaning solution or disinfectant wipe. A deeper clean should be performed every 1-2 weeks if you practice regularly, or whenever the mat starts to look dirty or smell unpleasant.
You may also like to read, Yoga for Better Sleep: Poses and Practices to Enhance Relaxation
