Yoga mats create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. You’re likely to sweat profusely when you practice yoga, especially a more aggressive type like Power Vinyasa or Bikram. And when sweat spills onto your mat, it can promote bacterial development and unpleasant odors.
It’s worth taking the time to wipe off your yoga mat after each session and thoroughly clean it once a month or so. Cleaning eliminates dirt and sweat from your mat, which helps it stay grippy and last longer.
Your fitness regimen is less crucial than cleaning a yoga mat. Nothing is worse than sniffing your mat in the downward dog position. In all honesty, your yoga mat may be a magnet for bacteria, holding onto germs even without any obvious dirt or smell.
You should immediately give your mat a fast scrub if you need to clean it regularly. But don’t worry; you probably already have everything on hand, and cleaning your yoga mat is simple.
In this article, we are going to show how to do that.
Why should you clean your yoga mat?
To help avoid bacteria and unpleasant mat odors, clean your mat regularly. Cleaning your yoga mat is especially crucial if you practice in a yoga studio and share mats or props with others.
Even though the infection risk is negligible at home, the same restrictions apply. Remember that cleaning does not destroy germs but removes dirt and contaminants from a surface.
Disinfecting your mat can also help kill germs and reduce the spread of infection.
By integrating breathwork, meditation, and physical postures, my approach to yoga offers a comprehensive path to achieving both mental and physical well-being. [1]
Selecting Proper Cleaning Tools
How to clean a Yoga mat? The following tools are required:
Vacuum Cleaner: Remove loose dirt from your mat; use a vacuum cleaner attachment with a brush.
Discreet Soap: Choose a gentle, non-toxic soap that won’t damage your mat’s fibers.
Soft Bristle Brush: Using a soft brush, you can remove stains without harming them.
White vinegar: A natural disinfectant, vinegar can aid in removing smells.
Bucket: A bucket is handy when it’s time to soak your mat and mix up cleaning solutions.
A microfiber cloth works well for polishing and drying your mat.
How to Clean a Yoga Mat
- Fill a shower bottle with a couple of drops of gentle dish cleanser and two cups of warm water.
- Shower the arrangement delicately onto the mat, then, at that point, wipe it down with a spotless, delicate, dry towel.
- Wring out the second spotless fabric thoroughly in clear water. Wipe the mat with a soggy fabric to eliminate any leftover dish cleanser.
- Turn the mat over and rehash on the opposite side.
- Lay the yoga mat level or balance it on a durable shower pole to evaporate before moving it for putting away.
How to Deep-Clean a Yoga Mat
If your yoga mat can be soaked in water:
- Fill a bathtub with warm water and add a squeeze or two of mild dish soap.
- Submerge the yoga mat in the tub and let it sit for a few minutes before gently working the soapy water into it with a clean towel.
- Empty the bathtub and thoroughly rinse the yoga Make sure there is no soap left on the mat’s surface.
- Shake out as much extra water as possible from the mat. Then, lay it flat or hang it from a sturdy shower rod until thoroughly dry.
If your yoga mat can’t be soaked in water
- Consolidate 1 section of white vinegar and three sections of water in a shower bottle.
- Delicately shower the arrangement onto the mat and wipe it down with a spotless, delicate, dry towel.
- Wring out a second perfect material well in clear water. Wipe the mat with a damp fabric to eliminate any leftover white vinegar.
- Turn the mat over and rehash on the opposite side.
- Lay the yoga mat level or drape it over a strong shower pole to evaporate entirely before moving it for capacity.
How To Dry Your Yoga Mat
Make sure your yoga mat is thoroughly dry before storing it. A warm, damp mat can provide a breeding environment for bacteria. Put your mat over the back of a chair or a porch railing too fully dry. Never place your yoga mat in the dryer.
Open the mat every few weeks to enable air to circulate even if you are not using it. If your mat starts peeling or if chunks of it attach to your workout clothes, it’s time to replace it.
How often should you clean your yoga mat?
It is determined by the frequency and intensity you use your mat. A decent rule of thumb is to clean your yoga mat once a week or more often if you notice an odor or visible stains. Some yoga mat makers warn against overcleaning because it can wear out the material faster. [2]
Can you clean a mat in the washer?
You can wash some yoga mats in a clothes washer on a delicate cycle with a minuscule gentle cleanser. Still, we recommend doing so only if essential and the manufacturer specifically states that it is acceptable.
Source:
Forté, C. (2023, January 18). How to clean a yoga mat the right way. Good Housekeeping.
How to clean your yoga mat. (n.d.). REI.
