Can You Wash a Yoga Mat in a Washing Machine?

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Can You Wash a Yoga Mat in a Washing Machine?

Introduction: The Benefits of Yoga Mat Washing

The importance of maintaining your Yoga mat’s cleanliness cannot be overstated. As one can probably already surmise, your Yoga mat gets heavy usage during times of exercise (and, of course, spiritual enlightenment), so it can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria germinated by sweat.

In order to ensure the extension of your Yoga mat’s life, a regular wash is essential. In fact, many experts agree: hand cleaning your Yoga mat at least once a week is more than a good idea.

This begs the question, however: how exactly do you deep clean your Yoga mat? Well, you have several options. You may even be surprised to learn you can wash your Yoga mat in a washing machine, given the right procedures, routines, and precautions.

Are there any risks involved in putting a Yoga mat in a washing machine?

Depending upon the material of your Yoga mat, extensive use of a washing machine can end up harming more than helping. For example, if you use a front-loading washing machine, you can wash standard Yoga mat in the machine on its gentlest cycle – so long as you avoid the use of an agitator.

However, over washing your standard Yoga mat using washing machines can damage such mats. On the other hand, if your mat happens to be a rubber Yoga mat, you may want to consider handwashing such a rubber mat in cold water and mild soap instead. However, if you insist upon using a washing machine – again – do so on the machine’s coldest, gentlest cycle.

How To Wash Your Yoga Mat in a Washing Machine: A Step-By-Step Guide

  1. It’s super important to fill the washing machine with cold water. Make sure to avoid avoid hot water as this could damage your Yoga mat’s material.
  2. Add detergent or dish soap (again – avoid laundry detergent, as this could also be too harsh for your Yoga mat and damage its material)
  3. Set the washing machine onto its gentlest, coldest cycle. You must allow your Yoga mat to soak on this setting for at least 20 minutes
  4. Ensure you have rinsed your Yoga mat thoroughly.
  5. Skip the spin cycle
  6. Hang your Yoga mat out to dry, outside, in direct sunlight.
  7. Skip adding the yoga mat to the dryer

How to dry your Yoga mat following a wash in a washing machine

Always avoid the use of a dryer following the use of a washing machine. Too much heat can damage a Yoga mat, regardless of material. Instead, as outlined below, be sure to hang up your drying Yoga mat outside, somewhere with direct sunlight.

When Not to put your Yoga Mat in a Washing Machine

Experts recommend only washing your Yoga mat in a washing machine only once every six months. This is to reduce the risk of harm and damage which can occur when you do use washing machines to wash Yoga mats. To maintain the most safe, healthy, & cleanly sort of Yoga mat – instead, mostly wash your mat by hand (or spray) once a week – and then only irregularly put it into a washing machine for a wash.

Be sure not to machine wash your Yoga mat too much! While, again, it is recommended you hand wash your Yoga mat once a month – when it comes to using a washing machine – do so only once every six months. Additionally, it is always a good idea to consult with your Yoga mat’s specific manufacturer’s instructions carefully prior to washing said mat in a washing machine.

Specific materials will always have specific instructions – and it is very wise to follow them all to the letter. Finally, avoid the use of washers featuring an agitator with all Yoga mats, regardless of material.

FAQs

Before you throw your yoga mat in the washing machine, it’s important to give it a good cleaning. If your mat is made of natural materials, like rubber or jute, it can be washed in the machine. However, if your mat is made of synthetic materials, like PVC or polyester, it’s best to clean it by hand.
After you have washed your yoga mat, make sure that you take proper care of it. This means that you should dry it completely before storing it away. If you don’t dry it completely, it could start to mildew and this will ruin your mat.
While you may not be able to see the dirt, it can be important to clean your mat regularly to prevent the build-up of bacteria and other germs. Washing your yoga mat is also a good way to extend its lifespan.
Yes, you can wash your Gaiam yoga mat in the washing machine. Just be sure to use the delicate cycle and cold water. You may also want to put your mat in a pillowcase or laundry bag to avoid it from getting tangled in the rest of your laundry. However, it is always consult with your Gaiam website instructions carefully prior to washing it.
To clean your Lululemon yoga mat, start by wiping it down with a damp cloth. Once you remove all the dirt and grime, rinse your yoga mat well and hang it to dry. If you need to wash your mat in the washing machine, use cold water and a gentle cycle. Hang your mat to dry after washing.
Nopes, some of these mats are heavy and that could damage your washing machine! So, try to avoid washing your manduka yoga mat.
If you use a front-loading washing machine, you can wash Jada Yoga mat in the machine on its gentlest cycle. Avoid the use of an agitator. Over-washing your standard Yoga mat using washing machines can damage Jada mats.
Consider washing your yoga rubber mat with your hands with cold water and a mild soap.
How often you will need to wash your mat will depend on how often you use it – in general, aim to clean it at least once a month. if you plan on using a washing machine – do it only once every six months.
Yes, you can wash dirt off your yoga mat with a spray stain remover. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly use the product.
If your mat is machine-washable, you can use vinegar to clean it. Add half cup of vinegar to the washing machine along with dish soap.
It’s a common question asked by yoga enthusiasts. The short answer is yes, you can salt wash your yoga mat. This method of cleaning is said to be effective in removing dirt and bacteria. To salt wash your yoga mat, simply mix 1/2 cup of salt with 1/2 cup of water. Rub the mixture onto your mat and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse the mat with cold water and let it air dry.
The answer is yes! It’s important to clean your yoga mat before using it to help prevent the spread of bacteria and germs. To wash your yoga mat in a washing machine, simply follow the process mentioned above. You can also hand wash your yoga mat with mild detergent and warm water.
It is not recommended to wash a new yoga mat with dish soap. It is better to spot clean it with a mild soap and water solution.

What are some of the Popular Cleaning Products used to Wash Yoga Mats

Here is a brief list of several possible products which can be used to wash and clean your Yoga mat in an effective manner:

  • General Detergents/Cleaners, etc… (Check these are specifically developed with Yoga mats in mind)
  • Bondi wash Yoga mat spray
  • Aurorae Yoga mat wash cleaner SDS
  • Recommended Yoga mat-specific dish soap

Conclusion

Hopefully, these tips and tricks concerning the proper procedures for washing your Yoga mat have been helpful. As stated above, it is essential you maintain your Yoga mat’s cleanliness (regardless of material) by a regular cleaning regimen. This regimen can involve the use of a washing machine, given the proper care, routine, and precautions. Of course, you can also follow a simpler process of hand-washing your Yoga mat using a solution of equal parts vinegar and water on a safer and more regular basis. You have the option of using a specially made Yoga mat cleaner spray as well. Overall, however, this article has demonstrated the washing machine option as well – as long as you ensure your specific Yoga mat material is safe to put inside a washing machine and do so only every six months or so.