How to Clean a Yoga Mat at Home in Simple Steps

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How to Clean a Yoga Mat at Home in Simple Steps

When you unroll your yoga mat for practice, you find a layer of dirt or the smell of sweat. It can be a big mood spoiler. You won’t be able to enjoy your yoga session at its best with a dirty mat, can you? And what if someone is using your yoga mat and find it in such a condition? That would not be pleasant.

It happens to everyone since cleaning a yoga mat is surprisingly uncommon. We usually complete our yoga routine and then head on toward our day.
Yoga mats collect all sorts of undesirable invaders like bacteria, allergens, yeast, and fecal matter. The mat absorbs sweat, oils, lotions, and other debris from our body and the floor beneath.

Here are a few tips on how to clean a yoga mat at home and take the best care of it.

What to use to clean the yoga mat

You do not need expensive stuff to clean your yoga mat. Everything mentioned here must already be there in your home. Get them together, and let’s get started.

  • Soft cloth: It is for gently wiping down your mat. We prefer microfiber clothes, but you can use any soft cloth. 
  • Spray bottle: Spray bottle is best to apply a homemade solution for spot-cleaning and regular wipe-downs evenly.
  • White vinegar: Vinegar is a good disinfectant. It cleans, deodorizes, and lightly disinfects your mat for everyday use.
  • Mild dish soap: Mild soap dissolves in water and helps to remove oils and grime. Any mild dish soap will work since they wash off easily and don’t leave any smell. 
  • Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has exceptional antibacterial qualities. It eradicates fungal infection and makes the solution smell better.
  • Dry rack: Dry rack is to let your mat rest on and dry after cleaning.

Keep in mind

Read the care instructions on your mat. Yoga mats are usually natural rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or polyvinyl chloride. Each material has different levels of absorbance. Vinegar, tea tree oil, and dish soap are all standard cleaning products, but they might not suit all mats.

How to disinfect a yoga mat

Suppose you are a fitness enthusiast who loves to work out daily; it is wise to disinfect your yoga mat every 2-3 days.

  1. In a spray bottle, combine water and vinegar. You can adjust the water-to-vinegar ratio between 1:1 to 1:4. Add about four to five drops of tea tree oil to the mixture if you like. Gently shake to mix the ingredients.
  2. Spray the solution on the mat’s top surface evenly.
  3. Use a microfibre cloth to wipe the entire mat clean.
  4. Let the mat dry entirely flat on the ground. It may hardly take 10 minutes. 
  5. Repeat the same process on the opposite side of your mat.
  6. After your mat has dried, roll it up tightly and place it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Spot-clean a yoga mat

If you have some stains and dirty spots on your mat that you want to get rid of immediately, go with these steps to get rid of those dirty spots once and for all. 

  1. Add three to four drops of dish soap to one cup of warm water in a spray bottle and mix well.
  2. Spray the solution on the stain marks. Don’t over-spray, as the soap can leave a slippery residue.
  3. Gently scrub the area with a soft cloth.
  4. To remove the soap solution, wipe the mat off with a damp towel. You will see the stain disappear.
  5. Let the mat air dry completely. You can either lay it flat or drape it over a drying rack.

Deep-cleaning a yoga mat

Suppose you have time and are in an excellent mood to clean your yoga mat thoroughly and make it look brand new. In that case, you can deep clean the yoga mat by soaking the mat thoroughly with these steps.

  1. Add enough water in the bathtub to cover your mat, and mix one teaspoon of dish soap.
  2. Let the mat stay dipped in soapy water for five minutes.
  3. Use a soft cloth to scrub the entire mat, paying particular attention to any particularly filthy spots.
  4. Drain the tub and rinse the mat thoroughly. 
  5. Squeeze the excess water out until it runs clear. It may take some time and muscle power. You can ask someone to give you a hand with it.
  6. Give the mat a good shake and let it air dry on a drying rack or rail away from direct sunlight.
  7. It will take quite some time, so you can leave it there and get on with other chores.

Machine-Wash a Yoga mat

Machine washing is the most effortless way to clean a yoga mat, but not all mats can go through a washing machine. Rubber mats can take a machine wash, but they absorb a lot of water and take a while to dry. PVC, TPE, and other plastic materials may also get distorted or ripped in the washing machine. Check the packaging and label to ensure the machine wash suits your mat.

If the label specifies that the mat is machine washable, you should wash it in a gentle cycle with no bleach. After the wash cycle has completed, take your yoga mat out of the washer and hang it up to dry.

Other cleaning options mentioned above are appropriate if your mat does not indicate whether it is safe for a machine wash.

Additional tips to take care of your yoga mat

  • To keep your mat free of germs and bacteria, disinfect it often, at least every 2 or 3 days.
  • Deep clean yoga mat once every two weeks. If you use it sparingly, then deep-clean it once every month.
  • Never wear shoes on the yoga mat.
  • Don’t dry your mat in direct sunlight. The UV rays can weaken the material and make it look old faster.
  • If the label doesn’t specify machine washing, don’t wash your yoga mat in the machine. It could crack the rubber on your yoga mat.
  • When rolling your yoga mat, fold it once (covering the upper surface) and then roll it. The mat gets soiled from dust particles on the ground beneath it. So, folding ensures that the mat’s upper surface remains clean.
  • Never roll and store a damp yoga mat. It can encourage mold and bacteria growth. Let it completely dry first.

When you practice yoga, you enter a sacred space where you wholeheartedly work on your body and mind. It is up to you to maintain that space’s serenity. A clean yoga mat is crucial and will significantly impact your practice. Get your yoga mat clean and enjoy power-packed and serene sessions of yoga and meditation.

FAQs

Avoid using Clorox wipes on your yoga mat, as they contain harsh chemicals. So when your mat is in contact with your skin, it can cause allergies and itchiness.
Yes, you can steam clean a yoga mat. Place it on a clean and flat surface and steam the mat using long strokes down. Ensure the entire surface is covered.
Use baby wipes only if making your own solution is tedious. They help remove harmful germs and dirt stains. Although, you still would want to deep clean the yoga mat now and then.
To clean your jute yoga mat, you can use a damp cloth with cold water and very mild detergent. Store it in a mat cover when not in use.
Alcohol can be a harsh disinfectant, like bleach, and it can degrade your mat faster. Thus, don’t clean the yoga mat with alcohol.
You can clean the cork yoga mat using the same procedure mentioned in this article. Be careful not to scrub it hard, and avoid using an abrasive sponge.
You can clean a rubber yoga mat using the same procedure mentioned in this article. Be careful not to scrub it hard, and avoid using an abrasive sponge.