How To Clean Yoga Mats? A Valuable Guide

How To Clean Yoga Mats?

You are likely to sweat a lot when you practice yoga, especially the energetic style. And the sweat drops drip onto your mat; it leads to bacterial growth and unwanted smell. So How To Clean Yoga Mats? Yoga mats provide an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. You will probably sweat a lot when practicing, especially practicing a more vigorous style like Power Vinyasa or Bikram. Moreover, sweat that drips onto your mat may encourage the growth of microorganisms and unpleasant odors. It’s worth the time to give your yoga mat a quick wipe-down after each session and a thorough cleaning once a month. Cleaning the buildup of dirt and sweat on your mat keeps your mat grippe and extends its life. To avoid germs and nasty mat smells, properly clean your rug regularly.

If you sweat a lot in yoga practice, it causes odor, and cleaning is more important. Depending on the intensity of your sessions, you can go a week before your mat needs a good wipe-down. It is independent of how often you use your non-toxic yoga mats; it will get dirty, sweaty, and possibly stinky with use. If you are washing your mat regularly and keeping up with daily maintenance, you can also increase the life of your yoga mat and continue to enjoy a clean and slip-free practice.

How to clean your yoga mats?

Yoga is the best exercise for good health, like other sports and exercises, and you have to choose yoga gear with care, such as yoga mats, yoga pants, yoga bras, and so on. Cleaning dirt and grime off your mat, put a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle with warm water, and shake to combine your mat. Different yoga mats are washed a bit differently, such as closed-cell mats are thinner and water-resistant and do not soak in liquid quickly.

While thicker yoga mats have open-cell manufacturing, so they can soak up more liquid and retain more bacteria, Wipe down your yoga mat briefly after every yoga practice with a mat cleaner or a homemade cleaning solution. Some mats can be washed in a front-loading machine, but other devices will break down.

Best Way to Clean Yoga Mat

Regular Cleaning

It is the best idea to wipe down your mat after every practice, whether a thick or thin mat. You can use a DIY yoga mat cleaner for regular cleaning. So you can bring a bottle of cleaner and a clean towel to your practice.

Spray the cleaner on your towel, then use round motions to clean the interior surface of your yoga mat. But Before buying your mat cleaner, carefully check your mat’s care instructions.

Clean a thick yoga mat:

Mix warm water in the bathtub and put a few drops of dish soap in a bowl. Dip the mat into the soapy water, then clean the mat from top and bottom, prioritizing dirty spots, with a round motion. Rub the mat clean with a towel and air dry for at least 30 minutes.

Best Yoga Mat Cleaner

How to wash yoga mat

You know, sometimes you have to clean your mat when you see more dirt and grime on it, which looks for discolored, dirty spots. Fill your bathtub with warm water, and a thumb is one tablespoon of dish soap for every gallon of water. Then submerge your mat in it for ten minutes. Yogis who frequently practice in heated rooms can also want to clean their mats deep more often.

 Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively clean your yoga mat:

Daily Maintenance:

  1. Wipe Down After Every Practice: Immediately after each session, take a damp cloth or a yoga mat wipe to clean your mat’s surface gently. It helps remove sweat, oils, and surface dirt, preventing them from settling in and causing odor or bacterial growth.
  2. Natural Deodorizers: Spritzing your mat with water mixed with a few drops of essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus can help neutralize odors and provide a refreshing scent.

Weekly Cleaning:

  1. Deep Clean with Gentle Soap: Give your mat a more thorough cleaning once a week. Prepare a solution of warm water and a mild detergent or dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or strong cleaners that may damage the material of your mat. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the surface, paying attention to areas with visible stains or buildup.
  2. Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse the entire mat with clean water to remove any soap residue. Ensure that no soap or detergent remains on the mat, as it can make the surface slippery during practice.

Monthly Maintenance:

  1. Machine Washing (If Applicable): Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if your mat is machine washable. If it is, place it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid hot water or high-speed spin cycles, which may damage the mat’s material or structure.
  2. Air Dry Properly: After cleaning, allow your mat to air dry completely before rolling it up or storing it away. Hang it over a railing or lay it flat in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight, which can cause the material to deteriorate over time.

Steps of cleaning yoga mat

How To Clean Yoga Mats? we will tell you some important steps:-

  • Put some water and mat cleaner in the bathtub, and mix it with your hand.
  • Sock your mat in it and rub the dirty spots in a circular motion with your hands.
  • Rinse the soap off the mat with a bucket. It can take several rounds to ensure all the soap is completely drained away. When the water is running clean, it is done.
  • Dry the top surface of your mat with a towel. When most of the moisture is absorbed, lay out your mat in a flat place, and roll them up together. Do not wring the mat out; that can easily tear and damage the mat.

Tips for how to clean yoga mats? 

Do not keep them in direct sunlight. They can fade and become tears.

  • Keep away from harsh cleaners and solvents.
  • Allow your mat to fully dry before rolling it up.
  • For odors and absorb oils from a less-than-grippy mat, you can use baking soda, sprinkle it, and rub. Let sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then brush the excess. 
  • Dry and store your yoga mat
  • Before rolling up, ensure the yoga mat is completely dry because the damp mat is a breeding ground for bacteria. To dry completely, hang your mat over a porch railing. Please do not put it in the dryer. When the mat is dry, roll it up tightly and store it with good ventilation.

Some Additional Tips For Yoga Mats:

  1. Use a Towel or Yoga Mat Towel: Placing a towel or yoga mat towel on top of your mat during practice can absorb sweat and prevent it from seeping into the mat’s surface, reducing the frequency of deep cleaning.
  2. Rotate Your Yoga Mats: If you practice regularly, consider rotating between two or more mats to allow each one to air out and dry thoroughly between uses.
  3. Store Properly Your Yoga Mats: When not used, store your mat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid storing it in a rolled-up position for extended periods, leading to creases and deformation.

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