A Beginner’s Guide to Simple Yoga Mat Cleaning Techniques You Should Know

Properly cleaning your yoga mat is essential for maintaining its durability and aesthetic appeal. In this article, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to easily clean your yoga mat at home.

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14 October, 2023

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15 Easy Ways to Clean Yoga Mats at Home

Simple cleaning with water

You can clean your yoga mat easily with clean water using the following steps:

Step 1: Lay the yoga mat on a flat surface.
Step 2: Spray water directly onto the mat and use a sponge to gently scrub the surface of the mat while spraying water.
Step 3: Remove all water from the mat and then air dry the mat under shade or in indirect sunlight until it is completely dry.

You can air dry the mat after washing it

Wash with soap

You can also use soap to clean your yoga mat with the following steps:

Step 1: Take a sufficient amount of soap on a sponge and wet it to create foam.
Step 2: Scrub the foam onto the surface of the yoga mat.
Step 3: Rinse off the soap and wring out excess water from the mat. You can then use a clean towel to remove more water and air dry the mat in a well-ventilated area.

Use a sponge with a little bit of soap to remove dirt from the yoga mat

Use tea tree oil combined with white vinegar

White vinegar has the ability to effectively remove stains, while tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and significantly reduces odor. Therefore, you can use this mixture to clean your yoga mat as follows:

Step 1: Mix together 3/4 cup of warm water, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of and 10 drops of tea tree oil. Then, pour this mixture into a spray bottle.
Step 2: Lay the mat on a flat surface and spray the solution from step 1 onto both sides of the yoga mat.
Step 3: Use a sponge to scrub vigorously, and then soak the mat in warm water.
Step 4: After about 10 – 30 minutes, remove the yoga mat and wring out excess water. Finally, air dry the mat in a well-ventilated area.

The mixture of tea tree oil and white vinegar can remove stains on yoga mats

Machine wash

For PVC or NBR yoga mats, you should not machine wash them as it can cause the mat to deform. Therefore, for other types of yoga mats, you can clean them with the following steps:

Step 1: Shake the mat vigorously to remove dust and dirt.
Step 2: Roll the mat and place it inside a laundry bag. You can then dilute soap with water and pour the mixture into the laundry bag as usual.
Step 3: Select the normal washing mode and adjust the water level low (depending on the number of mats being washed).
Step 4: After the washing machine finishes, remove the mat and air dry it in a well-ventilated area or under shade, avoiding direct sunlight for too long.

Roll up the mat and place it in the washing machine, then press the normal washing mode

Use a specialized mat cleaning machine

A specialized mat cleaning machine allows you to clean your yoga mat optimally while still ensuring its durability. Moreover, you can use the dry vacuum feature on the machine to shorten the cleaning time. Specifically, you can do the following:

Step 1: Lay the mat on a flat surface.
Step 2: Start the mat cleaning machine and move the mat nozzle over the entire surface of the mat. The process takes about 3 – 5 minutes to completely clean the yoga mat.

A specialized mat cleaning machine helps you clean your yoga mat quickly and effectively

2Guide on how to maintain a durable yoga mat

Clean the mat before and after use

Developing the habit of cleaning the mat before and after use helps prolong the lifespan of the yoga mat:

Before use: You can use a wet cloth to wipe the mat and wait for it to dry before starting your yoga session.
After use: You can also use a wet cloth to wipe the entire mat and wait for the mat to dry completely before storing it.

Wipe the yoga mat before and after use to maintain the durability of the product

Clean hands and feet before practicing

Hands and feet are prone to dirt, so it’s important to wash them before practicing. This habit helps you feel more comfortable and prevents the mat from becoming sticky due to sweat during your workout.

Furthermore, this practice also minimizes dirt from sticking to the surface of the mat, creating conditions for mold and bacteria to grow (if the mat is not regularly cleaned).

Wash hands and feet before exercising on a yoga mat

Use a specialized yoga mat towel

A specialized yoga mat towel is often covered with rubber particles, which reduces slipperiness and absorbs sweat well. Therefore, you can use this yoga mat towel to cover the surface of your mat, limiting sweat from entering the mat during your workout.

Use a specialized yoga mat towel to reduce the amount of sweat absorbed into the mat without affecting the workout process

Store in a dry place, avoid direct sunlight

When drying the yoga mat, avoid hanging it under direct sunlight for too long, and instead, dry it in shade or in well-ventilated areas with good airflow. This helps prevent the mat from deforming.

In addition, when storing the yoga mat, place it in dry, less dusty areas and avoid dampness.