If you've been wondering how to clean a yoga mat, there are a few basic techniques which are very effective.
How to Clean a Yoga Mat
Your yoga mat is a safe haven during practice and meditation. Distracting odor-causing agents on your mat can interfere with your exercises and create an uncomfortable atmosphere.
Additionally, skin irritations such as ringworm may develop if your mat is not clean. With so many intricate and diverse positions, a sanitary mat is necessary to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria and mold. Depending on what type of yoga mat you use, you'll want to incorporate one of the following cleaning methods.
Soak and Bathe Your Yoga Mat
This method is best applied for a typical yoga mat, usually a tapas sticky mat. You can apply this technique especially when your mat is quite dirty and hasn't been sanitized in a long time.
- Fill the bathtub with warm water, a teaspoon of baking soda, and a small portion of mild washing detergent. Create suds in the bath.
- Submerge your yoga mat in the soapy water and keep it submerged for about a minute.
- Using a gentle cloth or loofah sponge, scrub off any stubborn dirt and debris.
- Drain the tub of this soiled water and proceed to rinse of your yoga mat with warm water, eliminating any remaining soap and filth.
- Pat dry your yoga mat and proceed to air dry completely before rolling or packing it up.
Spray Down Your Yoga Mat
If you are simply looking to give your mat a quick wipe-down, use the following method. Mix one and a half cups of water with two drops of dish-washing soap in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the entire top surface of your yoga mat (the side that you are in direct contact with during practice), and wipe it down with a damp soft cloth. Proceed to pat the mat with a dry soft cloth. Be sure that you leave no soapy residue on the mat to ensure your hands and feet don't slip during practice.
Cleaning Specialized Yoga Mats
If you have an eco-friendly yoga mat made of specialized materials, contact the manufacturer for cleaning procedures and products to ensure you don't damage its composition. You may prefer purchasing eco-friendly sanitizing supplies. Visit stirlenchi.com for a list of environmentally safe cleaning products available to purchase for your mat.
You can make your own earth-friendly cleaner by diluting two drops of any of the following organic essentials oils with water in the same fashion described earlier:
- Tea tree oil
- Lemon oil
- Lavender oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Oregano oil
Points to Consider
While it's great to understand exactly how to clean a yoga mat, there are a few general points to consider.
- Whenever you use or disinfect your yoga mat, be sure to dry it off completely before putting it away.
- When washing it, use products that don't irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions.
- If your skin is extremely sensitive, be sure the soap you use suits your needs.
Additionally, make certain there is enough friction between you and the mat during practice. If you begin feeling unstable, it may be time to buy a new mat.
