So you have invested in your own yoga mat but are not quite sure how to clean it? Maybe you’ve got a brand new one that smells a bit funny and want to give it a little refresh before your start using it? Or maybe you’ve had and used your yoga mat for a while and think it’s really time for a deep clean but you’re not quite sure how to go about this? Well read on as you will find all the answers here on how to clean your yoga mat.
Having been a yoga enthusiast and yoga teacher for a few years now I’ve gone through quite a few yoga mats. I also own about a dozen yoga mats which I use for my classes so they need to be kept nice and clean for my students.
I’ve tried out different methods of cleaning my mats and I’ve also spoken to industry experts Nicola Dix from Yoga Bliss and Yoga Teacher and doTERRA expert Claire McQuillan (follow her on Instagram!) to see what they suggest.
New Yoga Mats
It’s generally a good idea to give brand new yoga mats a wash as they can contain some residue and smell from the production process. They can also be quite slippery so washing them will help to get a little bit more grip!
When you’re using your mat regularly you might find that it gets dirty just from dust on the venue floors, residue from body lotions and creams you might be using and sweat (especially when you’re a hot yoga lover!). It’s very important to keep them clean and free from bacteria.
Yoga Mat Cleaning Products & Methods
There will always be some advice on cleaning and care from the manufacturer of the mat so make sure to read this before trying any of the methods below. Generally speaking, the more eco-friendly and expensive your yoga mat is the more careful you have to be, I find!
Water & Soap
A good and safe place to start would be to wipe down your mat with water and some eco-friendly detergent (washing up liquid or handwash will do!) Use a soft cloth or sponge and air dry the mat afterwards keeping it out of direct sunlight.
Essential Oils
I’m a big fan of using essential oils when I can as they smell lovely and are very effective! doTERRA expert Claire McQuillan suggests using 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, top up with water and use around 20 drops of essential oils to make your own mat cleaning spray. Lavender, Melaleuca, On Guard or Purify (special doTERRA blends) Lemon or Lemongrass are just some of her suggestions.
I’ve tried On Guard which is a blend of Wild Orange Peel, Glove Bud, Cinnamon, Bark/Leaf, Eucalyptus Leaf and Rosemary! It smells a little Christmassy which I personally really love!
Quick Refresh
To keep your mat fresh between washes, you can use this a deodorizing spray for cleaning and refreshing your yoga mat like for example the Bodhi Mat Refresh Spray. This spray is easy and ready to use and contains eucalyptus, rosemary, mint and witch hazel, all great for naturally dealing with bacteria due to their gentle and natural astringent qualities.
It is free of artificial dyes, aromas and preservatives and can even be used as a deodorant for the body or as a room spray. It’s suitable for most yoga mats but not for open cell or natural rubber mats.
Deep Clean
My yoga mats usually usually get a deep clean at least once or twice a year depending on how much they are being used.
Nicola from Yoga Bliss has the following advice:
“For a deeper cleanse, many sticky and other yoga mats can be washed in the washing machine or hand washed at low temperatures (always check manufacturer’s directions) again with a gentle liquid washing detergent. This is a very effective way of cleansing your mat, but the mat can take a long time to dry afterwards.
So for thorough cleansing, the washing machine is great but for speed and quick drying, the hand wiping method is an effective and quick alternative.
Some words of caution; never use fabric conditioner – your mat will never be sticky again! Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when caring for your mat.”
I would add to that that it’s helpful to wash your yoga mat together with a few hand towels as they will help to rub off some more stubborn marks. Summer is a great time to deep clean your yoga mats as they will dry really quickly when they can be hung on the clothes line outside.
Competition
We’re giving you a chance to win a Bodhi Mat Refresh Spray courtesy of Yoga Bliss today. All you need to do is fill in the Rafflecopter below (UK Residents only). Good luck!
fingers crossed 🙂
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Hey, your writing is very informative. There is something to know from here. Yoga is very important for exercisers. I hope this kind of information will help yogis. Thanks.
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