Yoga Mat Cleaning Tips

When did you last clean your yoga mat? Did you know you should wipe down your mat after each session and clean it at least weekly to combat germ, bacteria and dirt buildup? If you haven’t, don’t sweat it — there’s no better time to implement good hygiene than the present. Here are yoga mat cleaning tips to get your mat to smell great and be clean enough to practice on.

How to Make DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner

To start your new hygiene regimen, make a yoga mat cleaner. Please check if there are any restrictions with your particular mat. For example, some mats say you cannot use a vinegar solution on them. Otherwise, here is what you need to make DIY cleaner:

• Empty spray bottle
• Water
• White vinegar
• Tea tree oil
• Soft cloth

You can also use premixed mat cleaner. The vinegar and tea tree oil have antimicrobial and odor-fighting properties.

How to Mix the DIY Cleaner

Pour equal parts vinegar and water into the bottle and add a few drops of tea tree oil.

How to Clean Your Yoga Mat

Regularly cleaning your yoga mat is simple with your DIY cleaning solution:

• Step one: Lay your yoga mat flat. Shake your mat cleaning solution and spray your mat generously. Focus on obviously dirty spots. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes.
• Step two: Take a soft cloth and scrub the mat in circular motions. Flip the mat and repeat.
• Step three: Hang your mat to completely dry over the shower railing. Using this railing is ideal for helping the mat dry entirely without it getting sun damage.

How Do You Deep Clean Your Mat?

Depending on your mat, you can wash it in your front-load washing machine. Check the label — if it’s machine washable, wash it without bleach on a gentle cycle.

If your mat is thick and open-celled, submerge it in the bathtub with cold water and add some dish soap (1 tablespoon to the gallon) for five minutes. Rinse and dry.

For close-celled, thinner yoga mats, mix warm water with only a few drops of soap. Take a soft rag and dip the corner into the solution. Clean in circular motions, wipe the mat down and dry.

Enhance Your Yoga Practice With 5 Bridges Health & Fitness

At 5 Bridges Health & Fitness, we offer various authentic yoga classes to build strength, flexibility and mental fortitude. Our sanitized yoga studios in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, are the perfect places for you to maximize the mind and body benefits of your practice.

Check out our class schedule or start a free trial today!