No matter how often you use a yoga mat, it will become dirty, wet with sweat and possibly have an unpleasant odor. Even your yoga experience becomes unpleasant when the mat is used in this state! Oil from the skin and the products used, sweat, and dirt can seep into the yoga surface and damage it. This can make it difficult for you to practice yoga on a mat because you can slip. By washing your mat regularly and taking care of it daily, you can make your yoga mat last longer and practice on a clean, non-slip mat.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Cleaning the Yoga Mat
Step 1. Know when to clean your mattress
You should clean your yoga mat thoroughly once every few months, and more often if you don't clean it regularly or practice yoga every day. This won't make the mattress last very long, but it can prevent it from smelling and transferring bacteria to your body.
- If you practice yoga every day, it's a good idea to clean your mat once a month, especially during hot weather.
- The more stains you see on your mattress, the larger it will need to be washed thoroughly.
- If your yoga mat starts to peel or starts to stick to your clothes, it may be time to buy a new one.
Step 2. Soak the yoga mat
Use a solution of warm water and a mild detergent such as dish soap. Soak a yoga mat in a bath and leave it on for a few minutes. This step helps to remove dirt, oil, and unpleasant odors.
- Dish soap or hypoallergenic laundry detergent are two of the best gentle cleaning options for your yoga mat.
- Do not pour too much detergent into warm water. You don't need too much soap to clean the mattress. If you use too much detergent, the mat can become slippery, making it difficult to practice asanas on it.
- Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of laundry detergent or dish soap to 1 gallon (3.7 l) of warm tap water.
- Some sources recommend using vinegar to clean your mattress. Be careful because its use can leave a pungent smell that lingers on the surface of the mat so that your yoga practice feels less pleasant. Vinegar can also degrade the quality of the mat, depending on the material of your yoga mat.
Step 3. Clean the mat with a soft cloth
When the mat has been soaked for a few minutes, use a soft cloth to clean both sides of the mat. Wipe each side thoroughly, with extra focus on the areas that your hands and feet frequently touch.
- You can tell where the areas you use the most are because the surface color is slightly different from the rest of your mat.
- Make sure you wipe each side gently so you don't damage the mat or cause the surface to peel.
- If the detergent you're using doesn't foam, that's okay. Keep in mind that you only need detergent-and foam-sufficient to clean the mat and prevent it from becoming slippery.
- Never wash a yoga mat in the washing machine. This can significantly degrade the quality of the mat and prevent you from practicing on it because it is too slippery.
Step 4. Rinse the mat with clean water
Remove the stopper that holds the water in the tub where you soaked the mattress and rinse the mattress with clean water. This can help get rid of soap residue and minimize the risk of the mat becoming slippery.
- Rinse the mat until you see the water is clear.
- If the water doesn't clear up quickly, try cleaning it again with a soft cloth.
Step 5. Remove excess water from the mat
Shake the mat to remove water from the surface of the mat. Lay the mat flat on a dry towel and roll it up to squeeze out any excess water.
- Don't squeeze the mat! This can cause the mattress to wrinkle, tear, or deform.
- You can step on the roll of the mat and towel and this method is more effective at removing excess water.
Step 6. Dry the mat to dry
When you're done draining the excess water, remove the mattress roll and towel. Dry the mat until dry thoroughly.
- You can use a trouser hanger to dry your mattress, but it can leave marks on your mattress.
- If you have a clothesline, hang a yoga mat on it so that both sides of the mat can dry.
- Never dry a yoga mat in a tumble dryer. Not only can this destroy your mattress, it can also cause a fire.
- Make sure you use the mat when it is completely dry. You can tell if the mat is dry or not by squeezing it with your fingers.
Part 2 of 2: Regularly Maintain a Yoga Mat
Step 1. Understand the importance of cleaning and maintaining your mattress regularly
Dirt, oil, and sweat can quickly degrade the quality of the mat, making it harder for you to practice. Doing a few things to care for your yoga mat after every use can help it last longer and reduce the number of times you have to wash it thoroughly. If you practice yoga every day or several times a week, it's a good idea to clean and store your mat properly after each use.
Step 2. Wash your feet and hands before practicing
Hands and feet will touch the mat constantly and this area of the body tends to get dirty. Using a mat with clean skin can make it last longer and help prevent bacteria from moving from the skin to the surface of the mat.
- Washing your hands and feet also washes away lotions or creams that can degrade the quality of your mattress and make you slip during your workout.
- If you can't wash your hands and feet before practicing, try using soft baby wipes to wipe your palms and feet.
Step 3. Wipe your mat
Each time you finish practicing yoga on the mat, wipe the mat with baby wipes, special yoga mat tissue, or a cloth that has been moistened with a mild soap. When it's dry, roll up the mat and you're good to go. This step helps keep the mattress clean and keeps it free of sweat, dirt, and oil. In addition, yoga mats also last longer.
- Wipes specially formulated for yoga mats can be purchased at a sports store or online at a yoga specialty store.
- If you want to use baby wipes to clean your mattress, buy extra-soft baby wipes that don't contain a lot of detergent or soap so the mattress doesn't feel slippery.
- If you want to use a washcloth moistened with soap, make sure you don't use too much soap or water. Wipe off excess soap to prevent the mat from being slippery.
Step 4. Try placing a towel on the mat while practicing
If you sweat a lot, are in a hot room or want a layer between yourself and the mat, place a towel over it. Towels can absorb excess moisture so you can grip the mat more easily.
- Ordinary towels can move when used. This can cause an accident.
- Try a yoga towel. This yoga is highly absorbent with a special surface that keeps it from moving and prevents you from slipping.
- You can buy yoga towels at some sports shops and online yoga specialty stores.
Step 5. Dry the mat regularly
Most people roll up their yoga mat after each use and clean it and then store it in their mattress bag or in the corner of their home or studio. Ideally, let the mat dry regularly to help evaporate any sweat or moisture that has stuck to it and keep the scent fresh.
- You can hang your mattress to dry or put it on a clothesline. Make sure you dry both sides of the mat, even if you only use one side when you practice.
- Use the mattress bag only when carrying this mattress so that your mattress can be dried thoroughly after each use.
- Store the mat in a cool, dry place and away from sunlight. This helps keep it from getting damaged. Plus, it keeps it away from moisture, which can breed bacteria or mold.
Tips
- Check the manufacturer's specifications again to make sure the yoga mat can be cleaned using the method above.
- Roll up the mat when not in use. Yoga mats can attract dirt and dust.
- Try to use your own mat when practicing in a yoga studio. If you can't, find out if the mattress available in the studio is cleaned frequently. If someone has the flu or has a contagious skin problem and uses a studio mat, you could catch it.
- Replace the mattress if it starts to look permanently dirty, or if small cracks appear on the surface.
