Cleaning your yoga mat

Cleaning the yoga mat regularly is essential to keep it in good condition and extend its useful life for as long as possible. But just as important is knowing how to do it so as not to damage the surface of the mat and thus avoid unexpected surprises.

The options when it comes to cleaning the yoga mat are multiple: from wiping a clean cloth to using specific cleaners. But you can also prepare your homemade cleanser with natural ingredients, a way to ensure that your yoga mat is well cleaned without using chemicals.

How to clean a yoga mat

If you want to know how to clean a yoga mat without using chemicals, then I suggest a homemade cleaner.

It is important to bear in mind that each mat is made of a different material and it is necessary that before using any essential oil you consult the recommendations for use and maintenance of your mat to avoid damage.

To carry out this homemade cleaner, the first thing you will need is a spray bottle or vaporizer to make the mixture. You will need to:

• A ratio of ¾ filtered water to ¼ alcohol-free white vinegar.
• 8-10 drops of tea tree essential oil (Tea tree, an antiseptic, antifungal).
• 3 to 5 drops of lavender essential oil.
• You can also add 3 to 5 drops of Solubol, a natural emulsifier for diluting essential oils.
• Once you have all the ingredients in the bottle, shake and that’s it! That’s how easy it is to have your own product to clean your yoga mat.

You will only have to spray the mat after your yoga class and then remove the product with a clean microfiber cloth.

Yoga mat cleaning products

There are mat brands that also offer specific products to clean your yoga mat and with a deodorant function:

• Manduka Yoga Mat Wash and Refresh
• ASUTRA Natural & Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner
• Black Diamond Stoneworks Yoga Mat Spray Cleaner

Once a month, or if the mat has stains or smells bad, it can be washed with water in the bathtub or in the garden with a hose. Depending on the material, the mat can be washed in the washing machine at 30º without spinning or putting it in the dryer, but personally I prefer to wash it by hand with a sponge, warm water and a mild detergent or Marseille soap. Hang or dry on a flat surface or hung outdoors.

Remember that a mat is like a sponge and can take up to a day to dry, it is best to use a spare one because a wet mat is very slippery and will bother you practicing yoga.

If in your yoga sessions you tend to sweat a lot, or you use a mat from your yoga center, I recommend that you use a microfiber yoga mat towel. They are easier to transport and you can wash it in the washing machine.

With that, and your brand or homemade cleaner, you will enjoy a mat for a long time.