How to Clean Your Yoga Mat

How often do you clean your yoga mat? You should be cleaning your mat after each use, especially if you are doing hot yoga!

Just think, we transport our yoga mats to and from class, workout and sweat on them - YUCK! I bet if we swabbed our mats and sent the test to the laboratory all sorts of unwanted bacteria would be growing on them.

I know what you are thinking, you are ready to lay your mat out and start cleaning. Keep reading, cause I am about to share some tips on cleaning your yoga mat.

Step 1: Get a spray bottle

Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

I use a 3:1 water and vinegar solution and add a few drops of my favorite essential oils (my favorites are lavender and eucalyptus). Vinegar is a natural disinfectant with antimicrobial properties - BEGONE BUGS!

Ingredients:

• 3 parts filtered water
• 1 part vinegar
• Essential oil of choice

Step 3: Spray, spray, spray... wipe, wipe, wipe! Spray the mat with the cleaning solution and wipe it up using a clean cloth. Do not allow the solution to sit for too long before wiping or the mat may pick up the vinegar smell (no worries if you do, the smell will go away)

Step 4: Let it Air Out After cleaning the yoga mat it is important to let it air out before storing it away for the next session. I give it about 30-40 minutes to dry. This helps prevent the growth of any harmful bacteria and/or mold. The last thing I want is a funky smelling mat, so this step is essential!!

Step 5: Weekly'ish, Do the Deep Cleanse The length of time between deep cleanings will depend on how frequently you do yoga. I use my mat often so I deep clean it every other week. I spray my mat with the cleaning solution above, allow it to sit for 10 minutes with the solution on it. Next, I fill the bathtup up with room temp water and let it soak for about 20 minutes. Then I let the water drain out and hang the mat to let it dry out (this may take a few hours to overnight).

It is important to note that all yoga mats are created differently so it is important to try a small patch test prior to cleaning the entire mat!

Note: It is important to check your yoga mat for specific instructions since essential oils are not suppose to be used on certain mat materials.