Yoga mat is the most essential item for yoga practice, but if it’s dirty and nasty, some of the benefits of yoga won’t be able to be fully enjoyed. A dirty yoga mat will even make you and people around you feel uncomfortable. Therefore, how to clean yoga mat becomes a problem for people who have been practicing yoga for a long time.

Dampen mat with warm water

Yoga is a great way to stay fit and relieve stress. However, your yoga mat can become dirty over time, which can lead to odor, bacteria and fungus growth. It’s important to clean your yoga mat regularly so you can continue to practice safely.

Here are some ways to keep your yoga mat clean:

Dampen your mat with warm water. Use a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of dish soap or mild laundry detergent. Spray the entire surface of the mat and wipe it down with a clean rag or paper towel. Make sure all of the soap is rinsed off before you begin practicing on the mat again.

Use vinegar and baking soda to deodorize your mat. This method works best if you have time for it to sit overnight before using again. Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda in a bowl or container large enough for your mat (1 cup each). Add enough water so that everything will dissolve (about 3 cups). Pour this mixture over your yoga mat and let it sit overnight before rinsing off in the morning with warm water

Apply a cleaner

Many people use the same yoga mat for years, but you should be cleaning it regularly to avoid germs and odors. The ideal time to clean your yoga mat is after each use.

• Apply a cleaner, like our Yoga Mat Wash or a household cleaner like Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap. These cleaners are safe on synthetic materials, so they won’t damage your mat.
• Wet the whole surface of the mat with water and apply the cleaner solution directly to your yoga mat. Scrub with an abrasive brush if necessary.
• Rinse your yoga mat with fresh water and blot dry with a towel or paper towels.

Scrub both sides of the mat

Scrub both sides of the mat and let it soak for a few minutes (just be sure to avoid cleaners that contain vinegar and/or citrus, which could degrade the mat’s material). Rinse it with cold water, then lay it flat to dry in the sun.If your mat is particularly sweaty, there are some additional steps you can take. Here are a few products we recommend:

Yoga Mat Spray Cleaner (cleaner), this spray cleaner is made specifically for use on yoga mats, but you can use it on other types of rubber as well. It contains no harsh chemicals or fragrances and leaves a fresh scent that lingers after cleaning. It’s also available in an unscented version if you prefer no fragrance at all.

Mat Renewal Spray (cleaner), If you want something even more natural than the above option, this spray cleaner is made from plant-based ingredients like aloe Vera gel, green tea extract and coconut oil. It’s completely biodegradable and safe on most fabrics including yoga mats, which makes it ideal for those who prefer eco-friendly cleaners over traditional choices.

Wipe down the mat with a clean damp cloth or sponge

You’ve just finished a hot yoga class and you’re ready for a shower. You grab your mat and head for the locker room. But wait, before you head inside, there are some things to consider when cleaning your mat.

First, wipe down the mat with a clean damp cloth or a sponge. Avoid using chemical-laden cleaning products because they can damage the natural rubber, PVC or vinyl material that make up most yoga mats. If you have mildew on your mat, use vinegar and water as a cleaning agent.

If you want to avoid having to clean your yoga mat often (or at all), consider picking up a rubber exercise ball instead of a yoga mat. It’s much easier to keep clean than a traditional mat and can be used in place of one during poses like Downward Dog or Child’s Pose.

Rinse the mat thoroughly until all soap residue is gone

Wash it with lukewarm water and mild soap, using a sponge or cloth to rub it down. Rinse thoroughly and let dry in the sun or by a heater before using again.

If your mat is new, you may want to avoid using any cleaners on it at all. Most mats come with some sort of chemical odor that will dissipate after a few uses (and a few washes). Some companies recommend leaving your mat outside for at least a day before use to get rid of this smell.

Hang the mat outside or in a well-ventilated area

The first thing to do is to air it out. Hang the mat outside or in a well-ventilated area to dry completely before rolling it up to store away.If you need to wash your yoga mat, use a mild soap and warm water. Do not use any detergents or fabric softeners. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before rolling it up for storage.

There are also yoga mat cleaning products available at your local sporting goods store that will help keep your yoga mat clean and smelling fresh longer.

Conclusion

Yoga mat is clear the dirt and dust from its surface by using yoga mat spray. Clean the yoga mat regularly, then your skin will not be touched when doing the movement. It should be done regularly so that dirt in contact with the skin does not cause any problems to your health.