How to Clean a Yoga Mat

Yoga mats are essential accessories for yoga practice, providing support, grip and padding during poses. However, regular use means yoga mats quickly become home to dirt, sweat and germs. Keeping your yoga mat clean is important for hygiene and preventing the spread of bacteria. A clean, well-cared-for yoga mat also helps you avoid slipping and sliding during yoga.

Fortunately, cleaning your yoga mat is relatively easy. With the right techniques and cleaning solutions, you can keep your yoga mat fresh, hygienic and ready for practice. We’ll walk through the steps for deep cleaning your yoga mat thoroughly as well as tips for quick cleanups between uses. With proper care and maintenance, your yoga mat can give you years of clean yoga sessions.

How Often Should You Clean Your Yoga Mat?

How often you clean your yoga mat depends on how frequently you use it. Here are some general guidelines on yoga mat cleaning frequency:

After every use: Quick clean with an antibacterial yoga mat spray to remove sweat and germs.
Weekly: Thorough wipe down, scrub or washing to deep clean.
Monthly: Disinfect and deodorize using an antibacterial cleaner.
Every few months: Deep clean your yoga mat with soap and water.

For hot yoga or frequent use, clean your mat after every session. If using infrequently or for short non-sweaty practices, a monthly cleaning may suffice. Listen to your body and nose – if your mat smells or feels dirty, it’s time for cleaning.

Supplies Needed To Clean A Yoga Mat

Cleaning your yoga mat is simple with just a few supplies:

Mild soap: Unscented liquid soap or detergent. Avoid harsh soaps.
Water: Warm water is ideal for cleaning.
Clean cloths or sponges: Use soft cotton cloths that won’t scratch your mat.
Mat cleaner: Specialized mat cleaning sprays can be used.
Old towel: Absorb moisture and dry your mat.
Essential oils: For scent (optional).

Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, ammonia and abrasive brushes/scrubbers as these can damage your mat. All-natural cleaning ingredients are safest.

Follow these steps to thoroughly clean your yoga mat:

1. Remove Debris

First, remove any dirt, hair, lint or debris from your yoga mat. Use your hands to brush away or pick up any large bits. You can use the hose of a vacuum cleaner to suction up debris. Removing solid debris first prevents it from getting wet and smeared into your mat during washing.

2. Wash With Soap and Water

Mix a few drops of mild, unscented soap into a bucket or basin of warm water. Using a soft cloth or sponge, dip into the soapy water and scrub down your entire mat.

Focus on scrubbing areas that touch your hands and feet where sweat accumulates. Don’t forget the underside and edges too. The warm soapy water will lift away dirt, sweat, body oils and bacteria.

3. Rinse Well

Once you’ve scrubbed the entire mat with soap, take clean water and rinse away all traces of soap from your yoga mat. This prevents soap residue from building up on the mat with repeated washing.

4. Air Dry

Stand your yoga mat on its end or lay flat and allow to fully air dry before using or rolling up. Don’t put away while still damp, as this can breed mold and mildew.

You can place your mat in sunlight to drying more quickly. Turn periodically so it dries evenly.

5. Disinfect (Optional)

For extra disinfecting power, use a yoga mat spray after washing. Spritz the mat with cleaning spray and wipe down with a clean cloth.

Let the disinfectant sit for 5-10 minutes before drying for maximum germ-killing action. The antimicrobial ingredients in the spray will help sanitize the mat.

6. Deodorize (Optional)

If you notice odors lingering even after washing, use a yoga mat deodorizing spray. These contain neutralizing agents that help remove odors naturally.

Spray over your mat and let sit briefly before wiping dry with a clean towel. Avoid heavily perfumed sprays, as these can cause allergies.

7. Restore Grip

After washing and drying, rub down your mat with a towel to restore grip and remove any remaining soap residue.

For extra grip, apply a light mist of mat spray designed to improve traction. Let dry fully. The mat spray will soak into the material to help prevent sliding.

And your yoga mat is clean again! Roll up and you’re ready for your next yoga session.

Tips for Cleaning Your Yoga Mat Between Uses

A full soap and water wash isn’t practical after every single yoga practice. For a quick cleanup between sessions try these methods:

Spritz with an antibacterial yoga mat spray. Wipe down with a clean towel.
Use disinfectant wipes designed for yoga mats to spot clean sweaty areas.
Mist your mat lightly with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. This helps kill bacteria and deodorize. Wipe with a damp cloth.
Sprinkle baking soda on your mat and rub in with a damp towel. The baking soda has odor absorbing properties to freshen between uses.
Use a dry towel to simply wipe away dust and absorb excess sweat after practice.

Even a quick once over after each use removes some germs, dirt and moisture that would otherwise buildup.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Yoga Mat

Using harsh chemicals that could damage or fade your mat. Stick to mild soaps and natural cleaners.
Soaking for prolonged periods, which can break down materials and adhesives.
Scrubbing too aggressively with rough brushes that could scratch your mat’s surface.
Leaving wet or damp, leading to mildew and mold growth.
Not cleaning all surfaces, including the underside and edges. Sweat and grime can collect anywhere your skin touches.

How to Sanitize a Shared or Borrowed Yoga Mat

Practicing on a shared or borrowed yoga mat means you have no idea how clean it is. Give a quick sanitizing before your yoga session with these steps:

Spray or wipe down with disinfectant to kill germs. Focus on high-touch areas.
Use a towel to dry thoroughly to avoid slips.
Mist with water to reactivate the mat’s grippy surface, if needed.
Place a towel or mat over the borrowed mat for an extra layer of protection and traction.

Taking just 60 seconds to sanitize a shared mat helps protect your health when practicing yoga away from home.

How to Clean Rubber, PVC and Other Yoga Mat Materials

Yoga mats come in a range of materials, each requiring proper care:

PVC Mats – Avoid soaking PVC mats as this can destroy adhesion. Use mild soap and gently scrub to clean.
Natural Rubber – Can soak briefly to clean but avoid prolonged soaking. Rinse away all soap. Dry in shade.
Cotton – Machine washable. Wash gentle cycle in cold water. Air dry.
Jute – Spot clean by hand only. No machine washing as jute frays when agitated.
EVA Foam – Easy to clean by hand or machine washing. Air dry.

Check your mat’s tag for the manufacturer’s care recommendations. Test cleaners on small areas first before overall use.

How to Remove Stains From Your Yoga Mat

Yoga mats often pick up sticky spots and stains like:

Dirt and Grime – Scrub with baking soda and water paste.
Sweat – Baking soda paste or hydrogen peroxide.
Makeup and Self-Tanner – Liquid soap rub then rinse.
Grease – Dish soap or degreasing spray.
Ink or Permanent Marker – Rubbing alcohol.

For tough stains, target just the marked areas, allow soaks and scrub with a soft bristle brush. Rinse and dry well after spot treating.

Maintaining Your Yoga Mat Long-Term

With regular cleaning, you can keep your yoga mat fresh and functional for longer:

Wash monthly for best results and to prevent deep buildup.
Dry thoroughly after every use to prevent mildew and moisture damage.
Store loosely rolled up, don’t fold mats tightly.
Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach that degrade the mat over time.
Spot clean spills and stains as soon as possible.
Replace your yoga mat every 2-5 years with frequent use. Signs it’s time for a new mat include thinning, tears, loss of cushion and minimized grip.

FAQs on Cleaning Yoga Mats

Can I put my yoga mat in the washing machine?

Some yoga mat materials like cotton or EVA foam can go in the washing machine, but check manufacturer guidelines. Use gentle cycles and air dry. Most mats clean best by handwashing.

Can I use vinegar to clean my yoga mat?

Yes, vinegar makes an effective natural cleaner and deodorizer for yoga mats. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Mist your mat and wipe clean.

What is the best way to dry a yoga mat?

Stand upright or lie flat and allow your yoga mat to completely air dry before rolling up or storing. You can speed drying with a towel blotting moisture or placing in sunlight. Don’t put away damp or wet mats.

How do you get rid of bacteria on yoga mats?

Wash regularly with mild soap and water, allow to dry fully, and disinfect using an antimicrobial yoga mat spray. This combination helps remove and kill bacteria.

Why does my yoga mat smell bad?

Yoga mats easily pick up odors from sweat, feet and absorbed oils. Washing and disinfecting helps eliminate odors. Baking soda or vinegar also help deodorize smelly yoga mats.

Keeping your yoga equipment clean is an important part of practicing yoga hygienically. With regular maintenance and the right cleaning methods, your yoga mat can give you years of healthy and happy practice. Use these tips for keeping it fresh, safe and ready to roll out for your workouts any day.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning your yoga mat is an essential part of maintaining your equipment and practicing good hygiene. With the right techniques and cleaning solutions, you can easily remove odors, germs and dirt that accumulate on your mat from normal use.

Follow the tips here to deep clean your mat monthly, while also doing quick clean-ups between each use. Keep your mat fresh and yourself healthy. A clean mat provides better grip and control during practice, removing distractions while you focus on your poses. Make mat cleaning a part of your overall yoga ritual.