How To Clean Yoga Mat Correctly

Yoga is an ancient Indian art that has been practiced for centuries to promote physical and mental wellness. It comprises various ‘Asanas’ or physical positions that encourage a particular Health Benefit. 

Many Yoga Positions require the practitioner to be positioned on a stable surface, like the floor. However, directly practicing these positions on the floor would be painful and could risk injury. 

Yoga Mats are cushioned mats placed on the floor to practice Yoga Asanas. They are non-slippery and cushioned enough to provide ease and comfort while practicing Asanas. 

In the past, animal skins served as cushioning for practitioners from the bare ground. Today, Yoga Mats are available in various sizes and colors. 

If you own one, read further to learn how to clean yoga mat. 

Techniques to Clean Yoga Mat at Home

1. Using Baking Soda

Due to the constant exposure to sweat and body oils, Yoga Mats can be a breeding ground for germs. Hence, it is essential to clean it properly routinely. 

Baking Soda is an efficient way to clean a Yoga Mat while preserving its integrity. 

To clean your Mat using baking soda, first gather one tablespoon of Baking soda, Lemon Juice, a clean cloth, 2 cups of water, and a bowl. 

Make the cleaning solution by mixing the lemon juice, water, and baking soda. Dip a sponge in this solution and scrub the Mat. 

Then, rinse the Mat by dipping the sponge in clean water and scrubbing.

Use a dry cloth to wipe your Mat after this process. Hang it to air dry. 

2. Using Vinegar 

Yoga Mats can also be cleaned efficiently by using a Vinegar solution. 

To prepare this solution, gather a tablespoon of vinegar and a cup of water. Mix the two to form the solution. 

Using a spray bottle or a sponge, thoroughly wipe the yoga mat with the solution. Following this, wipe clean with a wet cloth. 

Wipe the wet Yoga Mat with a dry cloth. Following this, hang to air dry. 

3. Remove Germs from Yoga Mat using Yoga Mat Cleaner

Yoga Mat Cleaners are unique solutions generally made of mild detergent and antimicrobial essential oils. 

These cleaners usually come in spray bottles for ease of application. To clean your Mat using a yoga mat cleaner, spray the solution over the entire Mat. 

Leave the solution for a few minutes and wipe it off. The antimicrobial components of the Mat effectively kill 99.9% of the germs. 

The essential oils also leave a calm and soothing aroma on the Mat afterward. 

Popular brands of yoga mat cleaners include the Manduka Botanical Cleaner, Asutra Natural & Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner, Lululemon Yoga Mat Spray Cleanser, and the Bondi Wash Yoga Mat Spray. 

Can you put a yoga mat in the washer?

Yoga Mats are made of plastics and rubber and are durable items. Hence, they can be washed in a washer. However, there are certain conditions. 

If you clean your Yoga Mats regularly with the methods given above, you do not need to wash your Mat in the washer. 

However, if you do not clean your Mat regularly, it can harbor over 12 million bacteria counts. In this case, it requires a deep clean. 

Hence, you can use your washer to deep clean your yoga mat. Make sure you use a cold, gentle cycle and ensure that it is properly rinsed. 

However, this should only be done when your Mat requires a deep clean to preserve its integrity.

Why do you sprinkle salt on a yoga mat?

Sometimes, new yoga mats can be slippery and need breaking in. With time and use, it becomes less slippery. 

However, you can exfoliate your Mat to remove the top layer to remove the slipperiness quickly. 

This can be done by sprinkling your Mat with a wet cloth and salt and scrubbing it thoroughly. 

Best Yoga Mat You Should Buy

1. eKo Lite 4mm Yoga Mat

The eKo Lite 4mm Yoga Mat is an eco-friendly, biodegrade Yoga Mat. It is a popular yoga mat in the yoga community. 

It is made up of non-Amazon harvested tree rubber. Hence, it provides a grippy, non-slippery surface that gives you support and a firm grip. 

It is considered to be the most durable Yoga Mat on the market. It was developed over four years by seasoned Yoga teachers.

2. Manduka Pro Yoga Mat

The Manduka Pro Yoga Mat is a 6mm yoga mat made of durable PVC. It is considered to be the number 1 Yoga May according to Yoga teachers worldwide. 

This Mat has high-density cushioning and is ultra-durable. It has a long life and is said to last for a lifetime. 

It is 100% latex-free, and each Mat is handmade, ensuring the highest quality.

If you are an avid yoga practitioner or a fan of home workouts, the chances are that you have a yoga mat at home. Their proximity to your body oils and sweat makes these mats prone to harboring bacteria and foul odor. Hence, it is essential to clean your yoga mats to prevent illnesses and infections routinely. To preserve your health and yoga mat, disinfect and clean your Mat after every few workouts.

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Baking Soda is an efficient way to clean a Yoga Mat while preserving its integrity.

To clean your Mat using baking soda, first gather one tablespoon of Baking soda, Lemon Juice, a clean cloth, 2 cups of water, and a bowl.

Make the cleaning solution by mixing the lemon juice, water, and baking soda. Dip a sponge in this solution and scrub the Mat.

Then, rinse the Mat by dipping the sponge in clean water and scrubbing.

Use a dry cloth to wipe your Mat after this process. Hang it to air dry.”,
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Using a spray bottle or a sponge, thoroughly wipe the yoga mat with the solution. Following this, wipe clean with a wet cloth.

Wipe the wet Yoga Mat with a dry cloth. Following this, hang to air dry.”,
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Leave the solution for a few minutes and wipe it off. The antimicrobial components of the Mat effectively kill 99.9% of the germs.

The essential oils also leave a calm and soothing aroma on the Mat afterward.

Popular brands of yoga mat cleaners include the Manduka Botanical Cleaner, Asutra Natural & Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner, Lululemon Yoga Mat Spray Cleanser, and the Bondi Wash Yoga Mat Spray.”,
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