Quck answer
To clean a yoga mat, follow these 2 simple steps:
1. Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution onto the mat and wipe it down with a clean cloth or sponge. For stubborn stains, gently scrub with a soft brush.
3. Rinse the mat with clean water and pat it dry with a towel. Avoid using harsh chemicals or soaking the mat, as it may damage the material.
Regularly cleaning your yoga mat helps maintain hygiene and extend its lifespan.
If you’ve been using your yoga mat for at-home workouts, chances are it needs a good cleaning. Regularly cleaning your yoga mat is important to prevent the spread of bacteria, according to Danielle Smith Parker, founder of Detroit Maid, as reported by Hunker.
To clean your yoga mat as often as possible, ideally after every workout, Parker suggests the following simple steps.
Step 1
Start by using a clean towel and cleaning spray to remove any residue from the surface of the yoga mat. You can also use disinfectant spray for cleaning. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a list of approved disinfectants for use against COVID-19.
Parker recommends a mixture of white vinegar and distilled water in a 1:4 ratio as a cleaning spray for both porous and non-porous mats. If you want a lightly scented spray, add 2 to 4 drops of essential oil to the bottle.
If you prefer not to use vinegar, Natalie Barrett, the service quality supervisor at Nifty Cleaning Services, suggests mixing 2-4 drops of liquid dish soap with 2 cups of warm water in a spritz bottle. Be cautious not to add too much detergent, as the mat surface may become slippery.
Using the towel and spray, wipe the mat in one direction, ensuring to clean both sides.
For fabric yoga mats, Barrett recommends using a front-loader washing machine with cold water and no spins. Use only a small amount of detergent and wash the mat separately to avoid bleeding of the dyed fabric.
Step 2
Allow the mat to dry. Sean Parry, a cleaning expert at Neat Services, suggests rubbing the mat dry with a towel and then hanging it in a safe place to air-dry to speed up the drying process.
If the mat absorbs a lot of water, Parry advises squeezing out some of the water. He also suggests laying the mat open on a dry towel and rolling them together, stepping on the mat to further remove water if necessary.
Once you have removed as much water as possible, hang the mat to dry. Avoid putting it in a dryer or near a heating device.
