Do you want to get the guidelines on How to Clean a Yoga Mat At Home? If you do then you are just on the right page for it. There are many users searching about this particular topic on how one can be able to clean and also maintain a Yoga Mat very well.
How to Clean a Yoga Mat At Home
Yoga mats are just a near-perfect storm for harboring germs. When you simply practice or exercise, especially a more energetic style like the power vinyasa or Bikram, you are then likely to sweat a lot.
And when that sweat then drips onto your mat, it can simply lead to bacterial growth and even unwanted odors. So you can see it is worth taking the time to then wipe down your yoga mat briefly after every practice, as well as to also give it a deep clean every month or so. Cleaning simply removes the buildup of dirt and also sweat on your mat, which can then keep your mat grippy and even extend its life.
Why You Need to Clean Your Yoga Mat
You need to clean your Yoga mat in order to avoid germs and also nasty mat smells, properly clean your mat on a regular basis. Cleaning your yoga mat is even particularly important if you are also practicing at a yoga studio where you then share mats or props with others.
The same rules still also apply to your at-home practice, even if there is a lower risk of cross-contamination. Remember: Cleaning does not kill germs, but it simply removes them, along with dirt and even impurities, from a surface. For you to then kill germs and also help prevent the spread of infection, you should consider disinfecting your mat, as well.
Yoga Mat Cleaning Options (How to Clean a Yoga Mat At Home)
Some yoga mats are even more porous than others; closed-cell mats are also thinner and water resistant, and thus will not soak in liquid as quickly. Thicker yoga mats simply tend to have an open-cell construction, which simply means they can then soak up more liquid and also retain more bacteria. Depending on the style of mat you have, there are simply few different cleaning options.
How often should you clean my yoga mat? You should wipe down your yoga mat briefly after every practice with a well store-bought mat cleaner or a homemade cleaning solution. Probably just once a month or so, give your yoga mat a proper cleaning to get rid of gunk that simply builds up over time.
Can I wash my yoga mat in the washing machine? Some mats can simply be washed in a front-loading washing machine, but others will just break down if washed this way. So you should check the care instructions for your specific mat.
For Routine Cleaning
Whether you simply have a thick mat or a thin one, it’s also a good idea for you to wipe down your mat after each practice. Consider using a DIY yoga mat cleaner after each practice, or a store-bought cleaner like Manduka’s Mat Renew. Mixing your own cleaner is also very easy to do with products you likely have around the house.
Bring a bottle of cleaner and then a clean towel to your practice. Spray the cleaner on your towel, then also use circular motions to clean your mat’s entire surface. Make sure you wipe both sides down before you roll up your mat at the end of practice.
Before you then pick a cleaner, check your mat’s care instructions. Some brands do not usually recommend vinegar-based solutions, for example, while some others discourage high concentrations of essential oils.
For Deep Cleaning
You know it’s time to then give your mat a more thorough cleaning when you start to spot or see more dirt and grime on it. Look for discolored, dirty spots. Yogis who simply live in warmer locations or frequently practice in heated rooms may even want to deep clean their mats more often.
If you also have an open-cell mat, then you should consider cleaning it each month by submerging your mat in soapy water. Thinner, closed-cell mats will even break down when submerged in water, so you should spot clean those kinds of mats instead.
To deep clean an open-cell yoga mat:
- Put the mat in a sink or bathtub filled with warm water and dish soap. You don’t need much soap, you just need 1 tablespoon for every gallon of water. (Avoid hot water, as it may then damage the mat.)
- Then you should submerge the mat in the water and then you should allow it to soak for 5 minutes. Then lightly scrub it with a soft cloth.
- After that you should rinse your mat with clean water to then remove any soap residue.
- Once your mat is washed, shake it out. Then allow it to air dry for as long as it takes to be completely moisture-free.
To deep clean a closed-cell yoga mat:
- Now you should lay your mat out on a flat surface.
- Then just mix warm water and also a few drops of dish soap in a bowl. (Be careful not to add excess soap.).
- You should then dip the rag into the soapy water, now clean the mat from top to bottom, prioritizing dirty spots, using a circular motion.
- Also, wipe the mat clean with a towel.
- Air dry it for at least 30 minutes.
How to Dry And Store Your Yoga Mat
Ensure that your yoga mat is completely dry before putting it away. A warm, damp mat can simply be a breeding ground for bacteria. To dry completely, you should hang your mat over the back of a chair or over a porch railing.
You should never put your yoga mat in the dryer. Once the mat is dry, you should then roll it up tightly and store in a place with good ventilation. Also, open the mat every few weeks, even if you are not making use of it, to allow air circulation.
If your mat then begins peeling, or if pieces of it are sticking to your workout clothes, it’s time for you to then buy a new one.
FAQs
How often should you clean a yoga mat?
In general, you should simply aim to clean your yoga mat at least once a month if you only practice a couple of times a week. However, if you then practice yoga every day, you should aim to clean your mat more often, about once every couple of weeks.
When should I throw away my yoga mat?
When you are Slipping All Over the Place
A good quality mat will simply prevent slipping (even when sweaty!) and also keep you from moving all over the place. If you then notice your feet shifting or your hands sliding, it might simply be time to replace your mat.
What happens if you don’t clean your yoga mat?
The fungi and also bacteria that are responsible for athlete’s foot, plantar warts, staph infections, and ringworm, among others, are commonly found on yoga mats since they simply thrive in warm, dark, moist environments. So, not cleaning your mat can be pretty unhealthy.
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