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No matter the type of yoga mat you have, we suggest wiping down your mat after each practice with a mat cleaner or spray.
Now, more than ever, it is crucial that you are properly cleaning and disinfecting your yoga mat after an at-home workout or sweaty session at the studio. Although it is a straightforward and easy process, there can be a lot of confusion on how to properly deep clean your mat and how to avoid ruining it. If you're like us and love to do a few routines a week, your yoga mat can get very dirty quite quickly, even though they might still look clean on the surface. To make sure that your yoga mat is hygienic and bacteria-free, read our cleaning tips and easy at-home remedies below.
How to Properly Clean a Yoga Mat?
No matter the type of yoga mat you have, we suggest wiping down your mat after each practice with a mat cleaner or spray. If you prefer a more DIY approach, you can easily mix your own cleaner with products you're likely to have at home.
How to Make Your Own Yoga Mat Cleaning Spray
1. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar into a spray bottle
2. Add a couple of drops of essential oil, such as tea tree or eucalyptus.
3. This antibacterial spray should be sprayed on both sides of your mat and wiped down with a towel after your practice or home workout
4. For any stubborn marks, try adding a pinch of bicarbonate soda to your solution
Once you have wiped the solution off your mat, it's important to leave the mat to dry completely before rolling it back up. We suggest laying it flat outside out of direct sunlight or over a shower rail for about 30 minutes or until it is dry.
How to Deep Clean a Yoga Mat?
If you practice hot yoga or can't remember the last time you cleaned your mat, it's probably time for a deep clean. Whilst some types of yoga mats can be hosed down or popped in the bath, we advise against this as your mat could potentially get damaged and take a long time to dry.
Instead, simply give it a light scrub with dishwashing liquid, warm water and a sponge, which will dislodge any stubborn stains, oils and bacteria. Leave the soap in the mat for 5 minutes before rinsing well, as this well allow it to clean the inner foam layers of it.
We also suggest leaving your mat to dry in the shade and out of direct sunlight - nobody wants a crumbly yoga mat.
How Often Should I Clean My Yoga Mat?
Depending on the intensity of your practice or workout, we recommend wiping down your yoga mat after every use. Even if you're in a rush to get home or take a shower, not cleaning your mat after each session can leave it with a nasty odour as it absorbs sweat, oil and bacteria. This can be a simple spot clean or quick wipe down with your DIY spray solution. If you are practicing at a yoga studio with shared mats, it is essential that you clean your mat before and after each use.
In addition to cleaning your mat, washing your hands and feet before your workout can keep your mat fresh and minimise any unpleasant smells from developing.
If you practice a lot of hot yoga, you may want to consider using a yoga towel . These can be placed on top of your mat to help absorb sweat and stop stains. Even better, yoga towels can be cleaned like regular towels in the washing machine.
Can I Put My Mat in the Washing Machine?
Unless the care instructions on your mat specify that the mat is machine washable, we do not recommend putting your mat in the washing machine. It can often reduce the longevity of your mat and damage the material. If you are putting it in the washing machine, please remember to turn off the spin cycle and refrain from using harsh chemicals.
Other Care Tips:
- Use a yoga towel on your mat
- Avoid using harsh chemicals and cleaners as they may ruin your mat
- Allow your mat to completely dry before rolling it up
- Wash your feet before you practice
- If you practice in a studio, it's always best to bring your own mat
Explore rebel's extensive range of yoga and pilates mats online and in-store, available in a variety of styles and materials now.