How to Clean Your Yoga Mat: Tips for Keeping Your Mat in Top Shape

Searching for tips and advice on how to clean your yoga mat? You've come to the right place.

If you're anything like me, you spend a lot of time on your yoga mat. Whether it's for sweaty vinyasa flows or meditation sessions, your mat is an essential part of your yoga practice. You've been so focused on your practice that you've overlooked one important aspect - keeping it clean!

It's important to keep that mat clean to avoid picking up any nasty germs or bacteria and making sure it lasts as long as possible! That means knowing how to properly care for it and how often to give it a clean. In this post I'll share my best tips and methods for keeping the most common types of mats in top shape.

Why is it important to clean my yoga mat?

Your yoga mat is a great tool to have in your arsenal, but it's important to remember that the mat itself is only as good as you are. If you've been using the same towel on your mat for years without giving it any sort of deep clean, there will probably be some residual dirt and grime built up over time.

But a dirty mat isn't the main reason you need to clean your yoga mat regularly.

If we're not careful about how we take care of our mats then they can actually become breeding grounds for bacteria or other germs. Now more than ever, it's critical to clean the surfaces you come into contact with on a regular basis, and that includes your yoga mat!

A good rule of thumb to remember is the sweatier your yoga practice, the more frequently you'll have to clean your mat.

The best way to clean and disinfect your yoga mat

The best way to clean and disinfect your yoga mat is to combine one part white vinegar and two parts warm filtered water in a spray bottle. This is an inexpensive mix that can easily be made fresh each time it is used.

I also like the idea of making sure it's organic because we're spraying our mats with chemicals! You can add essential oils for extra cleansing properties if you wish - tea tree oil works well here too thanks to its antimicrobial properties!

A few sprays and a quick wipe with a towel is all you need. The vinegar smell will fade away in no time! If this mixture doesn't cut the grease, then try adding baking soda to your mix for another powerful cleaning agent.

How to disinfect your yoga mat

I generally recommend giving your mat a quick spray down with the vinegar or tea tree oil mixture mentioned above after each yoga session, followed by a quick wipe down with a clean cloth or towel.

This should remove any germs or bacteria lurking on the surface of your mat and give it a nice fresh smell.

However, if your mat came with a manufacturer recommendation for cleaning, I recommend that you follow that first and foremost (and be sure to check for any possible restrictions).

It's important to clean both sides of your yoga mat thoroughly, as germs can flow from the surface of the mat to the other when it is rolled up.

If you don't want to risk your mixing abilities when it comes to making your own yoga mat spray, consider buying ready-made cleaning solutions (the same cleaning technique should be used).

The disinfectant approach is effective at preventing a host of problems, including athlete's foot, plantar warts, staph infections, and ringworm. Trust me, you don't want these issues getting in the way of your yoga practice.

How to clean your yoga mat

Although disinfecting your yoga mat is super effective at killing any germs and bacteria on your yoga mat, it might not be enough to keep it super clean. After a while, you might notice that your yoga mat starts to smell and the surface becomes grimy or dirty, even after regular spray downs.

This is when you will need to give it a good scrubbing down with warm, soapy water. I recommend using washing up liquid (also known as dish soap, depending on where you live in the World). This is the same stuff you use to hand wash dishes with, except there's no need to dry it after washing.

Dish soap or detergent is great for cleaning yoga mats before it contains chlorine. This is a strong disinfectant that can cut through any dirt and grime build-up.

To give your mat a deep clean with soap and water, simply add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to a bucket of warm water. Avoid overusing it, as this might result in a slippery sheen on the surface of your yoga mat.

Next, give your mat a good scrub using a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. An old cotton shirt or rag will also do the trick.

Finally, clean of the soap mixture with a damp cloth or towel and then allow it to air dry. Keep in mind that different mats may take longer to dry than others.

How often should you clean your yoga mat?

Typically, we recommend every few classes or once a week. However, if you’re like me and love to sweat on your mat (or it smells something awful), then give the surface of your yoga mat a wipe down after each class! This will combat any build-up that may lead to slipping during practice.

The wrap-up

Your yoga mat is your foundation for a good workout. It's important to keep it clean to make sure you don't pick up anything other than good vibes during your yoga practice. It'll also extend the lifetime of your yoga mat, so you don't have to buy another mat.

The best way to do that is by making your own yoga mat cleaner by combining white vinegar and warm filtered water in a spray bottle, then spraying down your mat. You can also use dish soap if you want something more powerful but less environmentally friendly.

Make sure to give disinfect your mat by giving it a quick spritz after each session and a more thorough clean at least once every two weeks so it's always ready when you are!

Yoga Mat Cleaning FAQs

What's the best yoga mat cleaner?

I recommend going for organic yoga mat cleaners. You can make your own or buy them, either way, they’ll work wonders on the surface of your yoga mat!

What is the cheapest way to clean a yoga mat?

The most cost-effective way to clean your yoga mat is to spot clean with a white vinegar and water solution. You can also use tea tree oil or even rubbing alcohol for this purpose, just be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals which might compromise the material of your mat.

Can you put your yoga mat in the washing machine?

It depends. Certain mats can be hand-washed in cold water and mild soap, whereas others can be washed in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle. I suggest checking the manufacturer's cleaning instructions to make sure you don't damage your mat. Regardless of how you wash your mat, make sure it is well-rinsed and always air dry. But never put your yoga mat in the dryer (you didn't need me to tell you that, right?!).

How to remove mold on a yoga mat?

Have you discovered mold on your yoga mat? Simply add a few drops of mild detergent and a capful of Mold Solution Concentrate to some water (laundry detergent alone should still do the trick). After cleaning your mat well, allow it to air dry.

Can you use Clorox wipes on yoga mats?

Clorox wipes can be effective at disinfecting yoga mats, but make sure that you rinse your mat well and wipe off as much of the product as possible before use.

How to clean a yoga mat with vinegar?

To clean your yoga mat with vinegar, you will need to use pure vinegar (not diluted). Pure white or apple cider vinegar is best. Be sure the label says "100%". Mix one part vinegar with one part warm water. Next, simply spray or wipe down your yoga mat, then let it dry naturally outside.

What are the best yoga mats?

There are many different brands out there that you can choose from when deciding on what type of yoga mat is right for you. Some popular high-quality brands I recommend include Jade Yoga, Manduka, Lululemon and Gaiam. Check out our guide on the best yoga mats for men in 2021 for our top picks.