How to Clean Yoga Mat in Few minutes: Quick Tips

We explain how to clean yoga mat

If you practice yoga, after every session, your mat is slick with sweat, dirt, and your skin’s natural oils, all of which create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Subsequently, this becomes your mat unsanitary and dirty over time. 

That is why people who perform yoga regularly should understand how to clean a yoga mat correctly.

One may; experience foul smells, bacteria growth; and skin infection when the mat is left dirty. 

This can make it unbearable for you to practice on the mat again and so, this will disorient your practice. 

Here, you will find detailed information about the process of cleaning yoga mats, how to wash yoga mats, as well as how to wash yoga mats to have a perfect and brand new mat for each practice.

Why Cleaning Your Yoga Mat Is Important

Hygiene: Yoga matt features quite dirty sweat, dirt, and oils of the skin after every practice of yoga. 

However, when not cleaned on a regular basis it provides the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and germs, which are likely to cause infections or skin irritation.

Longevity: Another important sign is maintaining cleanliness; washing your yoga mat with the right yoga mat cleaner most of the time prolongs the durability of the yoga mat. 

A washed mat will wear out quickly, so it will be slippery and will not support the body part placed in the mat anymore. [1]

Experience: A clean yoga mat in practice should enhance any type of yoga. It feels smoother on your hands and feet; has a pleasant fragrance; and offers just the right amount of stickiness for your postures.

How Often Should You Clean Your Yoga Mat?

The frequency of cleaning or replacing the yoga mat will depend on the intensity of the practice and the kinds of yoga. 

For instance, if you are doing hot yoga, it is advisable to wash your yoga mat with a lot of focus on the amount of sweat involved. 

As for the regular yoga, cleaning the place, for example, once a week is going to be enough. 

That means if you exercise in parks or other similar places, you may need to clean your clothes more often in order to wash off dirt as well as bacteria.

Materials Needed for Cleaning a Yoga Mat

To clean your yoga mat properly, you’ll need a few basic items:

  • Mild soap: Kind and again does not contain much of a chemical touch.
  • Water: To use it with either soap or vinegar
  • White vinegar: A green cleaner that also kills bacteria and other pathogens natural to human surfaces.
  • Yoga mat cleaner sprays: Currently it is in most of the sports shops.
  • Essential oils (optional): To have a new smell and for the extra benefit of killing bacteria during usage.
  • Soft towels: For wiping and drying

If you are more kind to the environment, you can use water and white vinegar as the yoga mat cleaner. 

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How to Clean Yoga Mat: Step-by-Step Guide

For a Regular yoga mat

  1. Clean the mat by wiping it with products bought from stores or washing it with plain water and vinegar only.
  2. Use a damp cloth and make sure to completely clean the surface of the product.
  3. Make sure it dries out for several days before you then roll it and store it.

For Rubber yoga mat

  1. Instead of using water, use mild soap to wash your yoga mat and rinse with water.
  2. Do not apply oils because over time they cause rubber to break down.
  3. Let the mat dry on air without exposing it to direct sunlight.

For Eco-Friendly Mats

  1. Mix it with water and then add several drops of some other oils such as tea tree or lavender.
  2. Clean lightly with a piece of cloth.
  3. Rinse the mouthpieces with water to clear off any saliva and then let them air dry to avoid any moisture on the body.

How to Wash a yoga mat

Hand Washing:

  1. Soak the mat in a tub of warm water into which some mild detergent has been added.
  2. Wash the mat with your hands or a gentle rubbing using a sponge.
  3. It is also important to rinse so that no trace of soap may remain on the surface.
  4. Dry the mat by merely hanging it on a string and then using it after it has dried.

Machine Washing (if your mat is machine-washable):

  1. It is recommended you wash it using cold water and mild detergent in order not to damage the mat.
  2. Do not spin at high settings which might compromise the fabric.
  3. Hand to dry because putting it in a dryer will reduce the formation of proper texture and grains.

How to Sanitize Yoga Mat

That is why it is instrumental to clean your mat to fight off bacteria and germs. Rinse the mat in water with vinegar or use a proprietary yoga mat sanitizer to clean the mat after each use. 

Label it carefully, apply it evenly on the surface and use a soft cloth to wipe off the disinfectant. 

Make sure that no moisture is left on the practice mat to get a good grip once you practice.

Tips for maintaining a clean yoga mat

It’s very advisable that you clean your mat immediately after using it to avoid soaking sweat deep into the mat

Wear something on your head during your practice in order to reduce the amount of sweat that is soaked up by your skin.

Remember that your mat needs to be clean all the time so avoid placing it where it can be exposed to dirt or moisture.

This is a vital step so as to ensure that the time to be spent on the yoga mat is extended.

Cleaning your yoga mat will help give better support and traction to your body, so you’ll have more fun doing your exercises. [2]

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Yoga Mats

Steer clear of products that would harm your mat further and make it almost impossible for the bacteria or viruses on it to be killed.

Do not apply pressure while washing since this will remove the material’s outer surface.

Temperature changes may cause your yoga mat to deform and therefore should never be placed in the dryer.

Do not use any oils on your mat unless you are very sure they will not affect your mat fabric.

Such mistakes can either decrease the lifespan of your mat or even affect its performance during practice.

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VeryFit life Final Words

For one, as a fellow yogi, I have always encouraged people to incorporate mat cleaning into their normal practice. 

You will find out that the causes of proper cleaning of yoga mats are not just about cleanliness, but about enhancing the total production of yoga. 

As a professional yoga practitioner and trainer, I can attest that it is important to keep your mat clean not only health-wise but also for it to last long enough to support you for many years. 

FAQs About Cleaning Yoga Mats

What is the right frequency of cleaning my Yoga Mat?

The frequency often varies but a rule of thumb is that the mat should be cleaned after each few uses.

Is it possible to use oils such as tea tree oil to wash the yoga mat?

Yes, other oils such as tea tree oil are good for putting on a good fragrance plus you get the added benefit of them having antibacterial properties.

If my mat has a bad smell what should I do?

To get rid of bad smells, wash your yoga mat with a solution of vinegar and water or use a yoga mat cleaner spray.

How do I clean a yoga mat?

To clean a yoga mat:

  1. Solution of mild soap and water, vinegar and water, or yoga mat cleaner.
  2. Expand it and wipe the mat with a damp cloth then rinse it with clean water.
  3. It should be dried to the natural/environmental/bare air before it is stored.

Source:  

Rei. (n.d.). How to clean your yoga mat. REI.

Houseworth, K., & Houseworth, K. (2024, April 9). How to clean a yoga mat, according to experts. Yoga Journal.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this site is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions or concerns. The website and its creators are not responsible for any injuries, damages, or adverse effects that may result from using the information provided. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of these terms.

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Elyce Elowen is a certified yoga therapist and instructor (C-IAYT, 500-hour RYT) with nearly a decade of experience helping individuals achieve balance and well-being. She collaborates with medical experts to design programs for mental wellness, chronic pain, and stress management, and provides mindfulness training for communities and organizations. Beyond yoga, Elyce has a passion for creativity and personal growth. She’s a freelance writer, sharing insights on yoga, mindfulness, and self-improvement, and previously worked as an art instructor and community organizer, empowering others through education and self-expression. In her downtime, Elyce enjoys hiking, reading, and creating art, always inspired by her belief that true strength comes from presence and growth.

Andrea Cintulova is a passionate yoga teacher and has a deep love for movement and mindfulness. She came from a background in modern gymnastics and dance, and yoga was something she discovered in her university years and never stopped. Hatha was her starting point and then she moved on to Ashtanga, Acro, Bikram and Vinyasa, which were her favorites because they were fluid and creative. Andrea is a certified Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga teacher and has taught Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga classes in Europe, corporate yoga in Vienna, rooftop sessions and international workshops. She is still inspiring students to build strength, flexibility, and inner peace on and off the mat through VeryFit Life.

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