You want to know if you can put your yoga mat in the washing machine. The simple answer is no, you generally should not put a yoga mat in the washing machine. While it might seem like an easy fix for a dirty or smelly mat, machine washing can damage the material, shorten its life, and even ruin it completely. Most yoga mat makers strongly advise against it. This is why knowing how to clean yoga mat by hand is very important.
Putting your mat in the washer is risky. The spinning and hot water can break down the mat’s stuff. This makes the mat wear out fast. It can lose its grip. It might even fall apart. Machine washing is rough. It is not the best way to clean a yoga mat. It is better to use safer yoga mat cleaning methods.
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Why Washing Machines Are Bad News
So, why is the washing machine a bad idea for your yoga mat? There are several reasons. These risks of washing yoga mat in washing machine are big problems.
The Power of the Spin Cycle
Washing machines have a strong spin cycle. They also move water around fast. This action is too harsh for soft mat materials. Think about what happens to delicate clothes. A yoga mat is often even more delicate in a different way. The force can stretch the mat out of shape. It can cause tears or rips. It can even make the layers of the mat separate.
Hot Water Problems
Hot water is great for killing germs. But it is terrible for many mat materials. Heat can make rubber brittle. It can melt foam or plastic parts. The mat might shrink. It could get hard spots. It could lose its spongy feel. Cold water is better, but even cold water with the spin cycle is too much.
Soap and Detergent Issues
Regular laundry soap is strong. It has chemicals that can hurt the mat. It can leave soap stuck in the mat. This soap can make the mat slippery when you use it. It can also dry out certain materials, like natural rubber. Using too much soap or the wrong kind is a major issue.
Drying Troubles
You cannot put most yoga mats in a clothes dryer. The heat will destroy them. So, even if you wash it, you still have to figure out how to dry it. Wet mats take a long time to dry. If they stay wet, they can grow mold and mildew. This makes the mat smell bad again, maybe even worse. Drying yoga mat after washing is a key step, and it’s hard after a machine wash.
Mat Materials Matter
Yoga mats are made from different things. The stuff your mat is made of changes how you should clean it. Yoga mat materials cleaning is not a one-size-fits-all thing.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Mats
Many common mats are made of PVC. This material is tough. It lasts a long time. It usually has good grip. How to wash PVC yoga mat is important because they are so common. PVC can handle a little more than other materials. But even PVC mats can be hurt by machine washing. The heat and spinning can still damage them. They might get creases or stretch marks. Hand washing is much safer for PVC.
Natural Rubber Mats
Natural rubber mats are popular because they are good for the earth. They often have great grip. But natural rubber is not as tough as PVC in some ways. It can break down over time. Heat is very bad for rubber. Strong soaps are also bad. They can dry out the rubber. This makes it crack or crumble. You absolutely should not put a natural rubber mat in a washing machine.
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) Mats
TPE mats are often lighter than rubber or PVC. They are also often better for the earth. TPE is a type of plastic and rubber mix. Like rubber, TPE can be sensitive to heat. It can also be damaged by strong chemicals. Machine washing is usually too rough for TPE mats.
Other Materials (Cork, Jute, etc.)
Some mats are made of cork or jute. These natural materials need special care. Cork is like wood; it should not get too wet. Jute is a plant fiber; it can shrink or get damaged by water and force. You would never put these in a washing machine. They need gentle, specific cleaning.
Material Summary Table
Here is a quick look at common materials and machine washing:
| Mat Material | Can Go in Washing Machine? | Main Risks of Machine Washing | Safest Cleaning Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | No (Generally Advised Against) | Stretching, Creasing, Loss of Texture, Heat Damage | Hand Wash, Spot Clean |
| Natural Rubber | Absolutely Not | Cracking, Crumbling, Drying Out, Loss of Grip, Heat Damage | Hand Wash (Gentle) |
| TPE | No | Stretching, Melting, Loss of Shape, Heat Damage | Hand Wash (Gentle) |
| Cork | Absolutely Not | Warping, Mold, Cork Breaking Off, Too Much Water | Wipe Clean |
| Jute | Absolutely Not | Shrinking, Damage to Fibers, Mold | Wipe Clean |
Why You Need to Clean Your Yoga Mat
Your yoga mat gets dirty. This happens every time you use it. Sweat, oils from your skin, dirt from your feet, and dust from the floor all end up on your mat.
Cleaning Sweaty Yoga Mat
If you do hot yoga or a tough class, your mat gets very wet with sweat. Cleaning sweaty yoga mat is super important. Sweat has salts and oils. These can build up on the mat. This makes the mat slippery. It also creates a perfect home for germs. A sweaty mat needs cleaning soon after you use it.
When Your Yoga Mat Smells Bad
A bad smell means your mat is holding onto things you don’t want. It might be old sweat. It might be germs or even mildew. Yoga mat smells bad when it’s not cleaned often enough or not dried well. A washing machine might seem like the answer to a smelly mat. But if it damages the mat, the smell might come back, or the mat might just fall apart while still stinky.
Best Ways to Clean Your Yoga Mat
Since machine washing is out, what is the best way to clean a yoga mat? Most experts agree that hand washing or spot cleaning is the way to go. These yoga mat cleaning methods are safe and work well.
Spot Cleaning Your Mat
For a quick clean or small dirty spots, spot cleaning is great.
1. Get a small spray bottle.
2. Mix water with a little bit of mild soap. Castile soap is a good choice. Or use a yoga mat cleaning spray from the store.
3. Spray the dirty spot.
4. Wipe it gently with a clean cloth.
5. Use another damp cloth with just water to wipe away any soap.
6. Dry the spot with a dry cloth.
7. Let the mat air dry completely before rolling it up.
This is easy to do after each practice. It keeps your mat cleaner between deeper washes.
Hand Washing Your Entire Mat
This is the recommended method for a full clean. It takes more time than spot cleaning. But it gets the whole mat clean without hurting it. This is the main way for how to clean yoga mat by hand.
Here are the steps for hand washing:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You will need:
* A bathtub or a large area where you can lay the mat flat. A shower floor works, too.
* Lukewarm water. Never hot water!
* A very small amount of mild soap. Dish soap can work if it’s very gentle, but Castile soap or a soap made for yoga mats is better.
* A soft cloth or sponge.
* A dry towel (or two).
Step 2: Prepare the Mat
Lay your mat flat. If you are using a tub, put it in the empty tub first.
Step 3: Add Water and Soap
Fill the tub with just a few inches of lukewarm water. Or, if using a shower floor, just wet the mat down gently with a showerhead.
Add a tiny amount of mild soap to the water. Just a drop or two is often enough. You don’t want lots of bubbles.
Step 4: Gentle Cleaning
Use the soft cloth or sponge. Gently wipe the surface of the mat. Rub lightly in circles or back and forth. Pay extra attention to areas where you sweat a lot, like where your hands and feet go. Don’t scrub hard. This can hurt the mat’s surface.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
This is important. You need to get all the soap off. Soap left on the mat makes it slippery later.
Drain the soapy water if in a tub.
Rinse the mat using clean, lukewarm water. You can use a showerhead. Or you can fill the tub with clean water and wipe the mat again.
Keep rinsing and wiping until you don’t feel any slippery soap left on the mat. The water should run clear without bubbles.
Step 6: Remove Excess Water
Do not wring or twist your mat! This will damage it.
The best way to get water out is to lay the mat flat.
Use a dry towel. Lay the towel on top of the mat.
Roll the mat and the towel together tightly. The towel will soak up a lot of the water.
Unroll the mat. The towel should be quite wet.
Step 7: Drying the Mat
This is the most important step after cleaning. Drying yoga mat after washing must be done right.
Unroll the mat completely.
Hang it up to dry. You can hang it over a shower rod or a clothesline. Make sure air can get to both sides.
Keep it away from direct sunlight. Sunlight and heat can damage many mat materials, especially rubber.
Make sure the mat is totally dry before you roll it up or use it. This can take 12 to 24 hours, depending on how thick the mat is and how much air is moving. If you roll it up wet, it will get moldy and smell bad.
Cleaning Different Mat Types By Hand
The basic hand wash steps work for most mats. But some materials need special care.
Cleaning PVC Yoga Mats By Hand
PVC is quite durable. You can follow the general hand washing steps above. Use a mild soap. Make sure to rinse very well. PVC mats can sometimes feel a bit sticky after washing until they are completely dry and aired out. This is a good method for how to wash PVC yoga mat.
Cleaning Natural Rubber Mats By Hand
Natural rubber needs extra gentle care.
* Use only a very, very small amount of soap. Or use no soap at all, just plain water. Some people find water is enough for regular cleaning.
* Avoid harsh chemicals.
* Do not use hot water. Lukewarm or cool water is best.
* Do not hang it in direct sun to dry.
* Make sure it dries fully.
Rubber mats can dry out over time. Some people gently wipe them with a tiny amount of rubber conditioner (like one made for car seals, but check it’s safe first) very rarely, but plain water cleaning is usually safest.
Cleaning TPE Yoga Mats By Hand
TPE mats are similar to rubber. Be gentle. Use cool or lukewarm water. Use very little or no soap. Rinse well. Dry away from sun and heat.
Cleaning Cork Yoga Mats
You generally don’t deep wash cork mats. Cork is naturally clean in some ways. The best way to clean a yoga mat made of cork is usually just to wipe it down.
* Mix water with a tiny bit of mild soap or vinegar.
* Dip a cloth in the mix and wring it out very well. The cloth should be just damp, not wet.
* Wipe the cork surface gently.
* Wipe again with a cloth damp with clean water (again, wring it out well).
* Lay the mat flat or hang it in a cool, dry place to air dry completely. Cork can warp or mold if it gets too wet or doesn’t dry properly.
Dealing with a Smelly Mat
If your yoga mat smells bad, it usually needs a good clean. Hand washing as described above will help a lot. But sometimes, stubborn smells need a little extra help.
Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is natural. It helps kill germs and remove smells.
* Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
* Lightly spray your mat (test a small hidden spot first).
* Wipe it down with a clean cloth.
* Rinse well if you used a lot, or wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
* Air dry completely.
The vinegar smell goes away as it dries. Do not use vinegar on open-cell rubber mats often, as it might affect the material over time. PVC and closed-cell mats usually handle it fine.
Baking Soda
For really bad smells, baking soda can help soak them up.
* Sprinkle baking soda over the mat.
* Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
* Brush or vacuum the baking soda off.
This works best on dry mats.
Alternative Ways to Clean Yoga Mat
Besides hand washing, there are other simple alternative ways to clean yoga mat. These are mostly for quick cleans or refreshers.
Yoga Mat Cleaning Sprays
You can buy sprays made just for yoga mats. These often have water, essential oils (like tea tree, which kills germs), and sometimes vinegar or a mild cleaner.
* Spray the mat surface lightly.
* Wipe with a clean cloth.
* Let it air dry.
These are good for cleaning sweaty yoga mat surfaces right after practice. Check the ingredients to make sure they are safe for your mat material.
Disinfectant Wipes (Use with Caution)
Some people use gentle disinfectant wipes. Be careful with these. Many wipes have chemicals or alcohol that can damage mat materials over time. If you use them, choose ones that are alcohol-free and not too harsh. Test a small area first. Wipe down the mat and then follow up with a wipe with just water to remove chemical residue.
Airing Out Your Mat
Sometimes, just letting your mat air out after practice helps a lot. Don’t roll up a wet or sweaty mat right away. Hang it up for a bit to dry before rolling it. This prevents smells and mildew from starting. This isn’t a cleaning method, but it helps keep the mat fresh between cleans.
How Often Should You Clean Your Mat?
How often you clean depends on how often you use your mat and how much you sweat.
* Everyday use, heavy sweating: Quick wipe down after each use, deep clean every week or two.
* Regular use, light sweating: Quick wipe down a few times a week, deep clean every 1-2 months.
* Occasional use: Deep clean every few months or when it looks or smells dirty.
Listening to your mat is key! If it feels slippery, looks dirty, or smells bad, it is time to clean it. Using proper yoga mat cleaning methods regularly keeps your mat clean and helps it last longer.
Important Tips for Mat Care
- Always read the maker’s instructions: Your mat probably came with care instructions. Read them! They know the material best.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Bleach, harsh detergents, or cleaners with alcohol can hurt many mat types.
- Never use a washing machine: We have covered this, but it is worth saying again.
- Never use a dryer: Heat will destroy almost any yoga mat.
- Dry fully: Make absolutely sure your mat is bone dry before rolling it up. This prevents mold and smells. This is a crucial part of drying yoga mat after washing.
- Store properly: Keep your mat rolled up in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Risks of Washing Yoga Mat in Washing Machine: A Closer Look
Let’s go back to the main point and really look at the risks of washing yoga mat in washing machine. People might think it’s just about the mat falling apart right away. But the damage can be slower and just as bad.
Surface Damage
The texture on your yoga mat is important. It helps you grip. Machine washing can wear this texture away. It can make the mat smooth and slippery. This makes your practice less safe. You could slip and fall. This is especially true for mats with raised patterns or open-cell surfaces.
Material Breakdown
The cleaning chemicals in laundry soap are made for clothes. They can be too strong for mat materials. They can break down the bonds in foam or rubber. Over time, this makes the mat weak. It might start to crumble or tear easily. This is a slow destruction.
Warping and Stretching
The tumbling and spinning can stretch parts of the mat more than others. This can make the mat lose its shape. It might not lay flat anymore. It could have bumps or waves. This makes it uncomfortable to practice on.
Loss of Cushioning
Some mats have cushioning to protect your joints. Machine washing can flatten the material. It can make it less springy. Your knees might hurt on a mat that has lost its cushion.
Color Fading
Strong detergents and hot water can strip color from the mat. Your colorful mat might look faded and old very quickly. While this doesn’t stop you from using it, it’s a sign the material is being damaged.
Water Retention
Some mat materials, especially thick foam, can soak up a lot of water. A washing machine forces water deep into the mat. Getting this water out is hard without a dryer. If you can’t dry it all the way, the inside of the mat stays wet. This leads to mold and mildew growing deep inside. You might clean the surface, but the inside stays dirty and smelly. This links back to why proper drying yoga mat after washing is so critical.
Machine Damage
Believe it or not, a heavy, water-filled yoga mat can even damage your washing machine. It can be off-balance during the spin cycle. This can shake the machine hard. It can even break parts of the washer. The cost to fix the machine is much more than a new yoga mat.
Considering all these problems, the small effort of hand washing or wiping is definitely worth it. It protects your mat and your washing machine.
Summarizing Cleaning Best Practices
To keep your mat clean, safe, and lasting a long time:
1. Skip the machine. Hand washing is the way to go.
2. Know your material. Different mats need slightly different care (Yoga mat materials cleaning).
3. Use gentle supplies. Lukewarm water and mild soap are best.
4. Rinse completely. No soap should be left on the mat.
5. Dry fully and properly. Air drying, away from sun and heat (Drying yoga mat after washing).
6. Clean regularly. Don’t wait until your yoga mat smells bad or is covered in sweat. Regular care is key for cleaning sweaty yoga mat.
7. Use alternative methods for quick cleans (Alternative ways to clean yoga mat).
8. Follow maker instructions.
By using these safe and effective yoga mat cleaning methods, you ensure your mat stays clean, grippy, and comfortable for years of practice. Hand washing is simple and gives you control over the process. It is the best way to clean a yoga mat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
h4: How often should I wash my yoga mat?
It depends on how much you use it and sweat. For regular, sweaty practice, once a week or every two weeks is good. For less frequent or less sweaty use, every one to two months might be fine. Listen to your mat; if it feels slick or smells, it needs cleaning.
h4: Can I use disinfectant spray on my yoga mat?
It’s best to use sprays made for yoga mats. Many regular disinfectant sprays have strong chemicals or alcohol that can damage mat materials, especially rubber and TPE. If you must use one, check ingredients and test a small spot first. Always wipe with a damp cloth afterward to remove residue.
h4: My yoga mat is rubber and is starting to crack. What should I do?
Cracking in rubber mats can happen from drying out, exposure to sun/heat, or using harsh cleaners. Once it starts cracking, it’s hard to stop. Make sure you are cleaning it gently with little or no soap and drying it away from sun and heat. Sometimes, a tiny bit of rubber conditioner helps, but test it first. Often, cracking means it’s nearing the end of its life.
h4: How long does a yoga mat take to dry after washing?
It usually takes 12 to 24 hours for a mat to dry completely after hand washing. Thicker mats take longer. Make sure it’s totally dry before rolling it up to prevent mold and smells.
h4: Can I vacuum my yoga mat?
Yes, you can gently vacuum your yoga mat to remove dust, pet hair, and dirt. Use a brush attachment and a low suction setting so you don’t damage the surface. Vacuuming is a good step before wiping it down.
h4: My mat is very dirty, is there any way to deep clean it without hand washing?
Hand washing in a tub or shower is the best deep clean method. Alternative ways to clean yoga mat like sprays are good for surface cleaning but don’t get deep dirt out. Some very specific mats might allow limited machine washing (like Lululemon’s Arise mat), but this is rare. Always check the manufacturer’s exact instructions first. For most mats, hand washing is the safest and most effective deep clean.
h4: How do I get the smell out of my yoga mat?
Smells usually mean bacteria from sweat. Hand washing with a little mild soap and thorough rinsing is the main way. For stubborn smells, a vinegar/water mix or baking soda can help (Yoga mat smells bad). Make sure the mat dries completely after cleaning, as dampness causes smells and mildew. Proper drying yoga mat after washing is crucial.