Best Method: How To Clean A Yoga Mat The Right Way

Cleaning your yoga mat regularly is super important for keeping it fresh and germ-free. Many people ask, “How often should I clean my yoga mat?” The quick answer is: it depends on how much you use it. If you practice daily or sweat a lot, clean it every week. If you practice once or twice a week and don’t sweat much, cleaning it every couple of weeks or once a month might be okay. But after a hot yoga class, clean it right away! This guide will show you the best way to clean a yoga mat so it stays nice for a long time.

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Why Clean Your Yoga Mat?

Think about what touches your yoga mat: your hands, your feet, your sweat. It sits on the floor, picking up dirt and dust. Germs can grow on your mat, especially when it gets wet from sweat.

Cleaning your mat helps:

• Stop germs from spreading.
• Remove odor from yoga mat. Smells come from dirt and germs. Cleaning gets rid of them.
• Keep your mat looking good.
• Make your mat last longer.
• Feel better about practicing on a clean surface.

A dirty mat can feel sticky or slippery in a bad way. It can also just feel yucky. Keeping it clean makes your yoga practice more pleasant and healthy.

How Often To Clean Your Yoga Mat

As mentioned, how often you clean depends on use.

• After Every Sweaty Class: If you do hot yoga or sweat a lot, wipe your mat down right after class.
• Once a Week: If you practice regularly, like 3-5 times a week.
• Every Couple of Weeks or Monthly: If you practice lightly, like 1-2 times a week.
• When It Looks or Smells Dirty: This is a clear sign it’s time!

Regular, light cleaning is often better than waiting a long time and needing a deep clean yoga mat.

What You Need to Clean Your Mat

You don’t need fancy things to clean a yoga mat. Simple items work best.

Here’s what you might need:

• Water (warm or cold)
• Mild soap (like dish soap, hand soap, or gentle laundry soap). Avoid harsh chemicals.
• A spray bottle (for making a cleaning spray)
• A clean cloth or sponge (microfiber cloths work well)
• A towel (to dry the mat)
• Maybe some white vinegar or essential oils (for diy yoga mat cleaner or to disinfect yoga mat naturally).

Making a Simple Cleaning Spray

Making your own diy yoga mat cleaner is easy and cheap. You know exactly what’s in it.

Here is a common recipe:

• Get a spray bottle.
• Put in about 3/4 cup of water.
• Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Vinegar helps clean and remove odor from yoga mat. This is a vinegar yoga mat cleaner.
• Add just a few drops (1-3) of mild liquid soap. Too much soap makes the mat slippery.
• (Optional) Add a few drops (3-5) of essential oil. Tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil can help disinfect yoga mat. Lavender oil smells nice. Be careful with oils, as some mats don’t do well with them (especially open-cell rubber mats). Test a small spot first.
• Shake the bottle gently.

This is a great natural yoga mat cleaner. Always shake it before each use to mix everything.

Basic Cleaning Steps (Quick Wipe Down)

This is for regular cleaning after a class.

1. Lay Your Mat Flat: Spread your mat out on a clean floor.
2. Spray or Wipe:
   • If using your diy yoga mat cleaner spray: Lightly spray the whole mat surface. Don’t soak it.
   • If using soap and water: Wet your cloth or sponge with plain water, add a tiny bit of soap, make suds, then wring it out very well. The cloth should be damp, not dripping wet.
3. Wipe Down: Gently wipe the entire surface of the mat with the cloth or sponge. Wipe down both sides if needed. Pay attention to spots where your hands and feet go.
4. Wipe Again with Clean Water: Get a clean cloth wet with only water. Wring it out well. Wipe the mat again to remove any soap left behind. This is important so your mat isn’t slippery.
5. Dry the Mat: This is a very important step! Use a clean towel to dry off as much water as you can. Pat or wipe it down firmly.
6. Air Dry Completely: Hang your mat up or lay it flat to air dry fully before rolling it up. Do not roll up a wet or damp mat! It can grow mold and smell bad.

This quick clean is often the best way to clean a yoga mat for daily or weekly care.

Deep Cleaning Your Mat

Sometimes, a quick wipe isn’t enough. Your mat might feel extra dirty, smell bad, or you haven’t cleaned it in a long time. It’s time for a deep clean yoga mat.

Important: The best way to deep clean depends on your mat material. Some materials, like natural rubber, should not be soaked for long periods. Check the maker’s instructions for your mat first.

Here is a general process for a deep clean yoga mat:

1. Find a Place: You need space to lay the mat flat or put it in a tub. A bathtub or a clean floor area works.
2. Prepare Cleaning Water: Fill a tub or large container with warm water. Add a small amount of mild soap. Make suds.
3. Clean the Mat:
   • For soakable mats (like PVC): Put the mat in the soapy water. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
   • For mats that shouldn’t be soaked (like rubber): Lay the mat flat. Use a cloth or soft brush dipped in the soapy water to clean sections at a time. Do not pour water directly on the mat or let it sit in water for too long.
4. Scrub Gently: Use your cloth, sponge, or a soft brush (like a soft scrub brush or even a clean, soft broom) to gently scrub the mat surface. Work in sections. Pay extra attention to dirty spots.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: This is key!
   • If in a tub: Drain the soapy water. Rinse the mat by filling the tub with clean water and swishing the mat around, or by running clean water over it. Keep rinsing until no soap bubbles appear when you squeeze or press the mat.
   • If cleaning flat: Use a clean cloth and plain water to wipe the soap off the mat. Rinse the cloth often in a bucket of clean water. Keep wiping with the rinsed cloth until all soap is gone. You might need to change the clean water in the bucket a few times.
6. Remove Extra Water: Squeeze as much water out as you can. Roll the mat up loosely and press down (like squeezing a towel). Or, lay it flat and use a towel to soak up water.
7. Dry Completely: This is the most important step for a deep clean. Hang your mat up to air dry. Use a drying rack, a shower rod, or drape it over something stable. Make sure air can get to both sides. Do not hang it in direct sunlight as this can damage some materials. Do not roll it up until it is bone dry. This can take 24 hours or even longer depending on the mat and air in your home.

A deep clean yoga mat takes more time, but it can make a very dirty mat feel almost new again.

Cleaning Different Mat Types

Different mats are made from different things. This affects the best way to clean a yoga mat.

Mat Material	Common Names	How to Clean	Things to Avoid
PVC (Vinyl)	Standard, Basic Mats	Can handle more water. Use mild soap/water or spray. Can often be soaked.	Harsh chemicals, rough scrubbing, direct sun.
TPE	Eco-friendly Mats	Gentle wipe with mild soap/water or spray. Rinse well. Dries fast.	Hot water, harsh cleaners, soaking (can damage the foam).
Natural Rubber	Eco-friendly, Grippy	Use gentle soap/water or natural yoga mat cleaner spray. Wipe gently. Cleaning rubber yoga mat needs care.	Too much water, soaking, vinegar (can break down rubber over time), oils (check mat type), harsh chemicals, direct sun.
Cork	Natural, Grippy	Wipe with damp cloth. Very little soap if any. Vinegar yoga mat cleaner in small amounts might be okay.	Too much water (can damage cork), soaking, strong cleaners, rolling while wet.
Cotton / Jute	Yoga Rugs, Tops	Check label! Some can be machine washed (gentle cycle). Others need hand washing or spot cleaning.	Hot water, harsh detergents, dryers (usually need air drying).

Cleaning rubber yoga mat needs special attention. Natural rubber is great for grip but can break down with the wrong cleaners. Avoid strong acids (like lots of vinegar) or alkaline things. Mild soap and water is usually safest. Some sources say a little diluted vinegar is okay, but test a small hidden spot first. Essential oils can also hurt rubber, so be careful or avoid them.

Using a Store-Bought Yoga Mat Cleaning Spray

You can buy sprays made just for yoga mats. This is easy.

• Choose the Right Spray: Look for sprays labeled “natural,” “non-toxic,” and safe for your mat material (especially important for rubber).
• How to Use: Spray lightly on the mat surface. Wipe with a clean cloth. Let it air dry completely.
• Read the Label: Always follow the instructions on the bottle. Some sprays are just for refreshing, others actually disinfect yoga mat.

Using a yoga mat cleaning spray is convenient for quick clean-ups after class.

Natural Ways to Disinfect Yoga Mat and Remove Odor From Yoga Mat

Cleaning itself removes most germs and dirt that cause smells. But some natural ingredients can help even more to disinfect yoga mat (or at least sanitize it well) and remove odor from yoga mat.

• Vinegar: White vinegar is a natural cleaner and helps kill bacteria that cause smells. As mentioned, use a diluted vinegar yoga mat cleaner (1 part vinegar to 3-4 parts water). Be cautious on rubber mats.
• Tea Tree Oil: A few drops in your spray cleaner can help kill germs. It has natural anti-bacterial properties. Use only a tiny bit, as it is strong, and be careful with rubber mats.
• Witch Hazel: Can be used instead of vinegar in DIY sprays. It cleans and helps remove oil and dirt.
• Baking Soda: Good for really bad smells. You can lightly sprinkle dry baking soda on a dry mat, let it sit for several hours or overnight, then brush or vacuum it off. Do a patch test first, as it can be hard to remove from some mat textures. This works well to remove odor from yoga mat caused by deep-set sweat.

Remember, even with these, thorough cleaning and drying are the best ways to prevent germs and odors in the first place.

Putting It All Together: The Best Way To Clean Yoga Mat

The best way to clean a yoga mat isn’t just one method. It’s a mix of regular care and knowing when to do a deeper clean, based on your mat and how you use it.

Here’s a summary of the best way to clean a yoga mat for most people:

1. Wipe Down After Sweaty Sessions: Use a gentle spray (diy yoga mat cleaner or store-bought yoga mat cleaning spray) and a cloth right after class. This prevents sweat from soaking in and causing problems.
2. Regular Cleaning: Do a more thorough wipe-down every week or two. Use mild soap and water or your favorite natural yoga mat cleaner. Make sure to rinse off all soap.
3. Deep Clean When Needed: If the mat looks dirty, smells bad, or feels sticky even after wiping, do a deep clean yoga mat following the steps (soaking if your mat allows, or thorough scrubbing and rinsing).
4. Always Dry Completely: This is perhaps the most crucial step after any cleaning. A wet mat is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

Drying Your Mat: Don’t Skip This!

Cleaning is only half the job. Drying is just as, if not more, important.

• Use a Towel First: After washing, use a clean towel to dry off as much water as possible from both sides.
• Air Dry: Hang your mat up to air dry. A shower rod, drying rack, or even draping it over a few chairs works. Make sure air can circulate around it.
• Lay Flat if Hanging Isn’t Possible: If you can’t hang it, lay it flat on a clean, dry surface. Flip it over after a few hours to help the other side dry.
• Give It Time: Depending on how wet it got and your home’s humidity, drying can take hours. A deep clean yoga mat where it got very wet can take 24 hours or more.
• Check Before Rolling: Feel the mat carefully. Is it dry everywhere? Especially the ends and the middle. If it feels even a little damp, leave it to dry longer. Rolling up a damp mat traps moisture, leading to smells, mildew, and mat damage.

Proper drying is essential to remove odor from yoga mat and keep it hygienic.

Keep Your Mat Cleaner Longer

You can do things to help your mat stay cleaner between washes.

• Use a Yoga Towel: Laying a towel over your mat, especially in hot yoga, soaks up sweat. This keeps the sweat off the mat itself.
• Clean Your Feet and Hands: Make sure your hands and feet are clean before you practice.
• Clean the Floor: If possible, clean the floor where you lay your mat.

These small steps can reduce how much dirt and sweat get onto your mat, meaning you might not need to deep clean yoga mat as often.

Caring for Specific Mat Issues

• Getting Out Stains: For simple stains, try your diy yoga mat cleaner or mild soap and water. Make a slightly thicker soap solution and use a soft brush. For tough stains, a paste of baking soda and water can help, but test it first on a hidden spot and rinse very well.
• Sticky Feeling: This can be from soap left on the mat. Make sure you rinse thoroughly! It can also be from the mat material itself (some have natural stickiness). For PVC mats, wiping with just water might sometimes help reduce a certain kind of stickiness build-up.
• Rubber Mat White Marks: Sometimes rubber mats get white marks. This is often residue. Try wiping with just water and a clean cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners or too much vinegar.

Conclusion

Keeping your yoga mat clean isn’t hard. Regular, gentle cleaning is the best way to clean a yoga mat for most practices. Use a simple diy yoga mat cleaner or a gentle yoga mat cleaning spray. For sweaty sessions or infrequent cleaning, a deep clean yoga mat might be needed, but be careful with your mat material, especially when cleaning rubber yoga mat. Always rinse well and dry your mat completely to remove odor from yoga mat and keep it fresh. Taking good care of your mat makes your practice healthier and more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use alcohol to disinfect yoga mat?

A: It’s generally not a good idea. Alcohol can break down some mat materials, especially rubber and TPE. It can make the mat dry, brittle, and damage the surface. Mild soap, vinegar mixes (diluted and tested), or specific mat cleaning sprays with gentle disinfectants are better choices.

Q: How do I remove odor from yoga mat if it still smells after cleaning?

A: Make sure it dried completely after cleaning. Lingering dampness causes smells. If it’s dry but still smells, try the baking soda trick mentioned earlier (sprinkle, let sit, brush off). Or use a natural yoga mat cleaner with odor-fighting essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus (test first!). Deep cleaning might be needed if the smell is deep in the mat.

Q: Can I put my yoga mat in the washing machine?

A: Almost always no! Most yoga mats (PVC, rubber, TPE, cork) will be damaged by a washing machine. The only exception might be thin cotton or jute rugs designed to go over a mat, but check the label carefully. For standard mats, stick to hand cleaning methods.

Q: Is a vinegar yoga mat cleaner safe for all mats?

A: Use with caution on natural rubber mats. The acid in vinegar can slowly break down rubber over time. A highly diluted mix (like 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) used sparingly and rinsed well might be okay, but test it first or stick to plain soap and water or cleaners specifically for rubber mats. For PVC or TPE, diluted vinegar is usually fine.

Q: What if my mat instructions say something different?

A: Always follow the cleaning instructions that came with your specific yoga mat. The manufacturer knows the material best. If their instructions differ from general advice, follow theirs.