Yoga mats get dirty. They collect sweat, oils, dirt, and germs. Knowing how to clean a yoga mat is super important to keep it fresh and lasting a long time. This guide will tell you how to clean a Manduka yoga mat the right way. Yes, you can easily clean your Manduka mat at home. You don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find products. We will show you simple ways to do it, including how to disinfect your yoga mat and even how to get rid of sweat smell from your yoga mat.
Proper yoga mat care helps your mat feel good under your hands and feet. It also stops germs from spreading. A clean mat makes your yoga practice more enjoyable and healthier. Manduka mats are known for being high quality and lasting a long time. Giving them the right care helps them live up to that promise. Let’s look at how to keep your Manduka mat looking and feeling great.
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Knowing Your Manduka Mat
Manduka makes different kinds of mats. The most popular ones are the PRO series and the Eko series. The best way to clean your mat can be a little different depending on what kind of mat you have.
The Manduka PRO mat is super dense and closed-cell. This means sweat and germs don’t soak into it easily. This makes cleaning Manduka PRO mat pretty simple. You clean the surface.
The Manduka Eko mat is made from natural tree rubber. It’s an open-cell mat. This means it can soak up more sweat and moisture. Cleaning Manduka Eko mat needs a bit more care because of this.
It’s important to know what type of mat you own. Check the label or Manduka’s website if you aren’t sure.
Why Cleaning Your Mat Matters
Every time you use your mat, you leave things behind. Sweat, skin cells, and dirt from your feet or hands get on the surface. If you practice in a studio, you might pick up things from the floor or air.
Think about it:
* Germs: Mats can be a home for bacteria and fungi. This can lead to skin problems.
* Smell: Sweat and bacteria can make your mat smell bad. Nobody wants a smelly mat in class.
* Grip: Oils and dirt can make your mat slippery. This makes poses harder and less safe.
* Mat Life: Dirt and oils can break down the material over time. Cleaning helps your mat last longer.
Proper care is a part of owning a quality mat like a Manduka. It’s like taking care of a good pair of shoes or a nice piece of clothing.
How Often to Clean Your Yoga Mat
People often ask, “How often clean yoga mat?” The answer depends on how often you use it and how much you sweat.
- Light Use / Little Sweat: If you use your mat once a week or less and don’t sweat much, cleaning it every few weeks or once a month might be okay.
- Regular Use / Some Sweat: If you practice a few times a week or have moderate sweat, clean your mat about once a week.
- Heavy Use / Much Sweat / Hot Yoga: If you use your mat daily, sweat a lot, or do hot yoga, you should wipe it down after every practice. A deeper clean can be done once a week or two.
Listen to your mat. If it starts to feel slippery, look dirty, or smell bad, it’s definitely time to clean it. Regular, light cleaning is often better than waiting a long time and doing a deep clean.
Recommended Manduka Mat Cleaner
Manduka sells its own cleaning sprays. These are designed to work well with their specific mat materials. Using a Manduka mat cleaner is often the easiest and safest way to clean your mat.
Manduka has a few different cleaners:
1. Manduka Mat Wash: This is a general cleaner for most mats. It often uses essential oils.
2. Manduka Restore: This one is for PRO mats. It helps condition the surface after cleaning.
3. Manduka Botanical Mat Cleaner: This uses natural plant-based ingredients and can help disinfect.
These cleaners are made to clean without damaging the mat material. They are easy to use. You just spray it on and wipe it off.
Making Your Own Cleaner: Natural Ways
You can also clean your mat using simple things you might have at home. A natural way to clean yoga mat often involves water and vinegar.
Yoga mat cleaning vinegar is a popular method. Vinegar is acidic. It can help kill germs and bacteria. It also helps remove smells.
Here is a simple recipe for a homemade yoga mat cleaner:
Simple Vinegar Solution:
* Mix white vinegar and water.
* Use a 1:4 ratio. That means 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. For example, 1/4 cup vinegar and 1 cup water.
* You can put this mix in a spray bottle.
Steps for Using Vinegar Solution:
1. Lightly spray the mix onto your mat. Don’t soak it.
2. Wipe the mat gently with a clean, damp cloth.
3. Wipe it again with a clean, dry cloth to remove extra wetness.
4. Let your mat air dry completely before rolling it up.
Adding Essential Oils (Optional):
To make it smell nice, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the vinegar mix.
* Lavender oil
* Tea tree oil (Tea tree oil has natural anti-germ properties, which helps how to disinfect yoga mat)
* Eucalyptus oil
Use only a few drops (5-10 drops per cup of liquid). Too much oil can make the mat slippery.
Important Note for Eko Mats: Eko mats are made of rubber. Vinegar can be strong. Use less vinegar (maybe 1:10 ratio) or test a small spot first on an Eko mat. Water and a tiny bit of mild soap is often better for Eko mats.
Cleaning Specific Manduka Mats
Let’s look closer at cleaning the two main types of Manduka mats.
Cleaning Manduka PRO Mat
The PRO mat is very durable. Its closed-cell surface is non-absorbent. This is great because sweat stays on top and doesn’t soak in.
Regular Cleaning (After every sweaty practice or weekly):
1. Lay your mat flat.
2. Use a Manduka Mat Wash or your homemade vinegar solution (1:4 ratio).
3. Lightly spray the surface of the mat.
4. Wipe down the mat with a clean, damp cloth.
5. Use a dry cloth to wipe off any extra liquid.
6. Hang or lay flat to air dry completely.
Deeper Cleaning / Restoring (Every few months or when needed):
Manduka has a product called “Restore” specifically for the PRO mat. This helps clean and condition the surface.
1. Use Manduka Restore spray.
2. Spray the mat surface lightly.
3. Let it sit for a minute.
4. Wipe down with a clean cloth.
5. Buff the mat surface with a dry cloth.
Important: Never soak a PRO mat in water. Don’t put it in a washing machine or shower. This can damage the mat.
Cleaning Manduka Eko Mat
The Eko mat is made from natural rubber. It is more absorbent than the PRO mat. This means it can hold onto sweat and smells more easily. It also needs gentler cleaning.
Regular Cleaning (After every sweaty practice or weekly):
1. Lay your mat flat.
2. Mix water with a tiny drop of mild soap (like dish soap). Or use a very weak vinegar solution (1:10 or more water) or a natural mat cleaner designed for rubber. Manduka’s Botanical Cleaner is good for this.
3. Dampen a soft cloth with the cleaning mix.
4. Wipe down the mat gently. Do not scrub hard.
5. Dampen a clean cloth with plain water. Wipe the mat again to remove any soap or cleaning residue.
6. Use a dry cloth to soak up extra water.
7. Hang or lay flat to air dry completely. Keep it out of direct sunlight, which can harm rubber.
Important:
* Never soak an Eko mat.
* Do not use alcohol-based cleaners. Alcohol dries out rubber.
* Avoid heavy amounts of vinegar or harsh chemicals.
* Do not put it in a washing machine or dryer.
Cleaning Manduka Eko mat carefully helps keep the rubber in good shape.
Steps for a General Mat Cleaning
Here is a simple step-by-step guide for cleaning most Manduka mats (adjust for Eko as noted above).
-
Gather Supplies:
- Cleaning solution (Manduka cleaner, homemade vinegar mix, or mild soap/water)
- Spray bottle (if using homemade mix)
- Two clean cloths (microfiber cloths work well)
- A place to hang or lay the mat flat to dry.
-
Prepare the Mat:
- Unroll your mat completely and lay it flat on the floor.
- Wipe off any obvious dirt or dust with a dry cloth first.
-
Apply Cleaner:
- Spray your cleaning solution lightly and evenly over the surface of the mat. Do one side at a time.
- Do not overspray. The mat should be damp, not wet. For Eko mats, spray the cloth instead of the mat and then wipe.
-
Wipe Down:
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the entire sprayed surface. Go over it a few times to remove sweat, oil, and dirt.
- For PRO mats, you can wipe firmly. For Eko mats, wipe gently.
-
Remove Residue:
- If you used soap or a stronger solution, dampen the second clean cloth with plain water and wipe the mat again to rinse off any cleaner left behind. This is very important, especially for Eko mats, to prevent damage.
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Dry the Mat:
- Use a dry cloth to wipe down the mat and remove as much moisture as possible.
- Hang your mat to air dry completely before rolling it up or storing it. A shower rod, drying rack, or even draped over chairs can work. Make sure air can get to both sides if possible.
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Repeat for Other Side:
- Once the first side is completely dry, flip the mat and repeat the process on the other side if needed. Often, only the top surface where you practice needs regular cleaning.
Fathoming How to Disinfect Your Yoga Mat
Sometimes you need to kill germs more seriously, like after a cold or if you practice in a very busy studio. This is how to disinfect yoga mat.
Disinfecting is different from just cleaning. Cleaning removes dirt and oil. Disinfecting kills bacteria and viruses.
- Manduka Botanical Cleaner: This cleaner from Manduka is designed to disinfect using natural plant compounds. Follow the directions on the bottle carefully. You usually spray it on and let it sit for a certain time before wiping.
- Tea Tree Oil: As mentioned, adding tea tree oil to your homemade cleaner can help. Use about 10-20 drops per cup of water/vinegar mix for stronger effect. Wipe and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping with a clean, damp cloth and then drying.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (the common kind from the drug store) can kill germs. You can spray a thin layer, let it bubble for a minute, and then wipe it clean. Test this on a small spot first, especially on Eko mats, as it can potentially affect the rubber over time.
- Avoid Harsh Disinfectants: Do NOT use strong chemical disinfectants like bleach or Lysol spray on your mat. These can damage the material, make the mat slippery, and leave harsh chemicals that touch your skin during practice.
Important: Make sure any disinfectant you use is safe for the mat material and your skin. Always let the mat dry fully after disinfecting.
Getting Rid of Sweat Smell from Yoga Mat
A bad smell on your mat usually comes from bacteria feeding on sweat and oils. Learning how to remove sweat smell from yoga mat is key for a fresh practice.
- Vinegar: Vinegar is excellent at neutralizing smells. The acetic acid in vinegar kills the odor-causing bacteria. Use the vinegar cleaning solution described earlier. The vinegar smell itself will go away once the mat is dry.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda absorbs odors. You can lightly sprinkle baking soda over a dry mat. Let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then brush or vacuum the baking soda off. This works well for both PRO and Eko mats.
- Air It Out: Sometimes, just letting your mat air out can help. Unroll it in a well-ventilated area after practice, instead of rolling it up right away.
If your mat smells bad even after cleaning, it might mean sweat has soaked deep in. This is more likely with open-cell mats like Eko. Regular cleaning before smells start is the best way to prevent this.
Important Advice for Proper Yoga Mat Care
Cleaning is just one part of keeping your Manduka mat in top shape. Here are other tips for proper yoga mat care:
- Wipe After Every Sweaty Practice: A quick wipe down after hot yoga or a sweaty session prevents sweat from sitting on the mat and causing smells or damage.
- Dry Completely: NEVER roll up or store a wet or damp mat. This is the fastest way to grow bacteria, mold, and make it smell terrible. Always hang or lay it flat until it is bone dry.
- Store Properly: Roll your mat up with the top (the side you practice on) facing outwards. This helps keep the ends from curling up. Store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or hot places like a car trunk, especially for Eko mats.
- Use a Yoga Towel: For sweaty practices, place a yoga towel (like Manduka’s eQua or Yogitoes towels) on top of your mat. This absorbs most of the sweat, keeping your mat much cleaner and extending the time between deep cleans.
- Avoid Lotions and Oils: Try not to use heavy lotions or oils on your hands and feet right before practice. These can transfer to your mat and make it slippery and hard to clean.
- Trim Your Nails: Long or sharp fingernails and toenails can scratch or nick the surface of your mat over time.
- Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals: Stick to cleaners designed for yoga mats or simple, gentle homemade solutions. Harsh chemicals will ruin the mat material.
Comparing Cleaning Methods
Here is a quick look at different cleaning options for your Manduka mat:
| Cleaning Method | Works Best For | Pros | Cons | Disinfecting Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manduka Mat Cleaner | All Manduka Mats | Designed for the mats, easy to use, safe. | Can be more expensive than homemade. | Varies by product (Botanical has power). |
| Homemade Vinegar Solution (1:4) | PRO Mats | Cheap, natural, kills germs & smells. | Can be too strong for Eko, smells like vinegar briefly. | Moderate. |
| Homemade Vinegar Solution (1:10+) | Eko Mats (use gently) | Gentle, natural, helps with smells. | Might not kill all germs as well as stronger mix. | Low to Moderate. |
| Mild Soap & Water | Eko Mats | Gentle, good for removing dirt/oils. | Can leave residue if not rinsed well. | Low. |
| Baking Soda (dry) | All Mats | Absorbs smells, gentle. | Doesn’t clean surface dirt, needs brushing off. | None. |
| Manduka Botanical Cleaner | All Manduka Mats | Disinfects naturally, safe for mats. | Needs contact time, specifically bought. | High. |
| Tea Tree Oil (added) | All Mats (in mix) | Adds scent, helps kill germs. | Too much can make mat oily/slippery. | Moderate. |
Always test a new cleaning method on a small, hidden spot first, especially on Eko mats.
Deep Cleaning Vs. Spot Cleaning
- Spot Cleaning: If you get a little dirt or a specific sweaty spot, you can just clean that small area right away using a damp cloth or a tiny bit of cleaner on the cloth. This keeps the mat looking good between fuller cleans.
- Deep Cleaning: This involves cleaning the entire surface (or both surfaces if needed) of the mat. This removes built-up sweat, oil, and dirt. It’s usually done less often than a quick wipe-down. The “Steps for a General Mat Cleaning” section above describes a deep clean.
Remember, Manduka PRO mats usually don’t need much deep cleaning below the surface because they are closed-cell. Cleaning Manduka PRO mat mostly means cleaning the top layer. Manduka Eko mats, being open-cell, might hold onto things more, making regular surface cleaning extra important.
Addressing Specific Issues
- Removing Stains: For tough stains, try making a paste of baking soda and water. Gently rub it on the stain with a soft cloth. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then gently wipe it off with a damp cloth and dry the area well. Test this first on a small spot.
- Sticky Feeling: A new PRO mat can feel a bit sticky or slippery at first. This is normal. It “breaks in” over time with use and cleaning. Some people use a sea salt scrub method for new PRO mats, but Manduka doesn’t always recommend it anymore as it can be harsh. Regular cleaning and use usually do the job. If your mat feels sticky from dirt or cleaner residue, clean it more thoroughly and make sure you rinse off all cleaner.
The Importance of Drying Correctly
We talked about drying a lot, but it is so important it needs its own focus. Improper drying is the number one reason mats get damaged or start to smell.
- Hang It Up: The best way to dry is to hang your mat so air can flow freely around it. Use a shower rod, a towel rack, or drape it over something sturdy.
- Lay Flat: If you can’t hang it, lay it flat in a clean, dry area. Flip it over after a while to make sure both sides dry.
- Avoid Rolling Wet: Do not roll up a damp mat! Even if it feels just a little damp, wait until it’s fully dry.
- Keep Away from Sun/Heat: Direct sunlight and high heat (like from a heater or car) can damage your mat, especially rubber Eko mats.
Taking the time to dry your mat properly after cleaning or a sweaty practice is a key part of proper yoga mat care.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Cleaners
Both homemade and store-bought cleaners can be good options.
Homemade Cleaners (like vinegar/water):
* Pros: Cheap, natural, you know what’s in them, good for basic cleaning and smells.
* Cons: Might not disinfect as strongly as special cleaners, mixing errors can damage the mat, vinegar smell can be strong at first.
Store-Bought Manduka Mat Cleaner:
* Pros: Made specifically for Manduka mats, safe for the material, often have pleasant scents, some are designed for disinfecting.
* Cons: More expensive, might contain ingredients you prefer to avoid (though Manduka’s tend to be natural), you have to buy them.
Choosing depends on your budget, how often you practice, and your feelings about natural products versus convenience. Many people use a homemade cleaner for daily wipes and a Manduka cleaner for deeper cleaning or when they want to disinfect.
Extending Your Mat’s Life Beyond Cleaning
Proper care goes beyond just cleaning.
- Use a Mat Bag: Carrying your mat in a bag protects it from dirt and damage during transport.
- Handle with Care: Avoid dragging your mat on rough surfaces.
- Mind the Environment: When practicing outside, place your mat on a clean surface or a towel/blanket first to protect it from the ground.
- Rotate Use (if you have multiple mats): Giving your mat a break can also help it last longer.
By following these steps for cleaning and care, your Manduka mat should provide you with many years of comfortable and hygienic practice. Proper yoga mat care is an investment in your practice and your health.
FAQ: Common Questions About Cleaning Manduka Mats
Here are answers to some questions people often ask.
Q: Can I use alcohol wipes to clean my mat?
A: No, do not use alcohol wipes, especially on Eko mats. Alcohol can dry out and damage the rubber material over time. It can also break down the surface of PRO mats. Stick to recommended cleaners.
Q: My new Manduka PRO mat is slippery. Will cleaning fix this?
A: A new PRO mat often needs a “break-in” period. Cleaning helps, but it’s mainly use that makes it grippier. The surface needs to interact with skin and maybe rub off a tiny layer from manufacturing. Keep using and cleaning it regularly.
Q: How do I clean the bottom of my mat?
A: You don’t need to clean the bottom as often as the top. If it gets dirty from the floor, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap or your cleaning solution. Make sure it dries completely before rolling it up.
Q: Can I use essential oils other than tea tree or lavender?
A: Yes, you can use others like eucalyptus, peppermint, or citrus oils. Be careful with citrus oils as they can sometimes affect materials. Always use pure essential oils and only a few drops. Too much oil can make the mat slippery or even damage it.
Q: My mat still smells after cleaning. What else can I do?
A: Make sure it is fully drying after every use, not just after cleaning. Try the baking soda method mentioned earlier. If the smell is deep-set in an open-cell mat like Eko, it can be very hard to remove completely. Regular, frequent cleaning is the best prevention.
Q: Is it okay to leave my mat rolled up all the time?
A: It’s best to unroll your mat when you can, especially to let it air out after practice. Storing it rolled up is fine once it is fully dry. Try to store it rolled loosely, not too tight.
By following this guide, you can ensure your Manduka mat stays clean, fresh, and lasts for many years of yoga practice. Happy cleaning!