Your Guide: Can You Wash Yoga Mats In The Washing Machine?

Can you wash a yoga mat in the washing machine? For most yoga mats, the simple answer is no. Putting a yoga mat in the washing machine can harm the mat and even your washing machine. While a few very specific mat types might be labeled machine washable, it’s best to clean most mats by hand or with simple wiping methods. This guide will help you understand the best ways to clean your yoga mat to keep it fresh and lasting a long time.

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Reasons to Avoid Machine Washing Most Mats

Putting a standard yoga mat in a washing machine is often a bad idea. Yoga mats are not made to go through the harsh cycles of a washing machine. They can soak up too much water. This extra weight can make the machine shake badly. The spinning and tumbling can also damage the mat itself.

Risks of Washing Yoga Mat in Machine

There are several things that can go wrong when you try to wash a yoga mat in a washing machine. Knowing these risks helps you see why other cleaning methods are better.

• Mat Damage: The biggest risk is that the mat will get ruined.
  • Stretching or Tearing: The force of the machine can pull and stretch the mat out of shape. It can even cause rips or tears, especially in thinner mats.
  • Losing Grip: The texture that gives your mat its grip can be worn away by the machine’s action. This makes your mat slippery and unsafe.
  • Material Breakdown: Hot water and strong detergents can break down the materials your mat is made of. This is especially true for mats made from natural rubber or TPE.
  • Shrinking: Some mat materials might shrink in hot water, making your mat smaller.
• Machine Damage: Your washing machine can also suffer.
  • Weight and Balance: A wet yoga mat gets very heavy. This extra weight, especially when spinning fast, can cause the machine to become unbalanced. This can lead to loud banging, shaking, and even damage the machine’s parts.
  • Drain Blockage: Bits of the mat or dirt from the mat can come off during washing. These bits can clog the machine’s drain pump or hoses.
  • Soap Scum: Mats can absorb a lot of soap. If not rinsed well (which is hard in a machine), soap scum can build up in your machine.

Because of these risks, most mat makers tell you not to put their mats in the washing machine. It’s much safer to use methods designed for delicate materials like yoga mats.

Identifying Machine Washable Yoga Mat Types

Are there any yoga mats you can wash in a machine? Yes, but they are rare and made for this specific purpose.

These mats are usually thin and made of fabric or a mix of fabric and a thin rubber or TPE layer. They are designed to be flexible and hold up to the forces of a washing machine cycle.

How to know if your mat is machine washable:

• Check the Label: Look for a care tag on the mat itself. This tag should clearly say “machine washable.”
• Read the Packaging/Website: If you still have the mat’s packaging or can find its details online, check the product description and cleaning instructions. It will state if machine washing is okay.
• Material: Fabric-based mats (like some travel mats or yoga towels with a mat-like grip) are more likely to be machine washable than thick foam or rubber mats.

If your mat does not specifically say “machine washable,” assume it is not. Trying to wash a regular mat in a machine is a gamble that will likely end with a damaged mat.

The Recommended Way: Washing Yoga Mat By Hand

For most yoga mats, the best and safest way to clean them is by hand. This lets you control the amount of water, the type of cleaner, and how gently you treat the mat. Washing yoga mat by hand helps keep its shape, grip, and lifespan.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Cleaning Your Mat

Hand washing is simple and does not take long. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Gather Your Supplies:
   • A bathtub or a large sink.
   • Cool or lukewarm water (never hot).
   • A small amount of mild soap. Use dish soap, a gentle laundry detergent, or a special yoga mat cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or soaps with added moisturizers or oils, as these can make the mat slippery.
   • A soft sponge or cloth.
2. Fill the Tub or Sink: Fill the tub or sink with just enough water to cover the mat. Use cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can harm many mat materials.
3. Add Soap: Add only a few drops of your mild soap to the water. Swish it around a little. You don’t need lots of bubbles. Too much soap is hard to rinse out.
4. Submerge the Mat: Place your yoga mat in the soapy water. Push it down gently until it is fully wet. Let it soak for just a few minutes (5-10 minutes is usually enough). Don’t leave it soaking for a long time, especially if it’s a rubber mat.
5. Clean the Surface: Use your soft sponge or cloth to gently wipe down both sides of the mat. Pay extra attention to any dirty spots or areas where your hands and feet go most often. Rub gently in circles or straight lines. Don’t scrub hard, as this can damage the surface.
6. Rinse Thoroughly: This is a very important step.
   • Drain the soapy water from the tub or sink.
   • Rinse the mat with clean, cool water. You can hold it under a showerhead or refill the tub with clean water.
   • Make sure all the soap is gone. Soap left on the mat will make it slippery when you use it. Keep rinsing until no bubbles appear and the water runs clear. This might take several rinses.
7. Remove Excess Water: Do not wring or twist your mat like a towel. This can stretch and ruin it. Instead, gently squeeze the water out. You can lay the mat flat and roll it up tightly (starting from one end) to push water out. As you roll, you can press down gently. Unroll it and repeat if needed. For fabric mats, you might be able to press water out between two towels.
8. Dry the Mat: See the “Drying Yoga Mat After Washing” section below for the best ways to dry your mat safely. Proper drying prevents mold and keeps your mat smelling fresh.

Washing your yoga mat by hand is the method most recommended by mat makers and yoga teachers. It is gentle, effective, and keeps your mat in good shape for your practice.

Cleaning Different Types of Yoga Mats

Not all yoga mats are the same. The best way to clean them by hand might change slightly depending on what they are made of. Knowing your mat’s material helps you clean it safely.

Here are some common types of yoga mats and how to care for them:

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Mats

• Feel: These are often sticky, durable, and have a plastic-like feel. Many basic or cheaper mats are made of PVC.
• Cleaning: PVC is quite tough. You can follow the basic hand washing steps. PVC can handle a bit more scrubbing than other types, but still be gentle. They don’t soak up water as much as foam mats.
• What to Avoid: Very hot water and harsh chemicals can still damage PVC over time.

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) Mats

• Feel: TPE mats are usually lighter and softer than PVC. They often feel more foamy or rubbery. They are often seen as more eco-friendly than PVC.
• Cleaning: TPE is more delicate than PVC. Use cool or lukewarm water only. Use a very mild soap. Do not soak for a long time (just a few minutes). Be very gentle when wiping. Do not scrub hard.
• What to Avoid: Hot water, strong soaps, and hard scrubbing can easily damage TPE, making it lose its shape or texture.

Natural Rubber Mats

• Feel: These mats offer excellent grip. They are often heavy and have a distinct rubber smell, especially when new. They are popular for being eco-friendly.
• Cleaning: Natural rubber is sensitive. Use cool water only. Use a very mild, soap-free cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for rubber mats. Do not use soap with oils or moisturizers. Do not soak the mat at all if possible; just wipe it down quickly. Rubber can break down if exposed to too much water or certain chemicals.
• What to Avoid: Hot water, harsh chemicals, strong soaps, and too much sunlight can damage rubber. Do not soak these mats. Wiping is often better than full submersion.

PU (Polyurethane) Mats

• Feel: These mats often have a smooth, slightly absorbent top layer (PU) bonded to a rubber or TPE base. They offer very good dry grip.
• Cleaning: The PU layer is absorbent and can stain. Wipe these mats down right after each use. For a deeper clean, use a special PU mat cleaner or a very mild solution (like watered-down gentle soap). Wipe gently with a soft cloth. Do not scrub. PU can be sensitive to moisture and can show water marks if not dried properly.
• What to Avoid: Do not soak PU mats. Avoid oily cleaners or soaps, which can ruin the grip. Avoid harsh chemicals or alcohol. Wipe spills quickly.

Cotton or Jute Mats

• Feel: These are often thinner and have a woven, fabric-like texture. They are sometimes used on top of other mats or for specific types of yoga.
• Cleaning: Some cotton or jute mats might be machine washable (check the label!). If not, they can be hand washed similar to a fabric item. Use cool water and a mild detergent. Rinse very well.
• What to Avoid: Hot water can cause shrinking. Strong soaps might damage the fibers. Make sure to dry completely to prevent mold in the fabric.

Knowing your mat’s material helps you choose the right cleaning method and products to keep it clean and in good condition.

Alternative Ways to Clean Yoga Mat Without Washing Machine

You don’t always need a full hand wash to keep your mat clean. Regular, lighter cleaning methods are great for keeping your mat fresh between deeper cleans. Cleaning yoga mat without washing machine is easy and fast.

Wiping Down After Each Use

The simplest way to keep your mat clean is to wipe it down every time you finish your practice.

• Make a Simple Spray: Mix water with a little bit of white vinegar or a few drops of mild soap in a spray bottle. A common mix is about 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water. You can add a drop or two of essential oil (like tea tree or lavender, which have natural cleaning properties), but use very little as oils can affect grip on some mats.
• Spray and Wipe: Lightly spray the mat’s surface. Use a clean cloth (like a microfiber cloth) to wipe away sweat, dirt, and oils. Wipe both sides if needed.
• Let it Dry: Make sure the mat is completely dry before rolling it up. You can hang it or lay it flat for a few minutes.

This quick wipe-down stops dirt and sweat from building up. It also helps keep bacteria from growing, which is a main cause of bad smells.

Using Store-Bought Cleaners

Many companies make special cleaning sprays for yoga mats. These are often designed for specific mat materials.

• Read the bottle to make sure the cleaner is safe for your mat type.
• Spray the cleaner onto the mat.
• Wipe with a clean cloth.
• Let it dry completely before rolling up.

These cleaners are convenient but check the ingredients. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Best Way to Clean Stinky Yoga Mat

A stinky yoga mat is unpleasant. Smells are usually caused by bacteria and sweat building up in the mat’s material. Regular cleaning stops smells from starting, but if your mat already smells bad, you need a deeper clean. The best way to clean stinky yoga mat involves thorough cleaning and proper drying.

1. Hand Wash is Key: A full hand wash (as described above) is the most effective way to remove the source of the smell. Submerging it in water (for appropriate mat types) and using a mild soap helps lift out the bacteria and sweat causing the odor.
2. Add Vinegar to Water: White vinegar is great at killing bacteria and removing odors. Add about 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the water when you hand wash your mat. This can help tackle tough smells. Make sure to rinse extra well afterwards so your mat doesn’t smell like vinegar.
3. Use Baking Soda (Carefully): For rubber or PVC mats, you can make a paste of baking soda and water. Gently rub this paste onto the stinky areas (do a small test spot first). Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse very thoroughly. Baking soda absorbs odors. Use this method with caution on delicate materials like TPE or PU.
4. Focus on Rinsing: Make sure you rinse all soap and cleaning solution out of the mat. Any residue can trap new dirt and encourage bacteria growth, leading to smells coming back quickly.
5. Crucial: Proper Drying: This is maybe the most important step for a stinky mat. If you don’t dry it completely, moisture stays trapped inside. This is the perfect home for mold and mildew, which smell awful. See the drying section below.

If your mat is still stinky after cleaning and drying, it might be time for a new one. Sometimes smells get too deep into the material to remove.

Drying Yoga Mat After Washing

Drying your yoga mat correctly after washing is just as important as the washing itself. Improper drying can lead to mold, mildew, and lasting bad smells. It can also damage the mat’s material.

Never put your yoga mat in a dryer. The heat will definitely damage it.

The best way to dry a yoga mat is by air drying.

1. Remove as Much Water as Possible First: After rinsing, squeeze or roll the mat gently to get rid of the extra water (as described in the hand washing steps). The less water left, the faster and safer the drying process.
2. Hang the Mat Up: The ideal way to air dry is to hang the mat up.
   • You can hang it over a shower curtain rod.
   • Hang it over a clothesline outside.
   • Hang it over the back of a sturdy chair (but make sure it’s not touching the floor or furniture).
   • Use large clips or hangers designed for heavy items if needed.
   • Make sure air can flow freely around both sides of the mat.
3. Choose a Good Drying Spot:
   • A place with good air circulation is best.
   • Avoid humid rooms (like a small bathroom right after a shower).
   • Avoid direct sunlight, especially for rubber or TPE mats, as sun can make them break down or fade. A shady spot outside or an airy room inside is perfect.
4. Be Patient: Yoga mats take time to dry completely. It can take 12 to 24 hours, depending on the mat thickness and the air conditions.
5. Check for Dampness: Before you roll up your mat, feel it all over. Make sure it is totally dry, especially in the middle if you folded it at all. Even a little dampness can cause problems.

Do not roll up or store your mat until it is bone dry. Rolling up a damp mat is the fastest way to create mold and mildew.

Yoga Mat Care Tips for Longevity

Taking care of your yoga mat regularly helps it last longer and stay clean and fresh between deeper washes. Here are some simple yoga mat care tips:

• Wipe After Every Practice: This is the most important tip. Use a simple water/vinegar spray or a mat wipe to clean off sweat and dirt right after you finish. This stops buildup and prevents smells.
• Let it Air Out: If you sweat a lot during practice, don’t roll up your mat right away. Let it air out for a few minutes to dry naturally before wiping it down and rolling it.
• Wash Only When Needed: Don’t over-clean your mat. Washing, even by hand, can cause wear and tear over time. Only do a full hand wash when it’s visibly dirty or starting to smell, not after every single use. Regular wiping is enough for daily care.
• Use the Right Cleaner: Use mild soap or a cleaner made for your mat’s specific material. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or oily cleaners.
• Store Properly: Store your mat rolled up, not folded, unless it’s a specific folding travel mat. Folding can cause creases and damage the material. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Some mats (especially rubber) can get damaged by too much heat or sun.
• Use a Yoga Towel: If you sweat a lot, consider using a yoga towel on top of your mat. The towel absorbs sweat, keeping your mat cleaner. Towels are easy to machine wash.
• Keep it Away from Pets: Pet claws or teeth can easily damage mat surfaces.

Following these simple tips helps keep your yoga mat hygienic, grippy, and durable for many practices to come.

Grasping How Often to Clean Your Mat

How often should you clean your yoga mat? There is no single answer. It depends on:

• How Often You Practice: If you use your mat daily, it will need cleaning more often than if you use it once a week.
• How Much You Sweat: Sweaty practices (like hot yoga) mean you need to clean more often. Sweat leaves salt and oils that can damage the mat and cause smells.
• Where You Practice: Practicing outside or in a dusty place means your mat gets dirty faster.
• Personal Preference: Some people like to clean their mat more often just for peace of mind.

A good rule of thumb:

• After Every Use: Quick wipe down with a spray and cloth. This is your daily maintenance.
• Every Few Uses or Weekly: If you practice often or sweat a lot, a more thorough wipe-down might be needed where you use a bit more cleaner.
• Monthly or When Needed: A full hand wash (if your mat can be submerged) when the mat looks visibly dirty, feels slippery from oils/sweat, or starts to smell.

Listen to your mat and your senses. If it looks or smells unclean, it’s time for a deeper clean.

Interpreting Common Yoga Mat Problems and Cleaning Solutions

Here’s a quick look at some common issues and how cleaning helps:

Problem	Likely Cause	How Cleaning Helps	Best Cleaning Method(s)	What to Avoid
Slippery Surface	Sweat, oils, soap residue, worn grip	Removes oils, sweat, soap; Restores natural grip (if not too worn)	Wipe down, Hand wash with thorough rinsing	Oily cleaners, machine washing (damages grip)
Bad Smell	Bacteria, sweat, mold/mildew	Kills bacteria, removes sweat/dirt, prevents mold with proper drying	Hand wash with vinegar, Thorough rinsing, Proper drying	Rolling up wet mat, not cleaning regularly
Visible Dirt/Stains	Dust, foot/hand marks	Lifts and removes dirt particles	Wipe down, Hand wash with gentle scrubbing	Harsh chemicals, hard scrubbing (damages surface)
Sticky/Gummy Feel	Mat material breaking down, residue	Can sometimes remove residue; May signal mat needs replacing if material breakdown	Gentle hand wash with very little mild soap	Harsh soaps, hot water, machine washing
Water Marks	Moisture absorption, improper drying	Cannot always remove marks; Proper drying prevents them	Avoid soaking delicate mats, Always air dry fully	Rolling up damp, not drying fully

Knowing the problem helps you choose the right cleaning action. Often, a simple wipe is enough, but sometimes a full hand wash is needed.

Fathoming Why Machine Washing Isn’t Recommended

Let’s look back at why washing a yoga mat in a machine is usually a bad idea. It boils down to how mats are made and what washing machines do.

Yoga mats are built for grip and cushioning. Their materials (like PVC, rubber, TPE) are designed to be stable and grippy when used on the floor. They are not like clothes or towels that can handle being tumbled, stretched, and soaked heavily.

A washing machine uses strong mechanical action (tumbling, spinning) and often hot water and strong detergents. This powerful action:

• Pushes too much water too deep into the mat’s material.
• Pulls and stretches the mat forcefully during spinning.
• Uses heat (if hot water is selected) that can melt or deform certain plastics and rubbers.
• Leaves detergent residue that is hard to rinse out of dense mat material.

Think of it like washing a delicate sponge or a piece of foam in a washing machine. It would likely get damaged, hold too much water, and take forever to dry. A yoga mat is similar in its reaction to this harsh treatment.

Hand washing or wiping gives you control. You can use gentle motions, the right temperature water, less soap, and make sure it is rinsed properly. This gentle approach respects the mat’s materials and helps it keep its grip, shape, and function.

Unless a mat is clearly labeled “machine washable” (which means it was specifically designed and tested for it), keep it out of the machine. The risks of damage to the mat and your washer are just too high.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions people ask about cleaning yoga mats.

Q: Can I use any soap to wash my yoga mat?
A: No. Use only mild soaps like a small amount of dish soap, gentle laundry detergent, or a cleaner made for yoga mats. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, and soaps with moisturizers or oils. Oils can make the mat slippery.

Q: How often should I do a deep clean (hand wash) of my mat?
A: A full hand wash is usually only needed when the mat looks dirty, feels slippery from sweat/oils, or starts to smell. For most people who practice a few times a week, this might be once a month or every few months. Do a quick wipe-down after every use for daily cleaning.

Q: My mat is very stinky. Can I use bleach?
A: Never use bleach on a yoga mat. Bleach is a very strong chemical that will damage the mat’s material, ruin the color, and can make it unsafe to use. Use vinegar or a cleaner made for odors instead, along with a thorough hand wash and proper drying.

Q: How long does a yoga mat take to dry after washing?
A: It depends on the mat’s thickness, material, and the drying conditions (air flow, humidity). It can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours to dry completely when air-dried properly. Always check to make sure it’s fully dry before rolling it up.

Q: Can I use a vacuum cleaner on my mat?
A: A quick, light vacuum with a brush attachment can help remove dust and surface dirt from some mats (like fabric or jute), but be gentle. It’s not a replacement for washing or wiping away sweat and oils. Avoid vacuums with strong suction that could pull at the mat’s material.

Q: Should I roll my mat clean side in or out?
A: Most people roll their mat with the top/practice surface facing outwards. This helps keep the edges from curling up. It also means the surface you use for practice is not touching the dirty floor side when rolled. Clean the top surface before rolling.

Q: My mat is still slippery after cleaning. Why?
A: This could be because soap residue was left on the mat (rinse more thoroughly next time) or because the mat’s surface is worn out from use. If it’s worn out, cleaning won’t restore the grip, and it might be time for a new mat. Oily residue from skin or cleaning products can also cause slipperiness.

In Summary

Trying to wash your yoga mat in a washing machine is generally not a good idea. It risks damaging your mat’s grip and shape, and could even harm your washing machine. Unless your mat specifically says it is machine washable, stick to safer cleaning methods.

The best way to clean your yoga mat is usually by hand washing it gently with mild soap and cool water, followed by a very thorough rinse and complete air drying. For daily cleaning, a simple spray and wipe after each use is effective. Knowing your mat’s material helps you choose the best products and methods.

By using the right cleaning techniques and taking good care of your mat, you can keep it clean, fresh, and ready for your practice for a long time. Avoid the washing machine drama and keep your mat happy with simple, gentle care.