Making your own safe yoga mat cleaner is easy! You can mix simple, natural things from home like water, white vinegar, and a few drops of safe essential oils. This helps clean dirt, sweat, and germs from your mat. It also helps make it smell nice. It is a good way to keep your mat fresh for your next practice.
Keeping your yoga mat clean is really important. After each yoga session, sweat and dirt build up on the mat. This can make the mat a place where germs grow. A dirty mat can also start to smell bad. Cleaning your mat regularly keeps it fresh, makes it last longer, and helps you stay healthy.
Many store-bought cleaners have strong chemicals. Some people do not want these chemicals near their skin or breathing them in. Making your own cleaner lets you pick safe, natural things. It is often cheaper, too. Plus, you can make a cleaner that smells exactly how you like it using your favorite essential oils.
This guide will show you how to make easy, safe cleaners. We will talk about what things to use, how to mix them, and how to clean different kinds of mats. You will learn how to make a homemade yoga mat cleaner recipe that works well for you.
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Grasping the Need for a Clean Mat
Why is cleaning your yoga mat so important? Think about where you put your hands and face during yoga. They touch the mat a lot.
Sweating on Your Mat
Yoga often makes you sweat. Sweat has salt and other things in it. This sweat goes onto your mat. Over time, the sweat builds up.
Dirt and Germs
Your mat touches the floor. Floors have dirt and germs. When you roll your mat, the outside touches the inside. So, dirt from the floor can get onto the part you use. Also, germs can grow in the warm, wet sweat on your mat.
Bad Smells
When sweat and germs stay on the mat, they can cause bad smells. No one wants a smelly mat. A clean mat smells fresh and makes your yoga time better. Removing yoga mat smell is a big reason to clean it often.
Making Your Mat Last
Dirt and sweat can break down the stuff your mat is made of. Cleaning your mat gently helps keep it in good shape. This means your mat will last longer. You will not need to buy a new one so soon.
Feeling Good While You Practice
A clean mat just feels better. It looks clean, smells clean, and you know it is fresh. This helps you focus on your yoga, not worry about what is on your mat.
Figuring Out Why DIY is Smart
Making your own DIY natural mat cleaner is a smart choice for many reasons.
Safe and Natural Things
When you make your own cleaner, you know exactly what goes into it. You can use simple, natural things you might already have. This means no harsh chemicals that could hurt your skin or lungs. It is a gentle way to clean your mat.
Save Money
Buying special yoga mat cleaners can cost a lot. The things you need to make your own are often very cheap. You can make a lot of cleaner for just a little money.
Make It Your Way
You can change the recipe to what you like. Want a certain smell? Add your favorite safe essential oils. Have a mat made of a certain material? You can pick things that work best for it. This lets you make the best way to clean yoga mat for your mat.
Good for the Earth
Using natural things and making your own cleaner can be better for the planet. You use fewer plastic bottles that store-bought cleaners come in.
Learning About Safe DIY Ingredients
What simple, safe things can you use to make a cleaner? Here are some common and good choices. These are the main yoga mat cleaning solution ingredients you will need.
Water
Plain water is the base of most cleaners. It helps spread the cleaning parts. Use clean, fresh water. Distilled water is best if you have very hard water from your tap, but tap water is usually fine.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is amazing for cleaning. It helps cut through dirt and sweat. It also helps kill some germs and gets rid of bad smells. It is natural and safe. Do not worry, the vinegar smell goes away as the mat dries.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel yoga mat cleaner is another great option. Witch hazel is a natural liquid made from a plant. Like vinegar, it helps clean and can kill some germs. It is less strong than vinegar and does not have a strong smell. This is a good choice if you do not like the smell of vinegar.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can add a nice smell to your cleaner. Some oils, like tea tree and lavender, are also said to help kill germs. It is very important to use only a few drops. Too much can hurt your mat or your skin. Use only pure essential oils and make sure they are safe to use. Some good choices are lavender, tea tree, lemon (use little, as it can lighten some mats), peppermint, or eucalyptus.
Gentle Soap
A tiny drop of mild dish soap can help clean really dirty mats. Use only a very small amount. Too much soap will leave a slippery film on your mat. Make sure the soap does not have strong chemicals or dyes. A natural, unscented soap is best.
Let’s look closer at some of these key players.
Why Use Vinegar?
Vinegar is made from things like apples or grapes that have gone through a natural change. White vinegar is often made from grain. It has something called acetic acid. This acid helps break down the things that make your mat dirty and smelly. It is a great natural yoga mat cleaner.
- Cuts through dirt: It helps lift sweat, body oils, and dirt.
- Fights smells: It takes away the bad smells instead of just covering them up.
- Germ fighter: It can help reduce some types of bacteria and mold.
You will mix vinegar with water. Never use straight, full-strength vinegar on your mat. This is too strong and can hurt some mat materials.
Why Use Witch Hazel?
Witch hazel is made by steaming the twigs and bark of the witch hazel plant. It is often sold as a clear liquid.
- Gentle cleaner: It cleans dirt and oil without being harsh.
- Less smell: It does not have the strong smell that vinegar does.
- Skin-friendly: It is often used in skin products, so it is usually very gentle.
- Helps with germs: It can help kill some germs, though maybe not as strongly as vinegar or alcohol.
Witch hazel is a great base for a cleaner, especially when mixed with water and essential oils.
How to Use Essential Oils Safely
Essential oils are very strong liquids taken from plants. A tiny bit goes a long way.
- Use only a few drops: For a bottle of cleaner (like a 16-ounce spray bottle), use only 10-20 drops total.
- Mix well: Since oil and water do not mix, you might need something to help them combine a little. Witch hazel or a tiny bit of mild soap can help essential oils spread in water. Or, you can just shake the bottle well before each use.
- Pick safe oils: Some oils can be too strong for your skin or pet. Do a quick check online if you are not sure about an oil.
- Avoid certain oils on rubber: Citrus oils (lemon, orange) can sometimes hurt rubber over time or cause colors to fade. Use with caution on cleaning rubber yoga mats. Tea tree and lavender are often safer choices.
- Test first: Always test your cleaner on a small, hidden part of your mat first to make sure it does not cause any problems.
Simple Recipes for Safe DIY Cleaners
Here are a few easy homemade yoga mat cleaner recipe options. You can choose the one you like best.
Recipe 1: The Simple Vinegar Mix (Our basic homemade yoga mat cleaner recipe)
This is the most basic and very effective cleaner. It is great for removing yoga mat smell.
- What you need:
- Empty spray bottle (about 16 ounces)
- White vinegar
- Water
- Optional: 10-15 drops of safe essential oil (like tea tree or lavender)
- How to mix:
- Pour 1/4 cup of white vinegar into the spray bottle.
- Fill the rest of the bottle with water (about 3/4 cup).
- If using essential oil, add 10-15 drops.
- Put the spray top on tightly.
- Shake well to mix.
- How to use: See the cleaning steps below.
Recipe 2: The Witch Hazel Mix (Witch hazel yoga mat cleaner)
This recipe is milder than the vinegar one and has less smell. It makes a great DIY natural mat cleaner.
- What you need:
- Empty spray bottle (about 16 ounces)
- Witch hazel (alcohol-free is good)
- Water
- Optional: 10-20 drops of safe essential oil
- How to mix:
- Pour 1/4 cup of witch hazel into the spray bottle.
- Fill the rest of the bottle with water (about 3/4 cup).
- If using essential oil, add 10-20 drops.
- Put the spray top on tightly.
- Shake well to mix.
- How to use: See the cleaning steps below.
Recipe 3: Vinegar and Essential Oil Boost (Vinegar essential oil yoga mat spray)
This recipe is similar to the first one but makes sure the oil mixes a bit better and adds fragrance.
- What you need:
- Empty spray bottle (about 16 ounces)
- White vinegar
- Water
- 1/4 teaspoon (just a tiny bit) of mild, natural liquid soap (like castile soap)
- 15-20 drops of safe essential oil
- How to mix:
- Add the essential oil to the empty spray bottle.
- Add the tiny bit of liquid soap. This helps the oil mix with water.
- Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar.
- Fill the rest of the bottle with water.
- Put the spray top on tightly.
- Shake well before each use.
- How to use: See the cleaning steps below. Be careful not to use too much soap or your mat will be slippery. Test it.
Here is a table to help you see the different options:
| Cleaner Type | Key Ingredients | Smell | Strength for Germs? | Good For… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Vinegar Mix | Vinegar, Water, (Oil) | Vinegar | Good | General cleaning, smells |
| Witch Hazel Mix | Witch Hazel, Water, (Oil) | Little | Gentle | Gentle cleaning, sensitive mats |
| Vinegar & Essential Oil Boost | Vinegar, Water, Soap, Oil | Pleasant | Good | Adds nice smell, cuts grease |
Remember, these are just starting points. You can change the amount of water slightly, but keep the vinegar or witch hazel to about 1/4 of the mix. Do not use more than half vinegar, as it can be too strong.
Cleaning Different Kinds of Mats
Yoga mats are made from different materials. What works for one might not be best for another. Knowing your mat material helps you pick the best way to clean yoga mat.
Cleaning Rubber Yoga Mats
Natural rubber mats are popular because they offer good grip and are often made from earth-friendly materials. However, they need gentle care.
- What to use: A mild natural yoga mat cleaner is best. The Simple Vinegar Mix or Witch Hazel Mix (Recipes 1 or 2) are good choices. Use less essential oil, especially avoiding citrus oils like lemon or orange, as they can damage rubber over time. Tea tree or lavender are safer.
- How to clean:
- Spray your cleaner directly onto a soft cloth.
- Wipe down the mat.
- Do not spray too much liquid directly on the mat. Rubber can soak up liquid and take a long time to dry. Too much wetness can also break down the rubber.
- Wipe with a second damp cloth (just water) if needed to remove any cleaner left.
- Dry the mat fully. Rubber mats should never be put in a dryer or left in strong sun. Lay flat or hang to air dry.
Cleaning PVC or TPE Mats
Most common, cheaper mats are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). These are more durable and less likely to be hurt by different cleaners.
- What to use: All the recipes (1, 2, or 3) work well for these mats. You can use a little more cleaner if needed.
- How to clean:
- Spray the cleaner directly onto the mat.
- Wipe down with a soft cloth.
- For tough spots, you can use a tiny bit more cleaner or a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) very gently.
- Wipe with a clean, damp cloth (just water) to rinse.
- Dry the mat fully by laying flat or hanging.
Cleaning Mats Made of Natural Fibers (like jute or cotton)
These mats soak up liquids easily. Too much water or cleaner can damage them or make them hard to dry, leading to mold.
- What to use: Use the Witch Hazel Mix (Recipe 2) or a very, very weak vinegar solution (more water than in Recipe 1). Avoid soap if you can. Use essential oils with caution.
- How to clean:
- Do not spray the cleaner directly on the mat.
- Spray the cleaner onto a cloth until it is damp, not wet.
- Wipe down the mat gently.
- Use a second cloth, just slightly damp with water, to wipe again.
- The most important step is drying. Make sure these mats dry completely and quickly. Hang them up right away in a place with good air flow.
Knowing your mat material helps you clean it the right way to keep it safe and lasting long.
Putting It All Together: Step-by-Step Cleaning
Now that you have your cleaner ready, here is the best way to clean yoga mat using your DIY spray.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You will need:
* Your DIY yoga mat cleaner spray
* A soft cloth (like microfiber or a soft cotton rag)
* Maybe a second damp cloth for rinsing
Step 2: Lay Your Mat Flat
Unroll your yoga mat and lay it flat on a clean surface. This could be the floor or a table. Make sure you have room to work.
Step 3: Spray (Carefully!)
- For PVC/TPE mats: Spray a light mist of your cleaner over the surface of the mat. Do not soak it.
- For rubber or natural fiber mats: Spray your cleaner onto your cloth first until it is damp, not dripping wet.
Step 4: Wipe Down the Mat
Use your damp cloth (either sprayed directly or sprayed first) to gently wipe the entire surface of your mat. Rub a little more on spots that look dirty or feel sticky. Clean both sides of the mat. Pay extra attention to where your hands and feet usually go.
Step 5: Rinse (Optional but Recommended)
If you used the soap recipe or want to make sure no cleaner is left, get a second cloth slightly damp with clean water. Wipe the mat again to “rinse” off any cleaner left behind. This is extra important if you used soap, to prevent a slippery mat.
Step 6: Wipe Dry (Initial Drying)
Use a dry part of your cloth or a separate dry cloth to wipe the mat again. This removes as much wetness as possible. This step helps the mat dry faster and stops germs from growing in wet places.
Step 7: Air Dry Fully
This is a super important step for how to disinfect yoga mat (using natural means) and preventing smells. Your mat must dry completely before you roll it up or store it.
- Hang your mat over a shower rod, a drying rack, or the back of a chair.
- Make sure air can get to both sides.
- Do not lay it flat on the floor to dry, as this traps wetness.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight, especially rubber mats, as the sun can damage them.
- Make sure it is bone dry before rolling it up. This might take several hours, depending on how wet it got and how much air is moving. Rolling up a wet mat is the fastest way to get bad smells back and encourage mold.
How Often Should You Clean Your Mat?
How often you clean depends on how much you sweat and how often you practice.
* A quick wipe after every sweaty practice is a good idea.
* A deeper clean (like the steps above) maybe once a week if you practice often.
* If you practice less or do not sweat much, maybe every few weeks.
* If you notice smells or see dirt, it is time to clean!
Addressing Specific Issues
Sometimes, you have special problems, like a really bad smell or wanting extra germ fighting.
Removing Yoga Mat Smell
Bad smells usually come from sweat and germs. The vinegar in the cleaner is excellent for removing yoga mat smell.
- Regular cleaning: Using the vinegar cleaner regularly helps stop smells before they start.
- For strong smells: Use the Simple Vinegar Mix (Recipe 1). Wipe the mat well with it. Make sure to air dry it completely. The vinegar smell goes away as it dries, taking the bad smell with it.
- Sun and air: Sometimes, letting your mat air out outside (not in strong sun for too long, especially rubber) can help. Just fresh air can do wonders.
- Baking soda (for tough smells): If a smell is really stuck, sprinkle baking soda over the dry mat. Let it sit for a few hours or even overnight. Baking soda soaks up smells. Then, brush or vacuum the baking soda off. After that, wipe it down with your cleaner and dry fully. Do not get the baking soda wet on the mat.
How to Disinfect Yoga Mat Naturally
It is hard to truly “disinfect” (kill all germs) with just natural home cleaners. Strong chemicals or very hot temperatures are needed for that. But you can greatly reduce the number of germs using natural methods. This is often enough for a yoga mat used at home.
- Vinegar: Vinegar helps kill many types of bacteria and viruses. Using the vinegar cleaner (Recipe 1 or 3) regularly is a good way to reduce germs on your mat.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree essential oil is known for its ability to fight germs, mold, and fungi. Adding it to your vinegar or witch hazel cleaner boosts its germ-fighting power. Use 10-20 drops in your spray bottle.
- Allowing to Air Dry Fully: This is crucial. Germs love wet places. Making sure your mat dries completely after cleaning and after practice helps keep germs from growing.
- Avoid Sharing: The best way to limit germs is to only use your own mat.
So, while you might not be able to say your mat is “disinfected” in a medical sense, you can keep it very clean and greatly reduce germs using your DIY natural mat cleaner with vinegar and tea tree oil, along with proper drying.
Diving Deeper into Cleaning Solution Ingredients
Let’s recap and look a bit more at the yoga mat cleaning solution ingredients.
- Water: The main part. It spreads the cleaner. Safe for all mats.
- White Vinegar: Great for cleaning, smells, and germs. Safe for most mats when mixed with water (about 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water). Use less often or more diluted on very sensitive materials if worried. Always avoid full strength.
- Witch Hazel: Gentle cleaner, less smell, helps fight germs. A good alternative to vinegar, especially for sensitive people or mats.
- Essential Oils: Add smell, some help fight germs (like tea tree). Crucially, use very little (drops only) and pick oils safe for your mat material and for you. Some can hurt rubber (citrus) or irritate skin. Always mix with something (water, witch hazel, tiny bit of soap) and shake well.
- Mild Soap (tiny amount): Helps lift stubborn dirt and mixes oil and water. Use only a very small amount of a gentle, natural soap. Too much makes the mat slippery.
Using these simple things, you can make a range of safe and effective cleaners for your mat.
Safety First!
Even though these are natural cleaners, here are a few safety tips:
- Do not mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide: This makes a dangerous chemical gas.
- Keep essential oils away from pets and kids: Some oils are not safe if eaten or put on skin without mixing. Store your cleaner bottle safely.
- Test a small area first: Before cleaning your whole mat, spray your cleaner on a small, hidden corner. Let it dry. Make sure it does not change the color or hurt the mat material. This is extra important for new mats or if you change your recipe.
- Do not soak your mat: Too much liquid, especially on rubber or natural mats, can cause damage or lead to mold.
- Ensure full drying: Never roll up a wet mat. Wetness leads to germs, mold, and bad smells.
- Use a spray bottle: This helps you control how much cleaner you use and spread it evenly. Glass bottles are good if you use essential oils, as oils can sometimes affect plastic over time. But plastic spray bottles are also fine and safer if you drop them.
Storing Your Mat
Proper storage also helps keep your mat clean and fresh between uses.
- Always roll up a completely dry mat.
- Store your mat in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or a hot car.
- If you use a mat bag, make sure the mat is dry before putting it in. Wash your mat bag sometimes too!
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Mat feels sticky after cleaning: You probably used too much soap or did not rinse well enough. Wipe the mat down with just a damp cloth (water only) and let it dry fully.
- Vinegar smell stays too long: Make sure you are only using 1 part vinegar to 3-4 parts water. Also, ensure the mat is fully dry in a place with good air flow. The smell should go away when dry. You can add a few more drops of essential oil next time (safely!) to help with the smell while it dries.
- Mat looks faded or has spots: You might have used too much cleaner, too strong a cleaner (too much vinegar or wrong essential oil), or left it in the sun. Test cleaners on a small area first in the future. Some mat materials naturally change color over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my yoga mat?
A: You can use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) mixed with water (like 1 part alcohol to 3 parts water), and it is good at killing germs. However, alcohol can be harsh. It can dry out some mat materials, especially rubber, making them crack over time. Vinegar and witch hazel are generally gentler natural yoga mat cleaner options for regular cleaning.
Q: How much essential oil is safe?
A: For a standard 16-ounce spray bottle of cleaner, about 10-20 drops total is usually enough for scent and a mild boost in cleaning power. Using too much can potentially harm your mat or irritate your skin. Less is more!
Q: Can I use any essential oil?
A: No. Some essential oils are too strong or can damage certain mat materials. Avoid citrus oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit) on rubber mats. Some oils can irritate skin (like cinnamon bark or oregano). Stick to common, gentle oils like lavender, tea tree, peppermint, or eucalyptus for your vinegar essential oil yoga mat spray. Always check if an oil is safe for cleaning and for you.
Q: How often should I wash my mat bag?
A: Your mat bag can collect sweat and dirt from your mat. Wash it as often as you wash your mat, or whenever it looks or smells dirty. This helps keep your clean mat clean.
Q: What if my mat is machine washable?
A: Some thin mats are designed to be washed in a washing machine. Always check the care tag on your mat first! If it says machine washable, follow those directions. Usually, this involves cold water and a small amount of mild soap, then hang drying. Do not put a yoga mat in the dryer unless the tag specifically says you can (most do not).
Q: My mat is very old and sticky, will cleaning fix it?
A: Sometimes, older mats, especially PVC ones, get sticky as they break down. Cleaning can help remove surface dirt, but it usually cannot fix the stickiness that comes from the material itself degrading. If your mat is very old, sticky, and possibly cracking, it might be time to get a new one for safety and hygiene.
Making your own safe and natural yoga mat cleaner is simple and effective. With just a few common ingredients, you can keep your mat fresh, clean, and ready for every practice. Enjoy your clean mat!