Easy Way: How Do You Clean A Manduka Yoga Mat Effectively

Image Source: www.manduka.com

Easy Way: How Do You Clean A Manduka Yoga Mat Effectively

Do you wonder how to clean a Manduka yoga mat? You can clean your Manduka mat easily with special cleaners or simple mixes. You should wipe it down after each time you use it. Sometimes, you need to clean it more deeply. This helps keep it clean and working well. Proper Manduka mat care is key to making it last a long time.

Why Clean Your Yoga Mat?

Cleaning your yoga mat is very important. When you do yoga, you sweat. Sweat gets on the mat. So do oils from your skin. Germs can grow on the mat too. A dirty mat is not clean to practice on. It can also smell bad. Keeping it clean is part of good yoga mat care.

Cleaning also helps your mat work better. Sweat and dirt can make the mat slippery. A clean mat helps you maintain yoga mat grip. This means your hands and feet stay put. You feel safer in poses. Cleaning helps the mat last longer too. Dirt can break down the mat material over time. A clean mat stays strong and useful.

Different Kinds of Manduka Mats

Manduka makes different kinds of mats. Each one needs care, but some things are different. Knowing your mat helps you clean it right.

PRO Series Mats

The Manduka PRO mat is thick and heavy. It lasts a very long time. It has a special surface. When new, it can feel a little slippery. This is normal. You need to “break in” this mat. Cleaning helps with this. The PRO mat is made of PVC material. It is closed-cell. This means sweat does not go inside the mat. It stays on top. This makes it easy to clean. Manduka PRO cleaning is simple because of this design.

EKO Series Mats

The EKO mats are made of natural tree rubber. They feel more earthy. These mats are open-cell. This means they can take in sweat and water. They need different care than the PRO mats. You need to be gentle with EKO mats. Too much water or harsh cleaners can hurt the rubber. Cleaning rubber yoga mat needs care to keep it nice.

GRP Series Mats

The GRP mat is made for hot yoga. It feels very grippy, even when wet. This mat also takes in sweat. It needs cleaning to stop smells. The material is different from PRO and EKO. It is a foam and rubber mix. It needs cleaning to keep the grip strong.

Daily Cleaning Steps

You should clean your mat a little bit after every time you use it. This takes away sweat and dirt right away. This simple step helps a lot.

What You Need

• A spray bottle
• Water
• A little bit of cleaner (like Manduka’s cleaner or a simple mix)
• A soft cloth

How to Clean After Practice

1. Finish your yoga.
2. Mix your cleaner and water in the spray bottle. Or use a ready-made yoga mat cleaner.
3. Lightly spray the top of your mat. Do not make it too wet, especially EKO mats.
4. Wipe the mat with the soft cloth. Go all over the mat.
5. Turn the mat over. Lightly spray the bottom.
6. Wipe the bottom with the cloth.
7. Let your mat air dry completely. Hang it up or lay it flat. Do not roll it up when it is still wet. This can trap water and cause smells or damage.

This quick clean takes only a minute. It keeps your mat fresh for the next time. This is a key part of good Manduka mat care.

Choosing Your Yoga Mat Cleaner

You have choices for what to use to clean your mat. Manduka makes its own cleaners. You can also make one yourself.

Manduka Mat Cleaners

Manduka sells special sprays for their mats.
* Manduka Mat Wash: This one is for PRO mats and other closed-cell mats. It helps clean and keep the surface nice.
* Manduka Restore: This one is for EKO mats. It is made for natural rubber. It helps clean and keeps the rubber from drying out.
* Manduka Refresh: This one is for GRP mats. It helps clean and keeps the grip good.

Using the right cleaner for your mat type is best. It is made to work with the mat material.

Making a DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner

You can also make your own cleaner at home. This is a natural yoga mat cleaner. It is easy and often cheaper.

Simple Mix Recipe

• What You Need:

  • Clean water (distilled water is best)
  • White vinegar
  • A spray bottle

• How to Mix:

  • Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in the spray bottle.
  • For example, use half a cup of water and half a cup of vinegar.

• How to Use: Use this mix the same way as the store-bought spray for daily cleaning. This mix works well for most mats, but be careful with EKO mats. Use less vinegar or mostly water for EKO mats, as vinegar can break down rubber over time if used too often or too strong.

Mix with Essential Oils

You can add a few drops of essential oil to your DIY mix. This helps remove yoga mat smell. It also makes the mat smell nice.

• Good Oils to Use:

  • Tea tree oil (helps kill germs)
  • Lavender oil (smells good, relaxing)
  • Eucalyptus oil (smells fresh)

• How to Add: Add just 1-3 drops of oil to your water and vinegar mix in the spray bottle. Too much oil can make the mat slippery.

• Be Careful: Some people might be sensitive to essential oils. Use only a little bit.

Making a DIY yoga mat cleaner is a simple and green way to keep your mat clean. It’s a great option for Manduka mat care.

Deep Cleaning Your Mat

Sometimes, your mat needs more than just a quick wipe. This is called a deep clean yoga mat. You do this when the mat feels dirty, smells bad, or you haven’t cleaned it in a while.

When to Deep Clean

• Every few months.
• If you sweat a lot during practice.
• If the mat starts to smell even after daily cleaning.
• If the grip feels off.

How to Deep Clean (for PRO Mats – PVC)

PRO mats are tough and can handle a bit more cleaning.

1. Get Your Cleaner: Use Manduka Mat Wash or your simple water and vinegar mix.
2. Spray Generously: Spray the mat more than you would for a daily clean. Make sure the surface is covered.
3. Let it Sit: Let the cleaner sit on the mat for 5-10 minutes. This gives it time to work on dirt and oils.
4. Scrub Gently: Use a soft brush or a damp cloth to gently scrub the mat surface. Focus on any dirty spots.
5. Wipe Clean: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off all the cleaner. Rinse the cloth often in clean water. Make sure you get all the cleaner off. Leftover cleaner can make the mat slippery.
6. Rinse (Optional but Good): You can lightly rinse the mat in a shower or with a hose. Do not soak the mat. Just a quick rinse to wash away any cleaner and dirt. Make sure water runs off easily. PRO mats do not soak water in.
7. Dry Thoroughly: This is very important. Lay the mat flat or hang it up. Let it air dry completely. This might take a day or two. Make sure both sides are dry before rolling it up.

This deep clean yoga mat process helps make your PRO mat feel new again. It’s key for long-term Manduka PRO cleaning.

How to Deep Clean (for EKO Mats – Natural Rubber)

EKO mats need a gentler deep clean because they are natural rubber. Remember, they can take in water.

1. Get Your Cleaner: Use Manduka Restore or a very mild DIY mix (mostly water, maybe a tiny bit of vinegar or a drop of mild soap).
2. Spray Lightly: Do NOT spray a lot of cleaner. Just a light mist over the surface.
3. Wipe Gently: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the mat. Do not scrub hard. Work in small areas.
4. Rinse Cloth Often: Rinse your cloth in clean water often. Wring it out very well. You want the cloth to be just damp, not wet.
5. Wipe Again: Use the damp cloth to wipe the mat again. This helps remove any cleaner residue.
6. Dry Flat: Lay the mat flat on the floor or hang it up. EKO mats take longer to dry because they take in water. It might take a day or two. Make sure it is totally dry before rolling it up. Rolling a wet EKO mat can damage the rubber and trap smells.

Being gentle is key when cleaning rubber yoga mat like the EKO.

How to Deep Clean (for GRP Mats – Hot Yoga)

GRP mats need cleaning often because they take in a lot of sweat.

1. Get Your Cleaner: Use Manduka Refresh or a mild DIY mix (water and maybe a tiny bit of gentle soap).
2. Spray Lightly: Mist the surface lightly.
3. Wipe and Squeeze: Use a damp cloth to wipe the mat. As you wipe, you might feel the mat is very wet from sweat. Gently press on the mat with a towel to get out excess moisture. Do this all over.
4. Wipe Again: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the surface and remove cleaner.
5. Dry Very Well: GRP mats take a long time to dry because they absorb liquid. Hang it up or lay it flat in a place with good air flow. It might take 24-48 hours to dry completely. Make sure it is bone dry before rolling it up. This helps remove yoga mat smell from absorbed sweat.

Regular deep cleaning helps maintain yoga mat grip on GRP mats.

Things You Should NOT Do When Cleaning

Knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what to do. Doing the wrong thing can hurt your mat.

• Do Not Put Your Mat in the Washing Machine: Yoga mats, especially Manduka mats, are not made for washing machines. The machine can damage the material. It can make the mat fall apart.
• Do Not Soak Your Mat: Do not put your mat in a tub of water. PRO mats won’t soak up water, but the material might still get damaged over time from too much water exposure. EKO and GRP mats will soak up too much water. This makes them very hard to dry. It can cause mold or damage to the material. This goes against good how to wash yoga mat rules.
• Do Not Use Harsh Chemicals: Do not use strong cleaning products like bleach, floor cleaner, or strong dish soap. These can break down the mat material. They can make the mat slippery. They can also cause skin irritation. Use mild, gentle cleaners.
• Do Not Use Lots of Soap: Using too much soap can be bad. It is hard to rinse off. Leftover soap makes the mat slippery. It can also hurt the material. If you use soap, use just one drop of mild dish soap in your water mix.
• Do Not Use a Stiff Brush or Rough Scrubber: This can scratch or damage the mat surface, especially on PRO mats which have a finish. Use a soft cloth or a very soft brush.
• Do Not Leave Your Mat in Direct Sun: Sun can make the mat material dry out or fade. It is best to dry your mat in the shade or inside.
• Do Not Roll Up a Wet Mat: This traps moisture. It can cause bad smells, mold, and damage to the mat. Always let your mat dry completely before rolling it up for storage.

Following these ‘don’t do’ rules is crucial for good Manduka mat care.

Dealing with Mat Smells

Sometimes, even with regular cleaning, your mat might get a smell. This often happens with mats that absorb sweat, like EKO and GRP, or if a PRO mat wasn’t dried right. Learning how to remove yoga mat smell is important.

Simple Steps for Smells

1. Clean Thoroughly: Do a deep clean as described above for your mat type. Make sure you are wiping off all sweat and oils.
2. Dry Completely: Make extra sure the mat is totally dry. This is the biggest reason for smells. Hang it up in a place with good airflow for a day or two.
3. Use a Deodorizing Spray: Use your DIY yoga mat cleaner with a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil. These oils help fight smells naturally. Manduka Refresh spray for GRP mats is also good for smells.
4. Baking Soda Trick (for PRO mats or surfaces that don’t absorb): For PRO mats, you can sprinkle baking soda on the mat. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Baking soda helps soak up smells. Then, brush or vacuum the baking soda off. Follow with a regular wipe down. Do NOT do this on EKO or GRP mats, as the baking soda will get stuck in the material.
5. Air it Out: Leave your mat unrolled in a room with open windows when you are not using it. Fresh air helps a lot to remove yoga mat smell.

Consistent cleaning and proper drying are the best ways to stop bad smells before they start. This is a key part of Manduka mat care, especially for mats that absorb moisture.

Keeping Your Mat Grippy

The grip of your mat helps you feel stable in poses. Sweat, oils, and dirt can make your mat slippery. Proper cleaning helps maintain yoga mat grip.

Grip on PRO Mats

New PRO mats can be slippery. This is the surface finish. You need to “break it in”. Regular use helps. The simple daily wipe down with cleaner helps too. The cleaning removes sweat and oils that sit on the surface. The deep clean also helps refresh the surface. Some people find a salt scrub helps break in a new PRO mat faster, but be careful and research Manduka’s specific instructions for this. For older PRO mats, cleaning removes the build-up that can make it slick.

Grip on EKO Mats

EKO mats are naturally grippy because they are rubber. Sweat can make them feel slippery because the mat absorbs it, and the top layer gets wet. Cleaning removes this sweat and oil. Using Manduka Restore helps keep the rubber healthy, which supports the grip. Always drying completely is important so the surface is not damp when you start. Cleaning rubber yoga mat correctly helps keep its natural stickiness.

Grip on GRP Mats

GRP mats are made for grip, especially with sweat. But sweat build-up and salt from sweat can affect the grip over time. Regular cleaning with Manduka Refresh is key for GRP mats. It helps clean the surface and keep the grip working. Deep cleaning is extra important for GRP mats because they absorb so much sweat. Getting all the absorbed sweat and salt out helps maintain yoga mat grip.

No matter the mat type, a clean mat is a grippier mat. Sweat and dirt are the enemies of grip. Good Manduka mat care means focusing on cleaning away anything that makes the surface slick.

Drying Your Mat Right

Drying is the last step, but it is very important. A mat that is not dried correctly can get damaged, smell bad, and even grow mold.

Best Ways to Dry

1. Air Dry: This is the best way.
2. Hang It Up: Hang your mat over a shower rod, a fence (in the shade), or a clothes rack. Hanging lets air get to both sides. This helps it dry faster.
3. Lay It Flat: If you can’t hang it, lay it flat on a clean floor or surface. Make sure the area has good airflow. Flip it over after a few hours to help the other side dry.
4. In the Shade: Always dry your mat in the shade, not direct sun. Sun can harm the mat material.
5. Be Patient: Drying takes time, especially after a deep clean or for EKO and GRP mats. It might take 24-48 hours. Check that it is bone dry before you roll it up.

Drying your mat fully after cleaning is a simple but crucial step in keeping it in good shape. It is part of mindful yoga mat care.

Storing Your Clean Mat

Once your mat is clean and totally dry, you can store it.

• Roll It Up: Roll your mat with the top side facing outwards. This helps the corners stay flat when you unroll it for practice.
• Use a Strap or Bag: Use a yoga mat strap or bag to keep it rolled.
• Store Inside: Keep your mat inside, away from extreme heat or cold. Do not leave it in a hot car.
• Avoid Heavy Things: Do not put heavy things on top of your rolled mat. This can cause creases.

Proper storage keeps your clean mat ready for your next practice. It is the final step in Manduka mat care.

Quick Guide to Cleaning Manduka Mats

Here is a simple table to help you remember cleaning for different Manduka mats.

Mat Type	Material	Daily Clean	Deep Clean	Best Cleaner	Drying Tip	Avoid This	Key Benefit from Cleaning
PRO Series	PVC (Closed-Cell)	Light spray, wipe	Spray, let sit, scrub gently, rinse lightly	Manduka Mat Wash / Water+Vinegar	Hang or lay flat, dries faster than others	Soaking, harsh chemicals, washing machine	Easy to clean, maintains surface
EKO Series	Natural Rubber	Light spray, wipe gently	Light spray, wipe gently, press out moisture	Manduka Restore / Water+tiny vinegar/soap	Hang or lay flat, takes longer to dry	Soaking, lots of vinegar, washing machine	Keeps rubber healthy, maintains grip
GRP Series	Foam/Rubber Mix	Light spray, wipe	Light spray, wipe, press out sweat, wipe again	Manduka Refresh / Water+tiny soap	Hang or lay flat, takes longest to dry	Soaking, washing machine, not drying fully	Keeps grip strong, removes smells

This table gives a quick view of how to wash yoga mat based on its type.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

h4 Can I use any yoga mat cleaner on my Manduka mat?

It is best to use a cleaner made for your mat’s material. Manduka’s own cleaners are made for their mats. If you use a different cleaner, make sure it is gentle and made for yoga mats. Harsh cleaners can damage Manduka mats. Using a natural yoga mat cleaner like watered-down vinegar or mild soap is often safer than strong chemicals.

h4 How often should I deep clean my Manduka mat?

How often you deep clean depends on how much you use it and how much you sweat. If you use it often or sweat a lot, maybe every 1-3 months. If you use it less or sweat little, maybe every 4-6 months. You should also deep clean if it feels dirty, slippery, or starts to smell, even with daily cleaning.

h4 My new PRO mat feels slippery. Will cleaning help?

Yes, regular cleaning, especially in the first few weeks, helps remove the fine film on new PRO mats. This film is normal. Wiping it down after each use and doing a first deep clean helps the mat break in faster. This helps maintain yoga mat grip.

h4 How do I get a smell out of my EKO or GRP mat?

Smells often mean there is sweat or moisture stuck in the mat. First, make sure you are drying your mat completely after every use. This is the most important step to prevent smells. For existing smells, do a deep clean. Use a cleaner with tea tree or eucalyptus oil, or Manduka Refresh for GRP. After cleaning, hang the mat to dry for a long time, maybe two full days, in a place with good air flow. Getting it completely dry is key to remove yoga mat smell.

h4 Can I use essential oils on my mat cleaner?

Yes, you can add a few drops of essential oils to a DIY water and vinegar mix. 1-3 drops is usually enough for a spray bottle. Good choices are tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus. Do not use too much oil, as it can make the mat slippery. Always test on a small spot first.

h4 What is the best way to dry my Manduka mat?

The best way is to air dry it completely. Hang it up if you can, like over a shower rod or fence (in the shade). This lets air get to both sides. If you lay it flat, flip it over sometimes. Make sure it is completely, totally dry before rolling it up. This is very important for good yoga mat care.

h4 Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my mat?

It is generally not recommended to use rubbing alcohol on Manduka mats, especially EKO and GRP mats made of rubber. Alcohol can dry out and damage rubber over time. For PRO mats (PVC), a very diluted alcohol solution might be okay sometimes, but it’s better to stick to Manduka’s cleaners or the simple water/vinegar mix. They are safer for the mat material.

h4 My mat feels sticky after cleaning. Why?

If your mat feels sticky, it likely means there is cleaner residue left on the surface. This happens if you used too much cleaner (especially soap) or did not wipe it off well enough. To fix this, wipe the mat again with a clean cloth that is just damp with plain water. Rinse the cloth often. Keep wiping until the stickiness is gone. Then, dry the mat completely.

Final Thoughts on Caring for Your Manduka Mat

Cleaning your Manduka mat is not hard. It just takes a little time and the right method for your mat type. Daily quick cleans keep it fresh. Occasional deep cleans keep it working its best. Using the right yoga mat cleaner, drying it fully, and storing it well are all part of good Manduka mat care. Taking care of your mat helps it last longer. It also makes your yoga practice cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable because you can maintain yoga mat grip and remove yoga mat smell. So, take a few minutes to give your mat the care it needs. Your body (and nose!) will thank you.