Safely Learn How To Wash Yoga Mat In Washing Machine

How To Wash Yoga Mat In Washing Machine
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Safely Learn How To Wash Yoga Mat In Washing Machine

Can I put my yoga mat in the washing machine? Yes, you can often put your yoga mat in the washing machine, but it really depends on what your mat is made of. Machine washing can be a quick way to get your mat clean. But doing it wrong can harm your mat or even your machine. This guide helps you learn the right way to wash certain types of yoga mats in a washing machine safely. We will talk about which mats are okay for the machine and which ones are not. We will also cover the right steps to take.

Why Clean Your Yoga Mat?

You use your yoga mat for many things. You sweat on it. Your hands and feet touch it. Dust and dirt from the floor get on it. Over time, your mat can get quite dirty. It can also start to smell bad. Cleaning your mat is important for a few reasons:

Stay Healthy: Germs can grow on a dirty mat. Cleaning helps remove these germs.
Make it Last Longer: Sweat and dirt can break down the mat’s material over time. Keeping it clean helps it last longer.
Keep it Grippy: Dirt and oils can make your mat slippery. A clean mat helps you keep your hold during poses.
Feel Fresh: A clean mat smells nice and feels better to use. It makes your practice more pleasant.

Think about how often you use your mat. If you use it a lot, especially if you sweat a lot or use it in different places, you should clean it often. We will talk more about how often should i clean my yoga mat later.

Is Your Mat Machine Washable? First Things First

Not all yoga mats are the same. They are made from different things. What your mat is made of is the most important thing to know before you think about putting it in a washing machine. Putting the wrong type of mat in the machine can ruin it. It can also cause problems for your washing machine.

Look at the tag on your mat. It should tell you what it’s made of. It might also tell you how to clean it. If there is no tag, or you cannot read it, try to find out what material it is by how it feels and looks.

Here are some common materials and if they are usually safe for the washing machine:

Mat Materials and Machine Washing

Material Type	Can It Go In The Washing Machine?	Things to Know
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	Often Yes	Usually durable. Can handle machine washing on a gentle cycle.
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)	Maybe, check the mat’s label	Some TPE mats can be machine washed, but others cannot. Be careful.
Natural Rubber	Usually No	Machine washing can break down rubber. It can make it sticky and weak. This includes ‘machine wash rubber yoga mat’ types – most are NOT safe.
Cotton/Jute	Yes, check the mat’s label	Often okay, but they might shrink or lose shape. Use a gentle cycle.
PER (Polymer Environmental Resin)	Maybe, similar to PVC	Often okay with gentle washing, but check the mat’s specific care rules.
NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber)	Usually No	Similar to natural rubber, machine washing can hurt it.
PU (Polyurethane) Top Layer	No	The PU layer is often thin and can be damaged by machine washing and harsh soap.

If your mat is made of natural rubber or NBR, do not put it in the washing machine. It will likely get damaged. If your mat has a PU top layer, do not machine wash it. For other materials like PVC or some TPE, machine washing might be okay. But it’s always best to check the mat’s cleaning instructions first. This is key to avoid damaging yoga mat washing machine style cleaning.

Why Some Mats Should Not Go In The Machine

It is very important to understand why certain mats should not be machine washed. It’s not just about the mat getting ruined.

Rubber Mats: Natural rubber is sticky to give you good grip. The heat and movement in a washing machine can break down this natural stickiness. It can make the mat brittle or very sticky and break apart. ‘Machine wash rubber yoga mat’ is generally a bad idea.
Thick or Heavy Mats: Very thick mats can hold a lot of water. They become very heavy when wet. This extra weight can be bad for your washing machine, especially the drum. It can cause the machine to shake too much or even break.
Mats with Special Layers: Some mats have layers for extra grip (like PU) or cushion. The washing machine can separate these layers or damage the special surfaces.
Mats with Strong Smells: Some materials might release strong smells or oils when heated in the wash, which could affect your machine or other clothes washed later.

Always check your mat’s care tag or the maker’s website. If it says “spot clean only” or “hand wash only,” listen to that advice. There are many good cleaning yoga mat alternatives if you cannot machine wash your mat.

Getting Ready to Machine Wash Your Mat

So, you have checked, and your mat seems okay for the washing machine. Great! But do not just throw it in yet. There are a few steps to take first to make sure it washes well and stays in good shape. This preparation is part of safely learning how to wash yoga mat in washing machine.

Step 1: Shake It Out

Take your mat outside or over a trash can. Give it a good shake. This gets rid of loose dirt, dust, hair, and anything else on the surface. This helps keep your washing machine cleaner too.

Step 2: Check for Damage

Look over your mat carefully. Are there any rips, tears, or places where the material is starting to pull apart? Machine washing can make small problems bigger. If your mat is already falling apart, washing it in the machine might finish the job. It might be better to hand wash it or get a new one.

Step 3: Roll It Up

Do not put the mat in the machine flat or just folded. Roll your mat up tightly. Start from one end and roll to the other. Rolling helps balance the mat in the washing machine drum. This is important to avoid damaging yoga mat washing machine parts because unbalanced loads can cause the machine to shake violently.

Step 4: Secure the Mat (Optional but Recommended)

Once rolled, you can secure the mat so it does not unroll during the wash.
* Use strong rubber bands around the ends and middle.
* Even better, put the rolled mat inside a large laundry bag, duvet cover, or pillowcase that zips or ties shut. This adds a layer of protection for the mat and helps keep it rolled. It also helps catch any bits that might break off.

Step 5: Add Something Else (Optional but Helpful)

Washing just one rolled-up mat can make the washing machine unbalanced. This is especially true if the mat is heavy when wet. To help balance the load, you can wash the mat with other things.
* Use towels. Wash a few large towels with the mat. This helps balance the weight and gives the mat something soft to bump against instead of the hard drum.
* Make sure whatever you wash with the mat is okay to be washed with the mat’s material and chosen detergent. Do not wash the mat with delicate clothes or items that could be snagged.

Putting the mat in a laundry bag and adding towels are smart steps to avoid damaging yoga mat washing machine parts and the mat itself.

Choosing the Right Wash Settings

Picking the correct yoga mat washing machine settings is super important. Wrong settings can shrink, stretch, or break down the mat material. They can also leave soap behind.

Water Temperature

Use COLD water. This is often the most important rule. Hot water can damage the mat material, especially rubber-like materials or glues holding layers together. Cold water cleans well enough with the right detergent.
Never use hot water. Warm water is usually too risky too. Stick to cold.

Wash Cycle

Use the GENTLE cycle. This cycle is also called the “delicate” or “hand wash” cycle on some machines. This cycle uses slower, less powerful movements. It’s much softer on your mat.
A regular or heavy-duty cycle is too rough. It can twist, stretch, or tear your mat. The gentle cycle for yoga mat cleaning is a must.

Spin Speed

Use the LOWEST spin speed. The spin cycle gets water out by spinning very fast. High spin speeds can twist and stress the mat’s material. High speed also makes the load more likely to become unbalanced, which shakes the machine.
If your machine lets you choose, pick the lowest speed. If you can turn the spin cycle off completely, that’s even better. You will need to let the mat drip dry more, but it is safer for the mat.

So, the best yoga mat washing machine settings are Cold Water, Gentle Cycle, and Low or No Spin. Write that down!

Picking the Best Detergent

What you use to clean your mat is also a big deal. Harsh soaps can leave a film on your mat, making it slippery or irritating your skin. They can also damage the mat material.

What Kind of Detergent to Use?

Mild Soap is Best: Think gentle dish soap or a very mild laundry detergent.
Look for detergents that are “free and clear” – meaning they do not have perfumes or dyes. These can irritate skin or leave residue.
Natural, eco-friendly cleaning products are often a good choice as they are usually less harsh.
A small amount of soap is all you need. Too much soap will be hard to rinse out.

Detergents and Products to AVOID:

NO Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach or fabric softeners. Bleach can damage the mat material and leave a residue. Fabric softener will make the mat slippery.
NO Strong Fragrances: Perfumes can be irritating and are hard to rinse out of porous mat materials. They can also just cover up smells instead of getting smell out of yoga mat completely.
NO Lots of Soap: Use just a tiny bit. Maybe one teaspoon or less for a full machine wash. Too much soap creates too many suds and is difficult to rinse out fully.

Using the best detergent for washing yoga mat means using just a little bit of something very mild. Sometimes, no detergent is even needed if you are just rinsing sweat and not deep cleaning dirt. Just water on the gentle cycle can help freshen a mat between deeper cleans.

The Wash Cycle: What to Expect

Once you have prepared your mat, set the machine to the right yoga mat washing machine settings (cold, gentle, low/no spin), and added a tiny bit of mild soap, you can start the wash.

Place the secured, rolled mat (and towels if using) into the drum. Distribute them evenly if possible.
Close the door and start the cycle.
The wash cycle will be short because it is on the gentle setting.
When the wash part is done, if you chose a low spin, the machine will spin slowly. If you chose no spin, it will just drain the water.
When the machine stops, take the mat out right away. Do not leave it sitting wet in the machine.

Taking the mat out quickly helps prevent it from getting creased or staying too wet.

Drying Your Yoga Mat Safely

After washing, the most important step is drying. You absolutely DO NOT put a yoga mat in a dryer. The heat from a dryer will ruin your mat. It will melt, shrink, warp, and become unusable. Air drying is the only safe way. Learning how to air dry yoga mat properly is key.

How to Air Dry Your Yoga Mat

Squeeze Out Extra Water: If your machine did not spin much, your mat will be very wet. Carry it carefully (it might be heavy!). You can gently squeeze parts of the mat to get some of the water out. Do not twist or wring the mat like a towel; this can damage the material. You can lay it flat on a clean floor or patio and use another towel to press water out.
Hang It Up: The best way to air dry a yoga mat is to hang it. This allows air to reach all sides.
- Hang it over a shower rod.
- Hang it over a sturdy clothesline outside.
- Hang it over a laundry rack.
Ensure Airflow: Make sure there is good air circulation around the mat.
- If drying indoors, open windows or use a fan.
- Hang it somewhere with good air movement.
Keep it Out of Direct Sun: While sunlight can help kill some germs, strong direct sunlight can also damage the mat material over time, especially rubber or TPE. It can make colors fade and the material break down. Dry it in a shady spot outside or indoors.
Let it Dry Completely: This is very important. A mat that is not fully dry can grow mold and mildew, which will make it smell bad again and can be unhealthy. Depending on how wet it was and the airflow, drying can take 24 to 48 hours, or even longer.
Flip or Move It: If hanging over a rod, flip it or move it around every few hours to help the middle dry faster.
Check for Dampness: Before you roll it up or use it, touch and feel the entire mat, especially the ends and the middle if it was folded or draped. Make sure it is totally dry.

Properly knowing how to air dry yoga mat ensures it keeps its shape, stays clean, and lasts longer. Be patient with the drying time.

Dealing with Stubborn Smells

Even after washing, sometimes mats can hold onto smells. Sweat and bacteria can really get into the mat material. Getting smell out of yoga mat can take a little extra effort.

Tips for Getting Smell Out of Yoga Mat:

Baking Soda: This is a natural smell absorber.
- After the mat is completely dry from washing, sprinkle a good amount of baking soda all over it.
- Leave the baking soda on the mat for several hours, or even overnight.
- Roll the mat up with the baking soda on it for an even deeper clean.
- Unroll it and vacuum up the baking soda. Make sure to get it all off.
Vinegar Spray: White vinegar is great for killing bacteria that cause smells.
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly spray the mat after each use (or regularly, not just after washing).
- Wipe it down gently. The vinegar smell will go away as it dries.
- You can also use a vinegar spray on the mat after machine washing, before drying, or once it’s dry. Just make sure to let the mat air out completely afterwards.
Essential Oils: Some people add a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree oil, which is also anti-bacterial, or lavender for a nice smell) to their cleaning spray mix. Use only a tiny amount and make sure it is mixed well. Test on a small spot first to make sure it does not harm the mat.
Proper Drying: Again, letting the mat dry completely is the best way to prevent smells from coming back. Mold and mildew smell awful!

If a smell stays after washing, it might mean the mat is holding onto bacteria deep inside. The baking soda method or regular use of a dilute vinegar spray between washes can help keep it fresh. Getting smell out of yoga mat is easier if you clean it regularly.

How Often Should You Clean Your Yoga Mat?

This is a common question. How often should i clean my yoga mat? There is no single perfect answer for everyone. It depends on how often you use your mat and what kind of yoga you do.

Here are some guidelines:

If you practice Hot Yoga or Sweat A Lot: Clean your mat after every use, or at least every few uses. Sweat is the main cause of bacteria and smells.
If you practice often (several times a week) but don’t sweat much: Clean your mat once a week or every two weeks.
If you practice once a week or less and don’t sweat much: Clean your mat every few weeks or once a month.
If your mat looks dirty or starts to smell: Clean it right away, no matter how long it’s been.
If you practice in different places (studios, parks): Clean it more often than if you only use it at home.

Machine washing is a deep clean. You probably do not need to machine wash your mat as often as you do a quick surface clean.

How Often You Use / Sweat	Suggested Cleaning Frequency	Machine Wash Frequency (if applicable)
Daily Hot Yoga / Lots of Sweat	After every use (quick wipe)	Once a week or every two weeks
Several times a week, some sweat	Once a week (wipe)	Every 2-4 weeks
1-2 times a week, low sweat	Every few weeks (wipe)	Once a month or every few months
Rarely Use / Very Low Sweat	When it looks or smells dirty	As needed, perhaps every few months

Between machine washes, you should wipe down your mat after each use with a mat-cleaning spray or a damp cloth. This removes surface sweat and oils and helps keep it fresh longer. This regular wiping reduces the need for frequent deep cleans.

Cleaning Yoga Mat Alternatives

What if your mat cannot go in the washing machine? Or maybe you prefer not to machine wash it often? There are great cleaning yoga mat alternatives. These methods are safer for delicate mats like natural rubber, TPE, or those with PU surfaces, and are also good for all mats for cleaning between deep washes.

Hand Washing Your Mat

This is a great alternative to machine washing. It gives you more control and is gentler.

Fill a Tub: Fill a bathtub or a large container with just enough cool or lukewarm water to cover the mat.
Add Mild Soap: Add a very small amount of mild soap (like dish soap or gentle detergent) to the water and mix it in.
Submerge the Mat: Put your mat in the water. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
Clean Gently: Use a soft cloth or sponge (not abrasive) to gently wipe down the mat’s surface. Pay attention to areas where your hands and feet go.
Rinse Thoroughly: This is very important. Drain the soapy water. Refill the tub with clean water and rinse the mat. Press the mat against the side of the tub. Repeat rinsing until no soap suds are left. Soap left on the mat will make it slippery.
Remove Water: Carefully lift the mat and let excess water drip off. Do not wring it. You can lay it flat and roll it up in a large dry towel to press out more water.
Air Dry: Hang the mat to air dry completely, following the steps mentioned earlier (out of direct sun, good airflow).

Hand washing is often the recommended method for mats like natural rubber or those with special surfaces like PU. It’s gentler than the machine.

Using a Mat Cleaning Spray

For quick cleaning after each use, a mat cleaning spray is perfect.

Buy one: Many yoga companies sell specific mat cleaning sprays.
Make your own: Mix water with a little white vinegar (50/50 mix is common). You can add a drop of mild soap or a few drops of essential oil if you like. Keep it simple.
How to use: Lay your mat flat. Lightly spray the surface. Wipe it down with a clean cloth. Let it air dry for a few minutes before rolling it up.

This spray method does not deep clean, but it removes surface dirt and sweat, which helps prevent smells and keeps your mat fresh between deeper washes.

Wiping with a Damp Cloth

Sometimes, a simple wipe-down with a clean cloth dampened with plain water is enough for a quick refresh.

Use a microfiber cloth or other soft cloth.
Dampen it with water. Do not make it soaking wet.
Wipe down the mat surface.
Let it air dry briefly.

This is good if you did not sweat much and just want to remove light dust.

Having a plan for cleaning your mat, whether it is machine washing (if safe), hand washing, or using a spray, will keep your mat clean and pleasant to use. Using cleaning yoga mat alternatives is often necessary to protect your mat.

Summarizing Machine Washing Steps

Let’s put the machine washing steps together in a simple list for easy review. This is how to safely learn how to wash yoga mat in washing machine for suitable mats.

Check Mat Material: Is your mat safe for machine washing (likely PVC, some TPE)? No natural rubber, NBR, or PU layers!
Prepare Mat: Shake off loose dirt. Check for damage.
Roll Mat: Roll it up tightly.
Secure Mat (Optional): Put in a laundry bag or secure with bands.
Add Towels (Optional but Recommended): Put a few towels in the machine with the mat for balance.
Add Detergent: Use a tiny amount (teaspoon) of mild, fragrance-free soap.
Set Machine: Choose yoga mat washing machine settings: COLD water, GENTLE cycle, LOW or NO spin.
Wash: Start the machine.
Remove Promptly: Take the mat out as soon as the cycle finishes.
Air Dry ONLY: Squeeze out excess water. Hang it up in a shady spot with good airflow. Do NOT use a dryer.
Ensure Full Dryness: Let it dry completely (1-2 days) before using or storing.
Address Smells (If needed): Use baking soda or vinegar spray after drying to help with stubborn smells.

Following these steps helps avoid damaging yoga mat washing machine or the mat itself.

Avoiding Damage During Machine Wash

We have mentioned this throughout, but let’s focus specifically on how to avoid damaging yoga mat washing machine and the mat.

Know Your Mat: The most important rule. If it is rubber, very thick, or has special coatings (PU), do NOT machine wash it. Using cleaning yoga mat alternatives like hand washing is safer.
Use the Right Settings: Always COLD water, GENTLE cycle, LOW or NO spin speed. These are non-negotiable yoga mat washing machine settings for mat safety.
Balance the Load: Washing the mat with towels is a simple but effective way to stop the machine from shaking too much, which protects the machine parts.
Use Very Little, Mild Soap: Too much soap can damage the mat and leave residue. Harsh chemicals are also bad for the mat material. The best detergent for washing yoga mat is a small amount of gentle soap.
NO Heat Drying: This is a huge risk. Heat destroys yoga mats. Always how to air dry yoga mat.
Check Machine Manual: Your washing machine manual might have specific advice for washing large, bulky items. Check it out.
Roll and Secure: This keeps the mat from tangling or getting stretched awkwardly in the machine.

By taking these precautions, you can clean your mat more effectively and keep both your mat and your washing machine working well. Avoiding damaging yoga mat washing machine means being smart about the wash process.

When Machine Washing Might Not Be Worth It

Even if your mat is technically machine washable, sometimes it might still be better to use an alternative method.

Very Dirty Mats: If your mat has ground-in dirt, stains, or heavy build-up, a machine wash might not get it all out, and it might just spread the dirt around in the machine. Hand washing lets you focus on the dirty spots.
Older Mats: An older mat might be more fragile. Machine washing could be too rough on it, even on a gentle cycle.
If You Are Unsure: If you are not 100% sure about your mat material or if your machine settings are gentle enough, it is safer to hand wash or use a spray. There are plenty of good cleaning yoga mat alternatives.
Saving Water/Energy: Machine washing uses more water and energy than hand washing or wiping down.

Consider machine washing a less frequent deep clean, and use hand washing or sprays for more regular cleaning. Remember how often should i clean my yoga mat depends on use, but deep cleaning like machine wash is less frequent than surface cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

h4> Can I put my rubber yoga mat in the washing machine?

Usually, no. Most natural rubber yoga mats should not go in the washing machine. The machine can damage the rubber, making it break down or lose its grip. It’s best to hand wash rubber mats or use a cleaning spray. ‘Machine wash rubber yoga mat’ is generally not recommended.

h4> What are the safe yoga mat washing machine settings?

The safest settings are cold water, gentle cycle (or delicate/hand wash), and the lowest possible spin speed or no spin at all.

h4> What is the best detergent for washing yoga mat?

Use a very small amount of a mild, fragrance-free, and dye-free liquid detergent. Gentle dish soap is also an option. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and harsh chemicals.

h4> How should I air dry my yoga mat after washing?

Hang it up to dry completely. Use a shower rod, clothesline, or drying rack. Make sure there is good airflow. Keep it out of direct sunlight. Do not roll it up or use it until it is totally dry, which can take 24-48 hours. This is the only safe way how to air dry yoga mat.

h4> How often should I clean my yoga mat?

It depends on how often you use it and how much you sweat. For hot yoga or daily use, clean after every use (wipe) and deep clean (machine or hand wash) every 1-2 weeks. For less frequent, low-sweat use, wipe as needed and deep clean monthly or less often. If it looks or smells dirty, clean it right away.

h4> How do I get smell out of yoga mat?

Proper drying is key to prevent smells. If smells remain after washing, try sprinkling baking soda on the dry mat, leaving it for several hours, then vacuuming it off. A diluted white vinegar spray (50/50 with water) can also help kill smell-causing bacteria when used regularly between washes.

h4> What are some cleaning yoga mat alternatives if I can’t machine wash it?

Hand washing the mat in a tub with mild soap and water is a great alternative. Using a yoga mat cleaning spray (store-bought or homemade with vinegar and water) to wipe down the mat after each use is also effective for surface cleaning.

h4> How can I avoid damaging yoga mat washing machine or my mat?

Always check your mat’s material first. Use the correct cold, gentle settings. Use minimal, mild soap. Add towels to balance the machine. NEVER put the mat in a dryer. Air dry only. If unsure, choose hand washing or spray cleaning instead of machine washing. Using a gentle cycle for yoga mat washing is crucial.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your yoga mat clean is important for your health, your practice, and the life of your mat. While machine washing can be a convenient option for some types of mats, it requires care. Knowing your mat’s material, using the right settings, choosing a mild soap, and always air drying are key steps to doing it safely. For mats that cannot go in the machine, or for in-between cleanings, hand washing and mat sprays are excellent cleaning yoga mat alternatives. By following these tips, you can enjoy a clean, fresh mat every time you practice.