Simple Guide: How To Wash Your Yoga Mat Effectively

Do you wonder how often you should clean your yoga mat? Or maybe you want to know if using a homemade yoga mat cleaner is okay? And what is the best yoga mat cleaner anyway? You should clean your yoga mat often, especially if you sweat a lot or use it daily. A good rule is to wipe it down after each practice. Do a deeper clean every few weeks or months. Yes, using a homemade yoga mat cleaner is a great option! Many natural recipes work very well. The best yoga mat cleaner for you depends on your mat material and how sensitive you are to smells. Some people like store-bought sprays, while others prefer a simple natural yoga mat cleaner recipe. Let’s learn how to keep your mat fresh and clean!

How To Wash Your Yoga Mat
Image Source: cleanzen.com

Why Your Yoga Mat Needs a Bath

Think about what happens on your yoga mat. You sweat on it. Your skin touches it. Dust and dirt from the floor get on it. If you go to a yoga studio, other people’s feet might be near it. Over time, your mat collects sweat, skin cells, dirt, and maybe even germs.

This build-up can make your mat feel sticky. It can also start to smell. A smelly yoga mat is not nice to use. Cleaning your mat helps it last longer. It also makes your practice more clean and pleasant. A clean mat just feels better under your hands and feet.

Knowing When and How Often to Clean

How often should you clean your yoga mat? It depends on how you use it.

If you practice every day: Wipe it down after each use. Do a deeper clean weekly.
If you practice a few times a week: Wipe it down maybe every other practice. Deep clean every 1-2 weeks.
If you practice once a week or less: Wipe it down after practice. Deep clean every 3-4 weeks or when it looks dirty or starts to smell.
If you sweat a lot: Clean it more often! Sweat makes mats dirty fast.
If you share your mat: Clean it before and after each use.
If you go to a studio: Clean it before and after each use. Floors can have germs.

Think of how often clean yoga mat as a guide. Listen to your mat. If it feels sticky or smells, it’s time to clean!

Simple Ways to Keep Your Mat Clean

There are easy ways to keep your mat tidy between deep cleans.

Wiping Down Your Yoga Mat

This is the quickest way to clean your mat. You should do this often. It helps remove sweat and dirt right away.

You will need:

A clean cloth or sponge
A yoga mat cleaner spray (store-bought or homemade)
Water

Steps:

Lay your mat flat.
Spray a little cleaner on the mat. Don’t make it too wet.
Wipe the mat with your cloth. Use circles or back and forth motions. Clean the whole top side.
If your mat is very dirty, you might need to spray and wipe again.
Turn the mat over and clean the bottom side too.
Use a dry cloth to wipe off extra wetness.
Let the mat air dry completely before rolling it up.

This wiping down yoga mat method is great for quick clean-ups. It stops dirt and sweat from building up.

Finding the Right Cleaner

You can buy cleaners or make your own. Both can work well.

Store-Bought Cleaners

There are many yoga mat cleaner spray options in stores. Some are natural. Some are stronger and help with disinfecting yoga mat.

When choosing:

Read the label. Make sure it is safe for your mat’s material. Some cleaners can harm certain mats, like natural rubber.
Look for natural ingredients if you prefer.
Some cleaners have nice smells from essential oils. Pick a smell you like.
Some cleaners say they are disinfecting yoga mat. This can be good if you use your mat in public places.

Making Your Own Cleaner

A homemade yoga mat cleaner is simple to make. It is often cheaper too. You know exactly what is in it.

Here is a simple natural yoga mat cleaner recipe:

You will need:

An empty spray bottle
Water (distilled water is best, but tap water works)
White vinegar
Optional: A few drops of tea tree oil or other essential oils

Steps:

Put half water and half white vinegar into the spray bottle. For example, put 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar.
Vinegar helps clean and kill some germs. It also helps with smell, which is good for a smelly yoga mat.
Add 5-10 drops of essential oil if you want a nice smell. Tea tree oil is good because it can help kill germs too. Lavender or peppermint also smell nice.
Screw the top onto the bottle tightly.
Gently shake the bottle to mix.

This homemade yoga mat cleaner is simple and works for many mats. Always test a small spot first to be safe.

Deep Cleaning Your Mat

Sometimes, wiping is not enough. Your mat might need a deeper clean. This is especially true if you have a very smelly yoga mat.

There are a few ways to do a deep clean.

Method 1: The Tub Soak (For Some Mats)

This method is good for mats that can handle getting quite wet. It works well for PVC mats. Be careful with natural rubber mats, as too much water can damage them over time.

You will need:

A bathtub or large basin
Lukewarm water
Mild soap (like dish soap or gentle hand soap). Use only a tiny amount.
A soft cloth or sponge

Steps:

Fill your tub with a few inches of lukewarm water.
Add just a tiny bit of mild soap. Swish it around to make a few bubbles.
Put your mat in the water. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
Use your cloth or sponge to gently scrub the mat. Clean both sides. Pay extra attention to areas that look dirty or smell bad. This helps clean smelly yoga mat.
Drain the soapy water from the tub.
Rinse your mat well with clean water. Make sure all the soap is gone. Soap left on the mat can make it slippery.
Shake off as much water as you can.

This method gives a thorough clean. It gets rid of deep-down dirt and smells.

Method 2: Spray and Scrub

This method uses your yoga mat cleaner spray but with more effort. It’s good for mats you don’t want to soak, like some natural rubber or open-cell mats.

You will need:

Your yoga mat cleaner spray (store-bought or homemade)
A clean cloth or sponge
Maybe a second cloth to wipe dry

Steps:

Lay your mat flat on a clean floor or outside.
Spray the cleaner generously over the whole top surface of the mat. Don’t be shy!
Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes. This gives it time to work on dirt and germs.
Use your cloth or sponge to scrub the mat well. Use firm but not rough strokes. Work the cleaner into the mat. This is good for disinfecting yoga mat surfaces.
If the mat is very dirty, you can spray more cleaner on tough spots and scrub again.
Use a clean, slightly damp cloth to wipe off the cleaner residue. You might need to rinse and wring out this cloth a few times.
Use a dry cloth to absorb extra moisture.
Flip the mat over and clean the other side the same way.

This is a good middle ground between a quick wipe and a full soak.

Special Care for Different Mat Materials

Yoga mats are made from different things. The material can affect how you should clean it.

Cleaning Rubber Yoga Mat

Natural rubber mats are popular. They offer good grip. But they need gentle care.

Do not soak them for a long time. Too much water can break down the rubber. The tub soak method is often too much for these mats.
Use mild cleaners. Strong chemicals or harsh soaps can damage rubber. Your simple homemade yoga mat cleaner with water and vinegar is usually fine. Some store-bought cleaners are made for rubber mats.
Avoid harsh scrubbing. Rubber can be damaged by rough sponges.
Keep them out of direct sun. Sun can make rubber dry and crack.
Let them air dry completely. This is very important for how to dry yoga mat that is rubber.

If you have a cleaning rubber yoga mat, think gentle and quick drying.

Cleaning PVC (Vinyl) Mats

Most common mats are made of PVC. These are usually more durable and less sensitive to water and cleaners.

You can often use the tub soak method for these.
They can handle slightly stronger cleaners than rubber mats.
They might take longer to dry than rubber mats.

Cleaning TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) Mats

TPE mats are often lighter and eco-friendly. They are usually somewhere between rubber and PVC for cleaning needs.

Avoid very hot water.
Avoid strong chemicals.
They dry faster than PVC mats.

Always check the care instructions that came with your specific mat if you have them.

How to Dry Your Yoga Mat Right

Drying your mat properly is just as important as cleaning it. If you don’t dry it well, it can grow mildew. This leads to a smelly yoga mat and can damage the mat.

Here is how to dry yoga mat:

After cleaning, shake off as much water as you can.
Use a clean, dry towel to gently press and absorb more water. Roll the mat up in a towel and squeeze gently. This helps a lot!
Unroll the mat and hang it up to dry.
- Hang it over a shower curtain rod.
- Hang it over a laundry line (inside or outside).
- Hang it over the back of a chair (make sure it’s clean).
Make sure air can get to both sides of the mat. Don’t fold it or lay it flat on the floor while drying.
Let it hang until it is completely dry. This can take many hours, sometimes even a full day.
Do NOT put your mat in a clothes dryer. It will ruin it!
Do NOT hang natural rubber mats in direct sunlight. Find a shady spot or dry indoors.

Letting your mat air dry fully is key to keeping it fresh and free of bad smells and mildew.

Tackling a Smelly Yoga Mat

Sometimes, even with regular cleaning, your mat gets a stubborn smell. This is often caused by sweat or not drying it properly. Here is how to clean smelly yoga mat.

Vinegar Power: Vinegar is great for smells. Use your homemade yoga mat cleaner with a 50/50 water and vinegar mix. Spray it well on the mat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping and rinsing. You can even add a bit more vinegar to the mix for tough smells.
Baking Soda: Baking soda absorbs smells. Lay your mat flat. Sprinkle baking soda all over it. Let it sit for a few hours or even overnight. Then, vacuum it up or wipe it off. You can also mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Rub the paste onto smelly spots. Let it dry, then brush or wipe it off.
Air It Out: Sometimes, just letting your mat air out in fresh air can help a lot. Hang it outside on a nice day (out of direct sun for rubber mats).
Deep Clean: A deep clean using the spray and scrub method or the tub soak (if safe for your mat) can help get rid of the source of the smell.
Tea Tree Oil: This essential oil has natural properties that help kill things that cause smells. Add a few drops to your homemade yoga mat cleaner.

If your mat smells bad right after cleaning, it might not be drying properly. Make sure you are following the steps for how to dry yoga mat carefully.

Making Your Mat Last Longer

Regular cleaning and proper care help your mat stay in good shape.

Roll, don’t fold: Most mats should be rolled up, not folded. Folding can cause creases.
Store properly: Keep your mat in a cool, dry place. Away from direct sun or heat.
Use a towel: Laying a yoga towel on top of your mat during practice absorbs sweat. This means less sweat gets into your mat, making cleaning easier and needed less often.
Clean hands and feet: Starting practice with clean hands and feet helps keep your mat cleaner.
Protect it: If you take your mat outside, be careful where you put it. Avoid rough surfaces.

By taking care of your mat, it will be a better friend for your yoga practice for a long time.

Choosing the Best Cleaner for You

As mentioned in the beginning, the best yoga mat cleaner is the one that works well for your mat, fits your needs, and that you will actually use.

For convenience: A ready-to-use yoga mat cleaner spray from the store is very easy.
For natural options: A natural yoga mat cleaner recipe like the one with vinegar and water is a great choice. It is safe, cheap, and effective.
For stubborn smells or germs: Look for cleaners specifically designed for disinfecting yoga mat or use vinegar/tea tree oil in your homemade mix for a little extra power to clean smelly yoga mat.

Don’t overthink it too much. Simple is often best. A little bit of water and a mild cleaner goes a long way for basic cleaning.

A Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Let’s put it all together in simple steps for a general deep clean.

Step 1: Get Ready
Gather your supplies: yoga mat cleaner spray (store-bought or homemade yoga mat cleaner), clean cloth or sponge, water, dry towel. Find a clean space to work.

Step 2: Prepare the Mat
Lay your mat flat. You can do this on a clean floor, outside, or even in an empty tub for some mats.

Step 3: Apply Cleaner
Spray your yoga mat cleaner spray over the mat surface. Make sure the mat is evenly wet, but not soaking unless you are using the tub method for a PVC mat. For areas needing extra help (like a smelly yoga mat spot), spray a little more.

Step 4: Gently Clean
Use your clean cloth or sponge. Gently rub the entire surface of the mat. Use circles or back and forth strokes. Put a little effort into areas that feel sticky or look dirty. If you are doing the tub soak, use the cloth to scrub while the mat is in the water.

Step 5: Rinse (Very Important!)
This step is key! You must rinse away the cleaner.
* If in a tub: Drain the soapy water. Fill with clean water and rinse the mat. Drain and repeat until no more soap bubbles appear.
* If cleaning flat: Use a second clean cloth that you wet and wring out with plain water. Wipe the mat down well to remove cleaner residue. Rinse this cloth often in clean water. Repeat until the mat feels clean, not soapy.

Step 6: Remove Extra Water
Shake off water. Use a dry towel to press and absorb as much water as possible. Rolling the mat up in a towel helps a lot.

Step 7: Dry Completely
Hang your mat up to air dry. Make sure air can get to both sides. Do NOT roll it up until it is completely dry. This is the most important step for how to dry yoga mat and prevent smells.

Step 8: Clean the Other Side
Once the first side is dry, flip the mat and repeat steps 3-7 for the other side, or clean the other side right after step 5 before starting the drying process. Many people clean both sides at the same time if doing a full wash. Make sure both sides dry fully.

Step 9: Store When Dry
Once the mat is bone dry on both sides, you can roll it up and store it away from heat and sun.

This process helps with regular cleaning and is also how you clean smelly yoga mat.

Keeping it Disinfected

Sometimes you might want to disinfecting yoga mat. This means killing germs.

Vinegar: White vinegar helps kill many common germs. A 50/50 water and vinegar spray can help disinfect.
Tea Tree Oil: Adding tea tree oil to your homemade cleaner adds germ-fighting power.
Store-bought disinfectants: Some yoga mat cleaner spray products are made to disinfect. Look for labels that say they kill germs. Make sure they are safe for your mat.
Hydrogen Peroxide: A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (the kind from the drug store) can also disinfect. You can spray a light mist on your mat, let it bubble for a few minutes, then wipe and rinse. Always test a small area first. Do not mix peroxide with vinegar.

Disinfecting is more intense than regular cleaning. You might not need to do it every time you clean. It’s good after practicing in public places or if you or someone else was sick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using harsh chemicals: Strong cleaners, bleach, or alcohol can damage many mats. Stick to mild soap or cleaners made for mats.
Soaking rubber mats too long: This can ruin natural rubber.
Not rinsing well: Soap residue makes your mat slippery and can trap dirt.
Not drying completely: This is the main reason for a smelly yoga mat and mildew. Always let it dry fully.
Drying in direct sun: This can fade colors and damage some materials, especially rubber.
Putting it in the washing machine or dryer: Never do this unless the mat’s tag specifically says you can (very few can).

Summary of Cleaning Methods

Here is a quick look at the different ways to clean:

Method	How Often?	Best For?	Needs	Key Points
Wiping Down	After every practice	Quick clean, removing sweat/light dirt	Spray, cloth	Fast, prevents build-up
Spray and Scrub	Weekly or every few weeks	Deeper clean, removing more dirt/light smell	Spray, cloth, water	Good for mats that shouldn’t be soaked
Tub Soak	Every few weeks/months	PVC mats, deep dirt, smelly yoga mat	Tub, water, mild soap	Gets deep clean, must rinse very well
Spot Cleaning	As needed	Small dirty spots, tackling tough smells	Cleaner, cloth	Focuses on problem areas, use paste for smells
Disinfecting	As needed (public use, illness)	Killing germs	Disinfectant cleaner	Use safe products, may need extra rinse/wipe

Remember to always focus on how to dry yoga mat properly no matter which cleaning method you use.

Making Your Own Cleaner vs. Buying

Both options have good points.

Homemade:
- Often cheaper.
- You know the ingredients (natural yoga mat cleaner recipe).
- Easy to make with things you have.
- Less packaging waste.
- Vinegar is great for clean smelly yoga mat.
Store-Bought:
- Convenient, ready to use.
- Made for mats (usually).
- Some are specifically for disinfecting yoga mat.
- Come in different scents.

Try making your own first. The simple water and vinegar homemade yoga mat cleaner works great for most people and most mats. If you need something special, like a strong disinfectant, you might look at store options.

Taking Care of Grip

A clean mat often has better grip. Dirt, sweat, and soap residue can make a mat slippery. Cleaning helps remove these things. If your mat is still slippery after cleaning, it might be its natural state, or maybe it’s worn out. Some open-cell mats need a break-in period or get less slippery as they get older and collect a little bit of ‘grip’ from use. But usually, a clean mat performs best.

The Importance of Air

Good airflow is your mat’s friend. When drying, make sure air can flow all around it. After practice, even if you don’t do a full wipe-down, unroll your mat and let it air out for a bit before rolling it up. This helps sweat dry instead of soaking in and causing a smelly yoga mat.

Final Thoughts on Keeping It Clean

Keeping your yoga mat clean is simple once you know how. It takes a little bit of time, but it makes a big difference in how your mat feels and lasts. Regular wiping down yoga mat after practice is a good habit. Doing a deeper clean with a yoga mat cleaner spray or a homemade yoga mat cleaner every so often keeps it really fresh. Remember to choose cleaners safe for your mat material, like being extra gentle when cleaning rubber yoga mat. And always, always focus on how to dry yoga mat completely. A clean mat means a cleaner, happier practice!

Frequently Asked Questions

h5 What is the best way to store my mat after cleaning?

Store it rolled up in a cool, dry place away from direct sun and heat. Make sure it is completely dry first!

h5 Can I use regular household cleaner on my yoga mat?

No, it is usually not a good idea. Regular cleaners can be too strong for mat materials. They can damage the mat, make it slippery, or leave harmful residue. Stick to cleaners made for mats or simple natural options like water and vinegar.

h5 My mat is still smelly after cleaning, what should I do?

Try using vinegar or baking soda, as discussed earlier. Airing it out well is also key. If it’s a very old mat and the smell won’t leave, it might be time to get a new one. Making sure you are properly how to dry yoga mat after washing is the best way to prevent smells from coming back.

h5 Can I put essential oils directly on my mat?

It is better to mix essential oils with water or vinegar in a spray bottle (homemade yoga mat cleaner). Putting concentrated oil directly on the mat might damage the material or leave oily spots.

h5 How can I tell if my mat material is rubber, PVC, or TPE?

Often, the mat packaging or website you bought it from will say. Rubber mats usually have a stronger, distinct rubber smell (especially when new). PVC mats often feel more like a plastic film. TPE mats feel softer and lighter than PVC. When in doubt, clean gently, like you would for cleaning rubber yoga mat.

h5 Is disinfecting yoga mat necessary?

It depends on your practice. If you practice at home and don’t share your mat, regular cleaning is likely enough. If you practice in public places or share your mat, disinfecting sometimes can give you peace of mind. Vinegar and tea tree oil offer some disinfecting qualities naturally.

h5 Can I wash my mat in the shower?

Yes, you can use your shower space to clean your mat, especially for the spray and scrub method or rinsing. Just lay it flat or drape it. It makes rinsing easy. Make sure the shower floor is clean first.

h5 How long does a yoga mat last?

With good care and regular cleaning (how often clean yoga mat), a yoga mat can last for many years. How long also depends on the quality of the mat and how often you use it. Cleaning helps it last longer.

h5 Will a clean mat be less slippery?

Often, yes. Dirt, sweat, and body oils can make a mat slippery. Cleaning removes these things, helping the mat’s natural grip work better. If it’s still slippery, try using a yoga towel during practice.