When you think about it, you will use yoga mats for hours on end. But, how often do we clean our mats? If you're not cleaning your mat often enough, there will exist build-up. It might be causing a sticky surface and bacteria to grow.
In this article, you'll learn how to clean your yoga mat!
How to Clean Shared Yoga Mat?
Below are two ways to clean a yoga mat without any hassle.
1. Use Yoga Towel
Step 1: Lay your mat out flat. Fold in the edges of the towel. After that, fold it over a few times. It is to cover as much surface area on one side of the mat as possible. As you fold it, you create an edge that you can grasp with two hands and lifted.
Step 2: Hold both sides of your yoga towel well. Stretch the towel out in front of you. After that, grasp one end with your right hand and the other with your left. With care, pull them apart until it is not taut anymore. It will be a gentle stretch for your mat. It is to make it easier to clean any debris from within its surface.
Step 3: You can use your clean yoga towel over a mat you borrow from a friend. First, spread it over the mat to fit and cover the mat. Then, proceed to use your mat with the towel on it. It acts as a barrier to any dirt on the mat.
The dirt will remain on the towel and not penetrate your skin. Once you complete your yoga session, roll the towel and return the mat.
Launder your towel at how with antibacterial soap. It gets rid of all the dirt and germs. Moreover, you can avoid using any fabric softener on it.
2. Use Strong Antiviral Cleaner
Step 1: Wear protective gloves on your hands. If possible, have an apron and boots too. Better safe than sorry. It ensures that you protect yourself as much as possible.
Step 2: Stretch out the mat. Use your hands to pull it apart until you can't anymore. It will be a gentle stretch for the surface of your mat. What's more, it will make it easier to remove debris from within its surface.
Step 3: Once all the corners are visible, start spraying. Besides, if you have a mat not made of delicate material, spray across the entire surface. Moreover, make sure you don't leave any spots.
Step 4: Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes. It is to give time for it to work well and kill all the germs.
Step 5: Turn the mat over so that it is lying upside down on your towel. Let soak for two minutes. After that, spray the back of the mat.
Wipe any moisture from its surface with a dry cloth or paper towel. Next, turn upright to pat with a towel until dry. Finally, ensure that you dry it well to avoid sliding and injuring yourself.
How to Clean Yoga Mat at Home?
1. Disinfect Yoga Mats
Step 1: First of all, collect all the materials you need. You will need a spray bottle of a good disinfectant. In addition, have gloves and other protective gear. Besides, you may also need a clean towel to lay underneath the mat.
Step 2: Protect yourself first. Lay the towel on a clean surface and roll out your yoga mat. Then, lay it over the towel with all corners visible. Next, start spraying your disinfectant from one corner. Do this until you cover the whole surface with the spray.
Step 3: Turn the mat over. Repeat the spraying procedure and allow the meat to soak for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to work to its fullest and kill all the bacteria and germs.
Step 4: Wipe out all the disinfectant from both sides using a clean towel. You can use disposable towels if you have them around. Once dry, you can wash the mat using your usual procedure.
2. Deep Clean your Yoga Mat
When you take the time to deep clean your yoga mat, it is like giving yourself a fresh start. You will feel comfortable, relaxed, and ready to go, whether back into a new workout or getting started on your day.
No matter how often you do this process. It will always make an impact on your life. So here are some steps for deep cleaning your yoga mat.
Step 1: Give the mat a good shake before spraying it down with water. Shaking your mat will help release any dirt particles that may have built up during use. Also, you can use a yoga brush to scrape off any mud. Doing this makes cleaning a breeze.
Step 2: Spray the mat down with water. Scrub it to remove any loose dirt or debris. Don't forget edges! Scrub it down, using either a brush or cloth/sponge if you have one around. Make sure you give in all the nooks and crannies!
Be careful not to scrub too hard, or you might damage it. Moreover, you can also wipe off your hands once you complete spraying. That's because they will likely have sticky sweat residue from the yoga session.
Step 3: Go in with a good yoga mat disinfectant. You want to kill any bacteria that might have stuck on your mat from previous use.
First, disinfect both sides of the mat. Then, repeat the whole process until you're satisfied with how clean your mat is! Some people prefer to do this part in the shower for a more thorough cleaning experience.
Step 4: Get your yoga mat soap ready. Or, you can use dish soap and warm water to scrub all surfaces of the mat. You can also give it a nice scrub. Ensure that you don't miss any spots.
Do this to both sides of the mat. It is a deep cleaning process. It may not be a quick fix for the next session. Thus, rinse off all the soap and soapy water. Repeat the rinsing process until you are sure of the status of the mat.
Step 5: Dry off using a clean towel. Do not use that towel for anything else! It will prevent the transfer of germs from other uses. You can use a hair dry if you have one. Set it on medium heat and blow the air towards your mat.
You will do this if you don't have time to let your mat dry slowly. But, if you can leave it in a clean space to drip dry, the better. Avoid placing it in too much sun or heat. Excess heat can damage your mat.
Repeat this process regularly to ensure the longevity of your mat. It is always worth it in the end.
FAQ About Cleaning Yoga Mat
1. How Often to Clean the Yoga Mat?
Clean your yoga mat after every use. It ensures that you keep it clean. You can also use it the next time without any worries.
2. Can I Clean a Yoga Mat in a Washing Machine?
It will depend on the type of yoga mat you buy. If your manufacturer allows for washing in the machine, you can. But, to be on the safer side, hand clean your mat. It will boost its longevity and functionality.
3. How to Clean a Rubber Yoga Mat?
Rubber is delicate. Use a mixture of vinegar and water in the ration 1:20 parts. In a spray bottle, you can use this solution to clean the mat. Avoid using any soaps or essential oils on rubber yoga mats.
4. How to Make DIY Cleaner With Tea Oil and Vinegar?
Use vinegar and water in the ratio of 1:4 parts in a spray bottle. Add 2-4 drops of tea tree oil. It is for its high antimicrobial properties.
Final Thoughts!
You may not realize it, but your yoga mat has a lot of bacteria living on it. How did this happen? It is because, during your practice, you sweat. As a result, it leaves behind oils from your skin, hair products, and many other contaminants.
To keep yourself healthy while practicing yoga, you must do it. But, first, you must clean the surface of the mat on which you are working out, especially if someone else uses the same one before or after you do!
