Yes, the exercise mat needs to be cleaned frequently. Despite the beliefs contrary to this premise, cleaning your yoga mat is important to keep it in shape. But don’t be alarmed! You just need to have the necessary materials at your fingertips.
A little liquid soap and water can help keep grime at bay until it’s time for a deep clean. Just take care not to over-moisten the mat.
When finished, make sure the mat is completely dry; with this, you will avoid the formation of mold and bad odors. We explain how to clean a yoga mat.
3 Ways to Clean a Yoga Mat Without Ruining It
Deep cleaning should be done 2 times a year; that is, every 6 months. And whenever you see fit, give your yoga mat a light cleaning.
The good thing is that these last ones can be done in the blink of an eye and you don’t need sophisticated materials to achieve optimal work. Find out which one you prefer.
1. With homemade cleaner
It is a mixture of ingredients that most houses have in their cupboards, so they are free of toxic agents :
- Bottle with the atomizer.
- Microfiber cloth.
- Tap water.
- ½ cup of vinegar.
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Tea tree oil or the one of your preference.
- Take the bottle with the spray bottle and pour the vinegar, baking soda, and essential oil into it. Then, fill the rest of the container with clean water and shake well until blended.
- Moisten the microfiber cloth with the mixture. Keep in mind that some mats could be ruined if you spray them directly.
- Now rub the mat firmly with the damp cloth.
- Rinse the cloth and repeat the process until you are satisfied.
- At that point, put the mat to dry in a place where air circulates. Only until it is dry can you roll it up and store it.
This cleansing technique can be done post-workout, but we know it can be demanding, so we recommend it once a week. So you can control dirt and bacteria.
2. With a vaporizer
The steamer is ideal for removing bad odors, mold, or bacteria from your yoga mat. But before subjecting it to this method, read the manufacturer’s instructions; some rugs are not resistant to the heat of these appliances.
You need the following:
- A garment steamer or steam mop.
- Clean water (you can mix it with a few drops of essential oil of your choice).
- A ventilated place to dry.
- Recharge the mat on a flat, clean surface.
- Vaporize with coordinated movements one of the faces of the mat ; do it linearly, without skipping any areas.
- Then turn the mat over and repeat the procedure on that side.
- Finished with the task, hang the mat in an area with airflow until it dries completely.
3. By machine
Be careful with this, as it may be tempting, but it will only be possible if the manufacturer’s label authorizes it. Otherwise, you can damage the mat.
The materials are the following:
- Washing machine.
- Mild detergent (no bleach or other harsh cleaning agents).
- Water (room temperature).
- Insert the mat and start the gentle cycle.
- Once the cycle is complete, hang the yoga mat in a ventilated place. Do not put it in the dryer.
- Wait for it to dry completely before storing it as usual.
Your yoga mat accumulates your sweat!
You must know this by now, but when you exercise you sweat and the particles that your body gives off are absorbed by the mat, which also includes the accumulation of dust. Thus, you should consider that it is recommended to deep clean every 6 months and, at the end of the week, a partial cleaning.
