How to clean a yoga mat and disinfect it

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Once you know how to make clean a yoga mat, you tin can get rid of any stains and smells which may have formed on information technology over fourth dimension. A yoga mat is admittedly not the outset thing you lot'd think of on your list of everyday things to clean. After all, nearly of us will only use it once or twice a calendar week, and yoga doesn't tend to build up a sweat, even if you employ one of the best yoga mats.

Nevertheless, each fourth dimension you use your yoga mat, your hands and anxiety will transfer oils and dirt to its surface. After prolonged apply, y'all may notice dark stains forming on your mat, or perchance it'due south starting to smell.

Either mode, y'all don't need to throw your yoga mat away — these are actually very easy and simple to clean. Plus you likely already accept what you lot need at dwelling house. Here's how to clean a yoga mat.

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How to clean a yoga mat — Disinfecting

What you'll need to clean your yoga mat

• Water
• White distilled vinegar
• Tea tree oil
• Empty spray bottle
• Microfiber textile
• Towel
• Dish lather

Disinfecting your yoga mat is only as of import equally cleaning it. Yoga mats tin carry all sorts of germs, leaner and fungus on the surface, including the ones which crusade athlete's foot and plantar warts, not to mention ringworms. So, you lot need to go far the habit of disinfecting it at least once a week or between each use if you accept your mat to a studio.

Brand sure to cheque your yoga mat's cleaning instructions before y'all starting time. Some don't recommend vinegar-based cleaning solutions. Follow your manufacturer's guidance for cleaning, and if no info is available, follow the beneath.

A yoga mat being sprayed with disinfectant — (Prototype credit: Futurity)

1. You can create your own disinfectant spray using water, white distilled vinegar and tea tree oil in an empty spray bottle. You demand to mix equal amounts of water and vinegar, and so add together a splash of tea tree oil to get the proportions right. Alternatively, you can purchase a dedicated disinfectant such as Anti3 Protect Disinfectant Spray ($17.99, Amazon).

2. After mixing the spray, apply it liberally to the first side of your yoga mat. You want to leave the mat looking quite moisture so don't be shy — apply from well-nigh 8 inches away, tiptop to bottom.

3. Leave it to correspond a couple of minutes, and so use a microfiber cloth to wipe in the solution using circular motions. Or follow the spray'due south directions for application if yous've purchased one.

A yoga mat being cleaned with a microfiber cloth — (Prototype credit: Future)

4. You can so leave the yoga mat to air dry out if you intend to clean it direct after, or use a towel to dry it.

five. Repeat on the other side of the mat. This is important because even though it's the side that you don't utilize, leaner tin be transferred over when it's rolled up.

Your yoga mat will now be disinfected. However, while this will impale germs and bacteria, it won't effectively clean your mat. To exercise this, follow the next steps.

How to clean a yoga mat — washing abroad stains and smells

You won't need to make clean your yoga mat as often equally you disinfect information technology, just it's still important. This method will get rid of sweat and clay stains, also as fend off any unwanted smells. Every bit a dominion of pollex, with regular use, nosotros would recommend cleaning your yoga mat once every two weeks.

i. Mix upward a solution of warm, soapy water.

two. Apply straight to your yoga mat using the non-annoying side of a sponge or a microfiber cloth. Yous might discover it easier to lay out your yoga mat in the bath tub for this.

3. Y'all can scrub over areas of dirt and grime, but be conscientious not to impairment the cream or the naturally viscid surface.

A yoga mat being cleaned in a bath tub with soapy water — (Paradigm credit: Future)

4. Plough your mat over to wash the alternative side.

5. Once scrubbed, rinse the lather abroad and dry as best you can using a towel. Don't wring out the mat, equally this could tear it.

6. Leave your mat out to air dry out until it has thoroughly dried, then whorl information technology back upwards over again ready to apply.

Your yoga mat should now be looking like new once more! Remember to routinely make clean it to make information technology last longer.

Tips to keep your yoga mat clean

Use a yoga towel such as Youphoria Yoga Towel ($16.95, Amazon). These can protect the mat during a session.
Wash your easily and anxiety earlier every yoga class.
Don't walk over your mat while wearing shoes.
Make certain it is stored in a clean and dry infinite.

Katie looks later everything homes-related, from kitchen appliances to gardening tools. She also covers smart home products too, so is the all-time point of contact for whatsoever household advice! She has tested and reviewed kitchen appliances for over 6 years, so she knows what to look for when finding the best. Her favorite affair to test has to be stand mixers as she loves to broil in her spare time.