Yoga mats are a prime breeding ground for bacteria. When you practice yoga, you may sweat a lot. When sweat drips onto yoga mat, it can cause bacterial growth and odor. It’s worth taking time to briefly wipe down your yoga mat after each practice, as well as perform a deep cleaning once a month. Cleaning your yoga mat removes dirt and sweat that accumulates on your mat, thereby maintaining your mat’s grip and extending its use.
Why Do You Need To Clean Your Yoga Mat?
In order to avoid germs and unpleasant mat odors, you can clean your mat properly and regularly. Cleaning your yoga mat is especially important if you practice in a yoga studio where you share mats or props with others. Even if the risk of cross-contamination is lower, the same rules still apply to your home practice.
Note: Cleaning can’t completely kill bacteria, but cleaning can remove bacteria, dirt, and impurities on the surface of your yoga mat. Additionally, to kill germs and prevent infection and spread, consider sanitizing your yoga mat.
Yoga Mat Cleaning Options
Some yoga mats are more porous than others. Closed-cell yoga mats are thinner and waterproof, so they won’t soak in liquids as quickly. Thick yoga mats have an open-pore structure, which can absorb more liquid and accumulate more bacteria.
How Often Should You Clean Your Yoga Mat?
After practicing yoga, you can briefly wipe the yoga mat with a special yoga pad cleaning about once a month, give your yoga mat a deep clean to remove dirt that has accumulated over time.
Whether Can Use A Washing Machine To Clean The Yoga Mat?
Not all yoga mats can be washed in a washing machine. Some rugs can be washed in a front-loading washing machine, but other rugs will be damaged if washed this way. Check the care instructions for your specific yoga mat.
Daily Cleaning Methods For Yoga Mats
Whether your yoga mat is thick or thin, you can use a suitable yoga mat cleaner to clean your mat after each yoga practice. You can bring a towel to your practice area, spray the cleaner on the towel, and clean the entire surface of the mat in a circular motion. Be sure to wipe down the sides before rolling up your mat after practice.
Note: Before choosing a cleaner, check the care instructions for your mat. For example, some brands don’t recommend vinegar-based solutions, while others discourage the use of high concentrations of essential oils.
