Two Simple Ways to Clean a Yoga Mat

I get asked this question frequently from students and finally got around to creating a full post on it. Happy Cleaning! :-)

A few simple do's and don'ts:

• Do wash both sides of your yoga mat. I know this seems like a no-brainer but so many people only wash one side and then they roll the two together and the germs spread. 
• Do wash your mat regularly. I practice daily for hours and wash my mat every 2-3 days. Especially for new mats, the more you wash and use them the stickier they become. Some mats have a film on them at first that get's broken down with use and cleaning.
• Don't submerge your yoga mat in water via the bathtub or the washing machine. It will take FOREVER to dry, decrease the life of your mat, and possibly tear up your machine. 
• Don't feel like you need to buy expensive mat cleaners! You can use things you already have on hand.

Two Simple Ways to Clean a Yoga Mat:

• Mix warm dish detergent with water in a sink. Dip towel into warm soapy water and wring out excess water. Place yoga mat down on clean surface and scrub the yoga mat in a circular motion from top to bottom. Flip mat over and repeat on second side. 
• Mix 1/3 vinegar with 2/3 water in a small spray bottle. Dampen a towel with water and spray vinegar solution on towel until saturated. Place yoga mat down on clean surface and scrub the yoga mat in a circular motion from top to bottom. Flip mat over and repeat on second side. 

If your yoga mat allows, you can add a 3-4 drops of your favorite essential oil to either washing solution. Read label on your mat to find out if you can use essential oils on it. Some mats pore become clogged when oils are used and it will make the mat slippery. Some antibacterial essential oils are: Lavender, Eucalyptus and Peppermint. 

Drying Your Mat:

• If possible, place outside in sunshine for 20-30 minutes to air-dry. 
• Otherwise, wipe mat down with a dry towel after washing and hang over the back of a chair or over a door and allow to dry. 

Storing Your Mat:

•  When rolling your mat up flip it over so that the side you want to practice on is facing down and then roll up neatly. That way when you lay your mat down to practice the rolled edges face towards the ground instead of curling up. 

Keri Marino is an internationally Registered Yoga Teacher, Propmaker, and Yoga Therapist in training.  She owns and operates Yoga Unique LLC offering Private classes, Yoga Therapy and Yoga props. Keri teachers both privately and publicly around the Greenville area. Check out more here: YogaUnique