Yoga is more than just physical exercise; it’s a journey of self-discovery and mindfulness. As you begin to develop your own yoga practice, you may find that your yoga mat becomes your sanctuary, your space to reconnect with yourself and find respite from daily life.
There’s one aspect of the practice that’s often overlooked—keeping your yoga mat clean and fresh. You may have heard of yoga mat cleaner, but it’s time you learn how to use it properly to clean your yoga mat!
In this article, we’ll delve into the essential topic of yoga mat hygiene.
Learn more about:
- Why you should clean your yoga mat
- How to clean your yoga mat
- 3 best yoga mat cleaners
- 3 DIY yoga mat cleaner recipes with essential oils
Let’s dive right in!
Why you should clean your yoga mat
Before we roll out our mats and get into the details of cleaning, let’s take a moment to understand why it’s important to give your beloved yoga mat a much-needed cleaning every once in a while:
1# The Foundation of a Healthy Practice
Your yoga mat is your sanctuary, but it’s also a breeding ground for sweat, dirt, and bacteria. Over time, this buildup can lead to unpleasant odors and even skin issues.
Proper cleaning ensures that your practice space remains pristine, and free from unwanted odors and potential health hazards, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the transformative experience of yoga.
2# Saucha: Nurturing Inner and Outer Cleanliness
Saucha, one of the Niyamas (ethical principles) in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, urges us to cultivate purity in our thoughts, actions, and environment. It reminds us that the outer world reflects our inner state.
Just as we strive for inner purity through meditation and self-reflection, we are invited to extend this purity to our surroundings, including our yoga mats.
3# Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Mat
Investing in a high-quality yoga mat is an investment in your practice. However, neglecting its cleanliness can lead to wear and tear.
Sweat and oils from your skin can break down the mat’s material. Regular cleaning not only keeps it in top shape but also saves you money in the long run.
4# Stability and Focus
A clean mat offers a better grip, enhancing your stability during poses. A dirty, slippery mat can be a distraction and even a safety hazard.
By keeping your mat clean, you create a conducive environment for a focused and mindful practice.
5# Creating a Sacred Space
Your yoga mat is where you connect with your inner self. A clean mat provides a welcoming and inviting surface for your practice.
It can help you establish a sacred space that fosters a deeper mind-body connection, which is at the heart of yoga.
How to clean your yoga mat
Now that we’ve established why a clean yoga mat is essential, let’s dive into the practicalities of keeping it pristine:
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, collect the following cleaning supplies:
- Mild soap or yoga mat cleaner
- Distilled water
- White vinegar
- Witch hazel
- Rubbing alcohol
- Essential oils
- Bottle dropper
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Essential oils (optional, for DIY solutions)
- 1 16 oz Spray bottle (if using a DIY cleaner)
Prep Your Mat
Unroll your yoga mat on a flat surface, ensuring it’s free from any obstacles or debris that could get your mat dirty again.
Pre-Wash Shake
Give your mat a good shake to remove loose dirt and dust before applying any cleaning solution.
Mix Your Cleaner
If you’re using a commercial yoga mat cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution. If you’re going the DIY route, find some creative recipes below!
Clean Your Mat
Dampen your cloth or sponge with the cleaning solution and gently wipe down your entire mat. Pay extra attention to areas with visible stains or dirt, but avoid excessive scrubbing to prevent damage.
Rinse and Dry
Using a clean, damp cloth or sponge, rinse off any remaining cleaning solution from your mat.
Once clean, allow your yoga mat to air dry completely, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent material deterioration.
Now that you have the cleaning basics covered, let’s explore six of the best yoga mat cleaners, including three DIY solutions infused with different essential oils, to make your practice space truly your own.
3 Best yoga mat cleaners
In this section, we’ll share with you three of the most popular and easily available yoga mat cleaners, each with its unique qualities and benefits.
These cleaners are often found in yoga studios across the globe and are chosen by yoga centers, teachers, and practitioners for their effectiveness and eco-friendly formulations.
Whether you prioritize all-natural ingredients or seek a refreshing scent, we have options to suit your preferences. Check out these yoga mat cleaning solutions, and find out how they can help you maintain a clean an inviting environment for your practice:
1# Manduka Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner
Manduka is a respected name in the yoga world, known for its commitment to eco-conscious products. Their Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner aligns with these values.
Crafted from all-natural ingredients, including essential oils, it effectively rids your mat of sweat, odors, and bacteria. The added convenience of a spray bottle ensures easy application.
2# Gaiam Yoga Mat Cleaner
Gaiam’s Yoga Mat Cleaner offers an environmentally friendly option for mat care as well. Comprising plant-based ingredients without harsh chemicals, it cleans effectively while respecting the planet.
Available in various scents like lavender and tea tree oil, it adds a delightful aroma to your practice.
3# Aurorae Yoga Mat Wash
Aurorae Yoga Mat Wash is specially designed for yoga mats. This biodegradable and organic cleaner features a gentle lavender scent and effectively removes sweat, dirt, and bacteria.
It leaves your mat smelling fresh and rejuvenated, all without the use of harsh chemicals.
3 DIY yoga mat cleaner recipes with essential oils
If you like to do things yourself and would like to try making your own yoga mat cleaner, here we’ll share some tools to create your very own yoga mat cleaner—simple, safe, and environmentally friendly.
These DIY yoga mat cleaner recipes are designed to be both effective in removing dirt, bacteria, and sweat from your mat and gentle on the environment.
By using readily available, natural ingredients, you not only contribute to reducing your carbon footprint but also customize the cleaning experience to your liking – you have the flexibility to choose scents and ingredients that you love, creating a more enjoyable cleaning routine.
These recipes will harness the power of essential oils, renowned for their natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, to elevate your mat-cleaning routine.
The ratio for your mixture is a 1-to-4 ratio in your 16 oz spray bottle. This means you’ll need 1 cup of vinegar, witch hazel, or alcohol for every 4 cups of water.
1# Refreshing Citrus Bliss Cleaner
This citrus-infused cleaner offers an invigorating and uplifting aroma, creating a revitalizing practice space, perfect for your Hatha, Vinyasa, or Ashtanga practices.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
- 5 drops of sweet orange essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake well to mix.
- Spray the solution on your yoga mat and follow the cleaning steps.
2# Soothing Lavender Eucalyptus Cleaner
With the calming scents of lavender and eucalyptus, this DIY cleaner fosters a serene and refreshing atmosphere.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1/4 cup witch hazel
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake well to blend.
- Spray the solution on your yoga mat and follow the cleaning steps.
3# Zen Tea Tree Mint Cleaner
The tea tree and peppermint oils in this DIY cleaner offer a refreshing and purifying experience, ideal for a revitalizing practice.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
- 10 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake thoroughly to combine.
- Spray the solution on your yoga mat and follow the cleaning steps.
To Close
As you embark on your yoga journey, remember that maintaining a clean yoga mat is essential not only for hygiene but also for creating a conducive space for mindfulness and self-discovery.
Regular cleaning can prolong your mat’s lifespan, promote better focus, and enhance the mind-body connection that yoga aims to achieve.
Whether you choose to purchase a commercial cleaner or give a shot at one of the DIY solutions with essential oils, taking care of your yoga mat ensures a fresh start and an enjoyable practice every time you roll it out.
If you enjoy introducing scent into your practice and utilizing essential oils to support your life, read this article on essential oils for anxiety next.
If you’re new to yoga, you may want to start by reading about the 8 limbs of yoga to understand why cleanliness is so important.
You might enjoy this article on the 8 limbs, or this article on the subject of saucha.
