Cleaning a yoga mat

Video: Clean Your Yoga Mat! Fitness Equipment Cleaning Ideas That Save Time & Money! (Clean My Space)

Content

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Part 1 of 2: Washing your yoga mat
Part 2 of 2: Maintain your yoga mat regularly
Tips
Necessities

No matter how often you use your yoga mat, it will get dirty and sweaty and can also start to smell. In any case, that is not conducive to a pleasant yoga experience. Tallow, oil from products, sweat and dirt particles can penetrate the surface of the mat and cause the mat to wear more quickly. These substances can also make it difficult for you to do yoga exercises on your mat because they make the mat slippery. By washing your mat regularly and wiping it daily, you can ensure that your yoga mat lasts longer, stays clean and does not become slippery.

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Part 1 of 2: Washing your yoga mat

Know when to wash your mat. Wash your yoga mat completely every few months and more often if you don't clean it regularly or do yoga exercises every day. Your mat will not only last longer, but it will also not stink and no bacteria from the mat will end up on your body.
- If you practice yoga every day, it is a good idea to wash your mat once a month, especially when the weather is warm.
- The more dirt you see on your mat, the more likely it is to be washed thoroughly.
- Consider buying a new mat if pieces come off and stick to your clothing.
Soak your yoga mat. Use a mixture of warm water and mild soap as a dish soap. Submerge your yoga mat in a bathtub and let it soak for a few minutes. This helps to remove dirt particles, oil and bad smells.
- Dish soap and hypoallergenic laundry detergent are two of the best mild cleaners you can use to clean your yoga mat.
- Be careful not to put too much soap in the warm water. Use just enough soap to clean your mat. Using too much soap can make your mat slippery and it can be difficult to practice asanas.
- Use 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of detergent or dishwashing liquid per 4 liters of lukewarm tap water.
- Some sources recommend using vinegar to wash your mat. Know that this can keep the surface of your mat smelling unpleasant, making it less pleasant to do yoga exercises. Depending on the material the mat is made of, vinegar can also affect its quality.
Hand wash the mat with a soft cloth. After allowing the mat to soak for a few minutes, wash both sides of the mat with a soft cloth. Wipe both sides thoroughly, focusing on the areas you touch most often with your hands and feet.
- You can see which areas you use the most as they will likely be a slightly different color from the rest of your mat.
- Make sure to gently wipe both sides so that the mat doesn't wear or tear off pieces.
- It's okay if the soap doesn't make bubbles in the water. Remember, you only need enough soap and bubbles to clean the mat and keep it from getting slippery.
- Never put your yoga mat in the washing machine. As a result, the quality of your yoga mat can be significantly affected and it can be impossible to do exercises on the mat because it is too slippery.
Rinse the mat in clean water. Drain the bathtub with the mat in it and rinse the washed mat with clean water. This way you remove all soap residue and the chance that your mat becomes slippery is smaller.
- Keep rinsing the mat until you see that the rinse water is clean.
- If the water does not clear quickly, consider wiping the mat again with the soft cloth.
Remove the excess water from the mat. Shake the mat to remove water from the surface of the mat. Lay the mat flat on a dry towel and roll them up together to squeeze the rest of the moisture out of the mat.
- Don't wring your mat! As a result, it cannot wrinkle, tear and warp.
- You can stand on the rolled up mat and towel, which works better to get all the water out.
Hang your mat to dry. When you have squeezed all the water out of the mat, roll the mat out of the towel. Hang the mat until it is completely dry.
- You can use a trouser hanger to hang your mat, but be aware that it can leave marks on your mat.
- Place your yoga mat on a drying rack, if you have one. This way you can let both sides of the mat dry well.
- Never put your yoga mat in the dryer. This can ruin your mat and even cause a fire.
- Do not use your mat until it is completely dry. Squeeze parts of the mat with your fingers to feel if there is still moisture in it.

Part 2 of 2: Maintain your yoga mat regularly

Understand the importance of cleaning and maintaining your mat regularly. Dirt, oil and sweat can quickly affect the quality of your mat and make it more difficult for you to perform your exercises properly. By following a few simple maintenance steps after each practice session, your mat will last longer and you will not have to wash it thoroughly as often. If you practice yoga daily or several times a week, it is important to wipe your mat after each practice session and store it properly.
Clean your feet and hands before getting started. Your hands and feet will be constantly touching the mat, and these parts of the body are often dirty. Using your mat with clean skin will make it last longer and prevent bacteria from getting onto the surface of the mat from your skin.
- Cleaning your hands and feet will also wash away any lotions and creams that can attack the mat and cause you to slip during your exercises.
- If you can't wash your hands and feet before a practice session, consider using mild baby wipes to wipe your palms and soles.
Take your mat. After each practice session on the mat, wipe it with baby wipes, special yoga mat wipes or a cloth with some mild soap. Let the mat dry, roll it up and you're done. This can help keep your mat clean and free from sweat, dirt and oil. It can also make your mat last longer.
- You can buy wipes specially designed for cleaning yoga mats at sports stores and shops that sell yoga supplies.
- If you decide to use baby wipes to clean your mat, buy mild wipes without too much detergent and soap so that your mat doesn't get slippery.
- If you choose to use a cloth and some soap, make sure you don't use too much soap and water. Wipe off any soap residue from the mat so that it doesn't get slippery.
Consider placing towels on your mat while you practice. If you sweat a lot, are in a warm room, or just want a layer between your body and the mat, put a towel on your mat. A towel can absorb the excess moisture and ensure that you have a better grip on your mat.
- Regular towels can shift during exercise and be dangerous.
- Try a yoga towel. This is a highly absorbent towel made of a special material with anti-slip knobs that will not slide on the mat and prevent you from slipping.
- You can buy yoga towels at some sports stores and most web shops that sell yoga supplies.
Air your mat regularly. Most people roll up their mat after every cleanup and practice session and keep it in a yoga bag or in a corner of the house or the yoga studio. Ideally, you air your mat regularly to remove sweat odors and moisture and to keep your mat smelling fresh.
- You can hang your mat on a clothes hanger or put it on a drying rack. Make sure to air out both sides of the mat, even if you only do your exercises on one side.
- Consider using your carrying strap only to transport the mat so that your mat can be thoroughly aired after each practice session.
- Store your mat in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. This also prevents the mat from wearing out and prevents it from becoming too moist, which can cause bacteria and fungi to grow in the mat.

Tips

Check the instructions on the mat packaging carefully to make sure that your mat can be washed according to the above methods.
Roll up your mat when not in use. A yoga mat can attract dirt and dust.
Consider using your own mat to practice at a yoga studio. If this is not possible, ask the studio how often the mats are cleaned. If someone has a cold or a contagious skin problem and uses a mat from the studio, you can get sick.
Buy a new mat if it continues to look dirty or if there are tiny cracks in the surface.