How do I clean my yoga mat?
Not only is keeping your mat clean a good sanitary practice, but also is a great way to keep your mat "sticky" so you don't slip and loose use your grip. If you have been slipping on your mat, it's probably time to deep clean it.
There are a few different mat cleaning methods that vary depending on what kind of mat you have. The major yoga mat brands have there own instructions of how to clean them (See your mat's manufacturer's website. Here's a link to the most popular two mat companies, Manduka and Jade).
But what if you have a mat like the purple one shown in the photo above?
For a deep clean of your mat (again NOT Manduka or Jade), I recommend using a solution of a few drops Dr. Bronner's liquid soap (sold online and also at Whole Foods) and lots of water and scrub with a wash cloth (I perfer microfiber) either in the sink or bathtub. Rinse well and then use what I call "the roll and squeeze method" to speed up the drying process.You do this by taking a long clean and dry beach towel and lay it over the mat then roll up your mat and towel together tightly. Some of the water will be absorbed by the towel and because the mat acts like a sponge, I sometimes I walk on it for getting even more water out of the mat. Repeat as necessary, then hang it to dry. Now is a great time to use the DIY mat spray (see link below) -the vinegar in the spray will cut any soap residue.
Keeping it Clean
Protect your mat by using a mat bag when not in use. There is some really attractive and functional ones on the market or you could make your own! I've crocheted one in the past and I am planning to sew one in the future with a pattern I found at the fabric store.
Also in between deep cleanings, wipe down your mat by using a mat spray or make your own mat spray...
I use this spray on my beloved Manduka Eko mat. To be on the safe side, to not degrade my mat, I usually use 1/8 cup of vinegar (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar - the later recommended by Manduka), 7/8 cup of distilled water, and then add my essential oils I buy from my friend Rachael.
The great thing about this mat cleaner is the wonderful smell! It doesn't smell of vinegar as the ratio is much more water to vinegar and the essential oil makes it yummy and almost therapeutic to smell in child's pose.
Psst! ...You know what is super exciting?!... Rachael told me that she will provide a great discount for my readers on essential oils, so be sure to tell her that Jamie sent you. ;)
If you choose to use a different essential oil than that is in the recipe, please be aware that some essential oils can be irritating if you have sensitive skin (such as citrus or pepermint). We are wiping the mat after the spray and using just a few drops of oil so it may be a non-issue, but please do your own research and pay attention to you skin.
Keep your mat clean for a grippy-er and better smelling practice!!!
I would love to hear from you! Let me know in the comments below how this article helped you or what you do to keep you mat fresh.
Shanti (Peace) OM,
Jamie
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P.S. I dont get any compensation for any products that I write about. I just like to share my experiences and usually write about topics through questions from my students and from my readers like you. So if there is something that you would like me to cover, please let me know and I will consider it when I blog in future.
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