Our yoga mats are exposed to a lot: sweat, dirt, germs, and various bodily fluids. And so as you can imagine, your yoga mat is ripe for a cleaning.
Despite using it almost daily, most people show their yoga mats little love, by not cleaning them often enough. But just as you wash your yoga clothes on a regular basis, you need to clean your yoga mat.
When it is yoga mat-cleaning time, you might already have everything you need in your kitchen. While it is very important to keep our yoga mats clean, you can use natural methods and simple ingredients (such as vinegar or soap) to clean your yoga mat, remove any stains, and leave it clean and pleasantly scented and ready for your next yoga practice.
Are you wondering how to clean your yoga mat naturally?
To clean a yoga mat naturally, one method is to mix up a solution of 1/2 part water and 1/2 part white vinegar. Spray a damp cloth with this solution and begin to clean your yoga mat by simply wiping in the solution. When done, repeat on the other side of your mat and allow to air dry naturally.
As a side note, I wrote an article titled How To Clean a Yoga Mat The Right Way. Be sure to check it out!
The Benefits of a Clean Yoga Mat
It’s normal to forget about cleaning our yoga mats. But regular maintenance will help it last longer. And since you made the investment to purchase a yoga mat, take the time and initiative to keep it for a very long time by cleaning it regularly.
Dirty yoga mats harbor bacteria, collect dead skin cells, and may even cause infections.
How Often Should You Clean Your Yoga Mat?
How often do you practice? How much do you sweat during your practice? Those questions will determine how frequently you should clean your yoga mat. For more information, check out my article: This Is Really How Often To Clean A Yoga Mat
Using Vinegar to Clean
Vinegar cleans and deodorizes and even has some disinfectant properties. Its main ingredient, acetic acid helps break down dirt and is also strong enough to kill some household pathogens. And so no wonder vinegar is the main ingredient recommended in DIY cleaners.
All you need to clean your yoga mat using this method is a clean spray bottle, a cloth, tap water, and a bottle of distilled white vinegar.
Step 1: Fill the spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar.
Step 2: Wet a clean cloth and make sure your remove most of the moisture.
Step 3: Spray the cloth with a generous amount of the water/vinegar solution.
Step 4: Wipe down the entire surface. Repeat if you notice any stubborn stains.
Step 5: Turn your mat over and repeat this process on the other side.
Step 6: Either line dry outside (but out of the direct sun) or hang over a chair.
It doesn’t take a lot of work to keep your yoga mat clean. Do this after every sweaty practice and it will help keep your favorite yoga mat in better shape.
Cleaning With Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is one of those products you may already have somewhere in your medicine cabinet. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s commonly used in skincare and can be used as a cleanser or a toner.
And so when looking for how to clean a yoga mat naturally I came across several people recommending the use of Witch Hazel for cleaning a yoga mat. For example, Yoga with Adriene shared a video of her preparing her favorite DIY yoga mat cleaner, and what was one of the ingredients? Well, you perhaps guessed it, Witch Hazel!
However, one thing to point out is that Witch Hazel is not a disinfectant. So keep this in mind if you are using it to clean your mat.
All you need for method is a clean spray bottle, a cloth, tap water, and a bottle of Witch Hazel.
Step 1: Fill the spray bottle with 3 parts water and 1 part Witch Hazel.
Step 2: Wet a clean cloth and make sure your remove most of the moisture.
Step 3: Spray the cloth with a generous amount of the water/Witch Hazel solution.
Step 4: Wipe down the entire surface. Repeat if you notice any stubborn stains.
Step 5: Turn your mat over and repeat this process on the other side.
Step 6: Either line dry outside (but out of the direct sun) or hang over a chair.
Of course, you can add essential oils to this solution as I will explain below.
Cleaning With Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most commonly used homemade cleaners. Its added advantage is that it is great as a deodorizer, as it is able to neutralize the acids that cause bad smells.
Excellent news when it comes to smelly yoga mats.
As Live Science pointed out: “baking soda dissolves organic compounds like dirt, grease and other sticky ickies”. And so no wonder it’s used in many homemade cleaners and can also be used to clean yoga mats naturally.
All you need using this method is a spray bottle, a cloth, tap water, and Baking soda.
Step 1: Fill the spray bottle with water and add 1 teaspoon Baking soda.
Step 2: Wet a clean cloth and make sure your remove most of the moisture.
Step 3: Spray the cloth with a generous amount of the water/baking soda solution.
Step 4: Wipe down the entire surface. Repeat if you notice any stubborn stains.
Step 5: Turn your mat over and repeat this process on the other side.
Step 6: Either line dry outside (but out of the direct sun) or hang over a chair.
This is actually the method I was recommended by Liforme when I asked how to deep clean my Liforme mat.
Using Essential Oils
Some essential oils, like tea tree oil, may have antimicrobial properties. They are thought to disrupt the cell membranes of viruses and bacteria, and that is why essential oils are commonly used in DIY cleaners.
According to Healthline:
- Tea tree oil is considered to have “antiviral properties, as well as antifungal and antiseptic properties”
- Lemongrass oil has antibacterial properties.
You could add 5 drops of each or 5 drops of tea tree AND 5 drops of lemongrass to your vinegar or witch hazel mix.
And so these are two types of essential oils that you could add to your vinegar or witch hazel cleaner. Two things to point out are:
- Dilute essential oils to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
- Never use essential oils on rubbber yoga mats, such as Jade and B Yoga.
Cleaning With Soap
According to WebMD, if you want to remove dirt and grime and get rid of some germs, then simply clean with soap and hot water.
And so it’s no wonder that Liforme, B Yoga, and Sugaramat all recommend using soap and water to clean your yoga mat.
Of course, keep in mind that soap and water can kill some germs, not all. If you want to disinfect your mat, this will not be enough.
All you need using this method is a spray bottle, a cloth, tap water, and mild soap.
Step 1: Fill a small basin with 3 parts water and 1 part mild soap.
Step 2: Dip a clean cloth into this solution and make sure you remove most of the moisture.
Step 3: Wipe down the entire surface. Repeat if you notice any stubborn stains.
Step 4: Turn your mat over and repeat this process on the other side.
Step 5: Either line dry outside (but out of the direct sun) or hang over a chair.
This is actually the method I was recommended by B Yoga when I asked how to deep clean my mat.
Cleaning with Brand Specific Cleaning Spray
If you don’t want to make your own DIY yoga cleaner, you can also always buy brand-specific natural cleaners. However, it is important to know what you’re looking for. I have a complete guide of the best yoga mat sprays.
However for a brief overview, here are my favorites:
1. Manduka Yoga Mat Wash and Refresh
It’s probably no surprise to see this brand on my list. My Manduka Pro has been my main yoga mat for the past 11 years— and so their cleaner was sure to not disappoint. This 100% Natural Essential Oil Yoga Mat Cleaning Spray can be used after every practice. It not only leaves your mat smelling fresh but it also helps remove any dirt and stains. Check it out here.
2. Manduka Botanical Disinfectant Cleaner
Another Manduka spray, this one is a disinfectant cleaner (not to be used on rubber mats). Wipe down your mat with a damp cloth and then spray this disinfectant cleaner. If you want to give your mat a deeper clean, leave for 10 minutes before wiping it off. Check it out here.
3. Jade Plant-Based Mat Wash
And now a mat cleaner specifically created for rubber mats. As the Jade website says: “plant-based mat wash is made especially for natural rubber yoga mats and contains white thyme, oregano, and eucalyptus essential oils which not only clean your mat but contain anti-oxidants that help extend the life of your mat.”
Tips to Clean Your Yoga Mat Naturally
Here are a few tips that should help the process just that much more effective.
- Wet the cloth you are going to use and then spray it with cleaner, rather than spryaing the mat first with the cleaner and wiping with a dty cloth.
- If you have a PVC yoga mat such as a Manudka Pro, you can clean it first with water and soap and then use the Manduka plant based disinfectant.
- Try not to use too much water or spray when cleaning your mat, and always give it enough time to dry it thoroughly. If you don’t the moisture that remains may create a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria.
Conclusion
Natural cleaning products can be as effective as chemicals in some cases. Find the method that you feel comfortable with, and if it cleans your mat well enough, keep up with a regular routine!
Related Questions
Can I use white vinegar to clean yoga mat?
Yes you can use white vinegar to clean a yoga mat. Most DIY yoga mat cleaners use white vinegar as it helps to breaks down dirt and soil. You can also add some drops of essential oils, such as tea tree oil as it has antifungal and antiseptic properties.
Can I use baking soda to clean my yoga mat?
Yes you can use baking soda to clean a yoga mat. The added benefit of baking soda is that it will help deodorize a smelly yoga mat. Mix up a solution of water and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Wet a damp cloth with this solution and begin to clean your yoga mat by simply wiping in the solution.
Does vinegar disinfect yoga mat?
As a general rule, vinegar is not able to disinfect a yoga mat. Vinegar is about 5% acetic acid, and this makes it able to break down the structure of some dirt and bacteria, making it great at cleaning a yoga mat. However, vinegar is not effective at disinfecting yoga mats.
