Yoga beginner, are you looking for how to clean a yoga mat? You don’t know how to clean a mat as a yoga beginner. In this blog, we will discuss how to clean a yoga mat naturally. Some of us spend several hours a week on our yoga mats. We work very hard to develop our posture so, that we may do asanas with grace and elegance. When we’re done, we roll our mat and go on to the next scheduled activity. We don’t think about cleaning our mat.
Yoga mats absorb body oils, lotions, sweat, and other debris. Additionally, they collect microbes from the subsurface. The mats release a foul odor quickly, and the more individuals who use the same mat, the worse it gets. Keeping a clean mat is both easy and crucial. Yoga mats are simple to clean and sanitize in many ways.
These are ten easy at-home yoga mat cleaning techniques.
Before carrying out any of the following methods, be sure they won’t harm your yoga mat by performing a patch test. These are effective and safe methods to keep your yoga mat from being damaged by unfavorable moisture conditions. Additionally, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
1. Texture Towels
We should wash our mat in warm water with a microfiber towel diaper as soon as a session is over. Microfiber towels quickly absorb sweat and moisture from the yoga mat. To use microfiber towels to clean the mat, soak them in warm water first, then rinse and gently wipe. Before rolling up the mat, remember to let it air dry.
2. Lemons
Lemon acid is a great cleanser for yoga mats and has antibacterial qualities. To clean your mat, just dilute some lemon juice in a cup of water. The citrus aroma on the carpet will be invigorating and revitalizing.
3. Oil of Lavender & Tea Tree
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal qualities. Lavender oil has a calming, serene scent. Pour one cup of water, two to four drops of tea tree oil, and two drops of lavender oil into a spray bottle. Shake the mat well to ensure that the spray is distributed equally. After gently wiping it off with a damp towel, let it air dry.
4. Distinctive Soap
Castile soap is a non-toxic cleanser that may be used to clean yoga mats and remove dirt and stains. Measure out one teaspoon of liquid castile soap and add it to 500 milliliters of water. Once well combined, evenly spray the mixture onto the yoga mat. Let it soak for five to ten minutes, then give it a quick water rinse and towel dry.
5. Baking Soda
As a natural disinfectant, baking soda will get rid of bacteria from yoga mats. Mix one cup of water with one teaspoon of baking soda, stirring well. After evenly misting the mat, let the mixture soak for five minutes. Using a moist towel, remove the baking soda solution from the mat and allow it to air dry.
6. Witch Hazel
One natural stain remover is witch hazel. If there are sweat stains or grime on the yoga mat, mist it with a solution of half a cup of water and two teaspoons of witch hazel. The residue may be removed using a microfiber cloth. The yoga mat will be left looking neat and tidy.
7. Saltwater
Salt draws out moisture and gets rid of germs and fungus. To 500 milliliters of distilled water, add four spoons of salt. Thoroughly combine, mist the yoga mat, and let it sit for fifteen minutes. After that, use a damp cloth to clean it and let it air dry.
8. Orange Essential Oil & Eucalyptus Oil
Orange essential oil possesses antibacterial and antifungal qualities. In addition to being a natural deodorant, eucalyptus oil has antibacterial properties. Simply mist the mat with half a cup of water diluted with five drops each of eucalyptus and orange essential oils, then let it air dry. The aroma of the essential oils will leave your mat feeling clean and invigorating.
9. Vinegar
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. To hide the vinegar’s odor, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Give the mixture a good shake, then liberally mist the mat. After giving it a quick towel wipedown, let it air dry.
10. Wipes
Use baby wipes if creating your solution seems too labor-intensive. They assist in getting rid of dirt stains and dangerous microorganisms. Use wipes made particularly for sports equipment if the mat is used frequently. Wipe the mat off gently on both sides, then set it outside to dry. The mat will smell fresh thanks to the wipes.
A Few More Tips:
- To keep your mat free of bacteria and germs, clean it once a week.
- Keep your shoes off of your mat. Before walking onto the yoga mat, try to walk barefoot and wash your hands and feet.
- Before walking on your mat, cover it with a towel.
- Your mat shouldn’t be dried in the sun.
- Avoid using a washing machine to clean your mat. Your yoga mat’s rubber might split as a result.
Exercise routines are not as vital as knowing how to clean a yoga mat. Nothing is worse than sniffing your mat when you’re in the downward dog posture. In all honesty, your yoga mat may behave as a magnet for bacteria, holding onto germs even in the absence of any obvious filth or smell.
You should immediately give your mat a fast scrub if you aren’t cleaning it regularly. But don’t worry, you probably already have all the things on hand, and cleaning your yoga mat is a simple process. Here’s how to work safely and get rid of unwanted bacteria from your yoga mat without using chemicals.
How Often Should I Clean a Yoga Mat?
It is recommended that you clean your yoga mat once a week, particularly if you practice yoga regularly. Yoga mats are particularly vulnerable to the spread of viruses and fungus in common environments, such as gyms, where they are often used.
Clean your mat after each use if you have a history of fungal infections or skin issues. To make cleaning your mat easier every day, you might choose to combine a natural cleaning solution in a spray bottle and use it directly after your workout.
Before You Get Started, Consider Points
Check the care recommendations provided by the manufacturer before washing your yoga mat. Yoga mats are made of different materials and have different levels of absorbency. Vinyl, rubber (natural and recycled), and cotton (synthetic or organic) are common materials for yoga mats.
Although the textures and comfort levels of each material vary, they can all be cleaned in a similar way using soap and water. When cleaning organic materials, you might want to change the cleaning solutions you use, so always refer to your mat’s care instructions.
Although it may be alluring to grab a strong chemical-filled wipe or disinfectant spray, the best way to clean a yoga mat is natural, as chemicals can deteriorate the mat’s fabric. Additionally, keep in mind that the mat will likely be directly in contact with your skin and face. In addition to causing respiratory irritations, the chemicals may induce skin irritations if your mat absorbs them.
How to Use Vinegar to Clean a Yoga Mat
To regularly clean your yoga mat using natural materials, follow these instructions.
What You Require
- Water
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle empty
- Oil of tea tree (optional)
- Supple fabric
Step 1: Create a Cleaning Solution
In a clean spray container, mix equal parts water and vinegar (which fights odors and has anti-microbial qualities). Pour in a few drops of tea tree oil, which is another organic antimicrobial and has a cooling effect. Shake well to combine.
Step 2: Mop and Wipe
- Inside, place your yoga mat on a level surface.
- Give your homemade cleaning solution a thorough spray, paying special attention to any obvious unclean areas.
- Give the mixture ten to fifteen minutes to settle. If you give the vinegar some time to work, its disinfecting abilities will be at their peak.
- Using a soft cloth, scrub the mat in a circular manner from top to bottom.
- Turn it over, then proceed with the opposite side.
Step 3: Allow to Air Dry
To allow the mat to dry on all sides without retaining moisture beneath, hang it. (A wise location is above your shower door or rod.) Before folding it up, make sure it’s entirely dry because a wet yoga mat might harbor bacteria.
Hanging your yoga mat outside may seem like a fantastic idea, but it can dry up the foam, giving it a strange, crumbly appearance.
How to Use Soap or Detergent to Deep Clean a Yoga Mat
Rather than wiping or spot-cleaning a very filthy yoga mat, immerse it completely in warm water in the bathtub to give it a thorough washing. Make sure your yoga mat can get wet before proceeding.
What You Require
- Bathtub or big sink
- Diligent washing detergent or dish soap
- Spongy
- A bulky item (that can get wet)
Step 1: First, Fill the Tub
Fill a big sink or bathtub with water, then stir in one tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent or mild dish soap. Enough liquid should be used to completely submerge the yoga mat.
Step 2: Clean and Absorb
Holding the mat under water, use a sponge to scrub the dirty areas. To keep the mat immersed, place something heavy on it (such as a shampoo bottle). Give it ten to fifteen minutes to soak.
Step 3: Vacuum and Tumble
After emptying the tub of its soapy water, thoroughly wash the mat with new water. To let it air dry, hang it on the shower rod or over the tub’s edge. Make sure it is totally dry before putting it away or using it.
How to Continue Cleaning Your Yoga Mat
When practicing, the best way to prolong the life of a yoga mat’s cleanliness is to cover it with a towel. To keep your mat clean in between cleanings, do this.
- Every time you practice, place the mat on the same side.
- Tassel the exposed side with a towel to absorb perspiration and oil from your body.
- Place the yoga mat and your training clothing in the washing machine after each practice.
Maintenance Guideline
Additionally, keep your yoga mat clean according to the following guidelines:
- Frequently clean. Although you don’t need to spritz and clean your yoga mat after every practice, you can if you sweat a lot, have a history of skin conditions, or are ill. If not, the weekly cleaning that is advised will be adequate.
- Make sure the mat is always dry. It is not advisable to store your yoga mat wet, as this might lead to the growth of mildew and germs. It is best to allow the yoga mat to air dry entirely before rolling and storing it, regardless of moisture or perspiration.
- Keep in a suitable storage. When storing your yoga mat, think about hanging it to allow the mat to air dry completely and avoid curled corners. In a well-ventilated area, you may also roll it up and stand it upright on one side. (A multi-yoga mat storage solution is a woven basket.)
Conclusion
When you are doing yoga regularly and using the yoga equipment regularly, especially the yoga mat, you need to clean your yoga mat and all other yoga equipment. It is important to use a yoga mat regularly to wash it out; maintaining the quality of the mat is also important by using the authentic method. So clean the yoga mat by using the right method. For any questions or confusion, you can contact us.
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