Cleaning yoga mat properly – how it works
Over time, the yoga mat becomes a constant companion in life. This is no wonder, after all, the mat provides valuable support. Due to their slip resistance, the exercises of yoga can always be performed smoothly and safely. However, to maintain this great support in the long term, the mat must also be well maintained. So cleaning the yoga mat is also part of the yogi duty.
How to clean my yoga mat
If the yoga mat is used regularly, it is not untypical that an unpleasant odor emanates from the mat over time. This is not surprising, as bacteria and dirt accumulate on the mat due to the many contacts with the skin and the strenuous and sweaty yoga exercises. The mat is almost constantly touched by the feet and hands of the trainee and sometimes even, as in the child’s pose, the face comes into contact with the mat.
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Cleaning yoga mat – First it’s the body’s turn
Especially those who often like to go barefoot in the summer risk bringing a lot of dust and dirt onto their yoga mat. To prevent this from happening, the feet and hands should already be washed properly before training. This is common among yogis on the one hand, on the other hand it feels comfortable and the mat stays clean longer.
How the yoga mat cleaning proceeds depends on the material
Cleaning the yoga mat, and doing it correctly, has a lot to do with what material the particular yoga mat is made of. Otherwise, there is a risk that well-intentioned care will do more harm than good to the mat.
For example, cleaning should never be done by immersion in water if the mat in question is made of rubber. Here too intensive cleaning is also not absolutely necessary, because through this the rubber of the mat becomes porous. Rubber yoga mats are best wiped gently with a damp cloth only.
For example, cleaning should never be done by immersion in water if the mat in question is made of rubber. Here too intensive cleaning is also not absolutely necessary, because through this the rubber of the mat becomes porous. Rubber yoga mats are best wiped gently with a damp cloth only.

If a more intensive cleaning is necessary, the mat can also be showered off. However, it should be noted that the mat is not soaked under water and no salts, oils or soaps are used. This is because it makes the mat slippery. If the yoga mat is very wet after cleaning, allow sufficient time for complete drying.
Basically, for cleaning the yoga mat, if they are made of cork, the same principle applies. These are generally known to be able to clean themselves. However, this does not work completely automatically. Ideal for cleaning this type of mat is also a damp cloth.
Much less sensitive are mats that are made of PVC. These can be cleaned with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. It is also possible to rub the mat with salt water. The two liquids have an additional disinfecting effect.
Basically, for cleaning the yoga mat, if they are made of cork, the same principle applies. These are generally known to be able to clean themselves. However, this does not work completely automatically. Ideal for cleaning this type of mat is also a damp cloth.
Much less sensitive are mats that are made of PVC. These can be cleaned with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. It is also possible to rub the mat with salt water. The two liquids have an additional disinfecting effect.
The sprays for yoga mats
In addition, a variety of sprays for yoga mats are available in stores. Of course, such a spray can also be made quite easily on their own. This is composed of the dearest essential oils and water. The ideal mixture is made by three parts of water, 30 drops of tea tree oil to obtain a disinfectant effect and between 20 and 30 drops of essential oil. The individual ingredients can be filled into a normal spray bottle, preferably made of glass. In addition, apple cider vinegar can be added to the water content if you do not want the yoga mat to smell too flowery.
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Subsequently, the prepared mixture is simply sprayed on the mat and left to act for a short time. Afterwards, the mat can be wiped with a tetherless, damp cloth or a firm paper towel. This type of cleaning may well be done after each workout on the mat. It is important that the mat is always completely dry before rolling up. If the mat is made of a porous and absorbent material, the disinfectant should not be applied directly to the yoga mat, but first to a cloth with which the mat is then wiped.
Cleaning yoga mat – The intensive cleaning
If you train on the mat every day and do not constantly buy a new model, spraying and wiping the mat is not enough in the long term. The yoga mat cleaning must then now and then also turn out a more intense. Of course, this does not mean putting the mat in the washing machine – although there are certainly mats that are suitable for yoga mat cleaning in the washing machine. The individual manufacturer’s recommendations should be observed here.
However, it is much gentler to clean the yoga mat by placing it in the bathtub or shower and rinsing it until the water runs clear. Then rub the yoga mat with a mixture of vinegar and warm water. This is followed by rinsing the mat again before drying it well over the tub or wrapping it in a large towel to squeeze any remaining water out of the mat. Once the mat is almost dry, it can be risen until no moisture is detected.
So, cleaning a yoga mat is not witchcraft, if the above points are taken into account.
However, it is much gentler to clean the yoga mat by placing it in the bathtub or shower and rinsing it until the water runs clear. Then rub the yoga mat with a mixture of vinegar and warm water. This is followed by rinsing the mat again before drying it well over the tub or wrapping it in a large towel to squeeze any remaining water out of the mat. Once the mat is almost dry, it can be risen until no moisture is detected.
So, cleaning a yoga mat is not witchcraft, if the above points are taken into account.