No matter how often you use your mat, it will become dirty, sweaty and sometimes even sticky over time. The direct consequence will be that your yoga practice will become a less pleasant experience! Cosmetics, oils, sweat and dirt can penetrate the mat surface and accelerate its deterioration. The same factors can also complicate the procedure due to an unwanted and dangerous slipperiness of the mat. By washing it regularly and taking care of it daily, you can extend its life and practice yoga on a safe and clean surface.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Washing the Yoga Mat
Step 1. Note when the mat needs to be washed
You should normally clean it thoroughly every two months or more often if you are not in the habit of caring for it regularly or if you practice yoga on a daily basis. In addition to extending the life of the mat, you will prevent it from giving off bad smells and exposing you to the risk of coming into contact with unwanted bacteria.
- If you do yoga on a daily basis, the advice is to wash it once a month, especially during the warmer months when you tend to sweat more.
- The dirtier the mat looks, the more likely it is that it will need to be washed.
- If the surface of your mat tends to flake or if you notice that parts of it stick to your clothes, consider buying a new one.
Step 2. Put the mat to soak
Use a solution of warm water and mild detergent, such as dish soap. Fill the bathtub and immerse it completely in the water for a few minutes. Soaking will help remove odors, dirt and oils trapped between the fibers.
- Dishwashing liquid or hypoallergenic laundry detergent are two of the best options for cleaning a yoga mat.
- Do not add too much detergent to hot water. The amount of soap should only be sufficient to guarantee the cleanliness of the mat. Too abundant a dose of detergent will risk making it slippery, complicating the execution of the asanas.
- Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of laundry or dish detergent to every 3 liters of warm water.
- Some sources suggest washing the yoga mat using vinegar. Be cautious though, as the vinegar may leave an unpleasant and persistent odor on the mat's surface, making your yoga practice less enjoyable as a result. Also, depending on the material your mat is made of, vinegar could affect its quality.
Step 3. Manually clean the surface using a soft cloth
After soaking it for a few minutes, use a soft cloth to wash both sides of the mat. Rub it thoroughly, focusing especially on the areas that come into contact with your hands and feet most frequently.
- The areas you use the most will be easily identified by a shade that differs slightly from that of the rest of the mat.
- Rub both sides of the mat very gently to avoid damaging it or scraping the surface.
- Even if you don't see bubbles forming from the soap, don't worry. Remember that too much detergent can make the surface slippery.
- Do not put it in the washing machine. It could significantly ruin its quality and make it almost impossible to use because it is too slippery.
Step 4. Rinse it off using clean water
Empty the tub you soaked it in and rinse the entire surface of the mat with clean running water. The water jet will favor a correct elimination of soap residues, minimizing the risk that the surface becomes slippery.
- Continue rinsing until the rinse water appears completely clean.
- If the rinse water remains cloudy for a long time, consider cleaning the mat surface again with the soft cloth.
Step 5. Remove excess water from the surface
Shake it to get rid of excess water, then spread it horizontally on a clean towel. Roll the two surfaces together to absorb as much water as possible.
- Do not wring it, otherwise it may tear, deform or wrinkle.
- For an even more effective result, you can walk on the rolled up mat and towel to help further drain excess water.
Step 6. Hang it up to dry
After removing the excess water, unroll the mat separating it from the towel. Hang it in the air until it is completely dry.
- You can hang it using a trouser hanger; in this case, however, it could remain marked where it is tightened by the pliers.
- If you have a clothesline, use it to arrange the mat on it so it can dry on both sides.
- Never put it in the dryer. Not only would it be damaged, it could cause a fire.
- You will only be able to use your mat again when it is completely dry. Press it lightly between your fingers to check for any residual moisture.
Part 2 of 2: Regular Maintenance
Step 1. Understand the importance of regularly taking care of your mat
Dirt, oils and sweat can quickly affect its quality and complicate yoga practice. Some simple precautions implemented after each use will allow you to extend its life and reduce the frequency of washing. If you practice yoga daily or several times a week, remember that it is important to properly clean and rewind the mat after each session.
Step 1. Wash your hands and feet before practice to make sure they are perfectly clean
Hands and feet, that is the parts of the body that tend to get dirty more easily, will be almost constantly in contact with the surface of the mat. Using the mat with clean skin will help extend its life and prevent bacteria on the skin from transferring to its surface.
- By washing your hands and feet you will also be sure to eliminate any residual oils or creams that could damage the surface of the mat and make it slippery.
- If you don't have the option to wash yourself with soap and water before practice, try using wet wipes that allow you to clean the palms of your hands and soles of your feet.
Step 2. Clean the mat
At the end of each yoga session, clean the surface with wet wipes (specific ones also exist) or with a cloth dipped in a mild soap and water solution. Let it dry, then roll it up for next use. This simple trick will allow you to keep the mat clean and free of sweat, residues and oils, extending its duration over time.
- In sporting goods stores and on the web, you can buy wipes specially designed for cleaning yoga mats after use.
- If you decide to clean the mat with wet wipes, opt for a "delicate" version of the chosen product, suitable for sensitive skin and completely soap-free so as not to risk making the surface slippery.
- If you intend to use a cloth dipped in soapy water, do not overdo the amounts of soap or water. If necessary, remove any excess detergent from the surface of the mat to avoid slipping.
Step 3. Consider practicing yoga by placing a towel on the mat
If you tend to sweat a lot, do your sessions in a very hot environment or if you simply want to lay a layer between you and the mat, spread a towel on its surface. The spongy fabric will absorb excess moisture, promoting better balance and grip when performing the positions.
- A normal towel could move during practice, becoming dangerous.
- Try using a towel specially designed for yoga. This is a super absorbent towel with a special grip that will prevent both of you from slipping.
- You can purchase a yoga practice towel online or at well-stocked sporting goods stores.
Step 4. Regularly expose the mat to air
Most people tend to wrap it up after each use, then store it in a corner for the next practice. Ideally, the mat should be exposed to the air regularly to allow residual sweat and moisture from cleaning to evaporate, thus preventing the formation of unwelcome odors.
- You can hang it using a hanger or clothesline. The important thing is to allow the air to reach both sides of it, even if you only practice on one.
- If possible, roll up and insert the mat in its protective cover only when you need to transport it from one place to another, allowing it to remain normally exposed to the air.
- Store the mat in a cool, dry place away from sunlight; you will prevent it from being damaged and an excess of humidity causing the formation of fungi or bacteria.
Advice
- Read carefully the directions provided by the manufacturer of your mat to make sure it can be washed following the methods described here.
- When you're not using it, roll up the mat to keep it from attracting dust and dirt.
- If you are taking a yoga class, consider practicing on a mat you own. If this is not possible, find out how often the mats made available during the course are washed. If someone has a cold or suffers from some contagious skin condition, you could risk getting infected.
