How to clean your yoga mat

If you exercise at home, or go to a yoga studio, you probably have a mat. Have you ever washed it?

I'm not going to judge you if you've never done it before. I think it's much more common than we might think. Cleaning them isn't difficult, but it can be a little confusing.

Now that I'm exercising at home every day, as I mentioned in this post , cleaning my yoga mat seems really important. Mainly because I don't want to put my face on a dirty mat, but also because mats can start to smell (like a gym with no ventilation) and become slippery, which is a problem if you do yoga.

I'm giving you 3 cleaning methods, so you can decide which one works best for you.

1- With a cloth: You can clean your mat with a cloth using a mat cleaning solution. Basically, spray the solution onto the mat and use a cloth to gently rub it, especially in areas where there might be more sweat. You can do this after every exercise or yoga session if you sweat a lot, but if your practice is gentler, you can do it once a week.

2- By hand: Using a mild dishwashing gel—for example, those from the Biobel brand—and cold or lukewarm water, you can wash your mat with a soft sponge. The hardest part might be finding the space to do it. The bathtub can provide the space to clean it carefully. You can do this once a week, or once a month, depending on your routine.

3- In the washing machine: Although not all, many yoga mats—even foam ones—can be washed in the washing machine. To do so, I recommend first making sure your mat is machine washable, washing it separately with a little white vinegar and cold or lukewarm water, never hot. To dry it, let it air dry. This method is for a deep clean; do it when the mat needs it, or if it has started to smell.

Some tips for caring for your mat:

- If your mat is made of rubber, it's best not to use cleaners that contain essential oils, as they could damage it or make it slippery.

- If you sweat a lot, or prefer to be able to thoroughly clean the mat often, consider using a non-slip towel to cover your mat, and washing it after each use.

- Always let the mat dry completely before rolling it up and storing it.

- Do not leave the mat in the sun, as the sun can discolor it and/or damage its structure.

If your mat has become slippery, you can clean it in the washing machine with vinegar as explained above, or make a spray with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. Mats become slippery due to a buildup of grease and/or oils from lotions and our own, so avoid applying moisturizers right before your practice.