5 Tips for Cleaning a Yoga Mat, According to a Fitness Expert

Have you ever questioned the cleanliness of your yoga mat mid-flow? There's nothing worse than getting a whiff of caked-in sweat or noticing a smudge or stain during downward dog. Read on for essential tips for effectively cleaning and maintaining your yoga mat. Yoga mats are a vital tool for practicing yoga and other fitness activities, but regular cleaning is necessary to ensure hygiene and extend the mat's lifespan. This article will cover various cleaning methods, suitable cleaning agents, and practical tips to keep yoga mats fresh, odor-free, and free from bacteria and dirt buildup.

Why You Should Clean Your Yoga Mat

Cleaning your yoga mat can prevent bacterial growth and extend the longevity of your mat. You should clean your yoga mat for many reasons, but it is crucial, especially if you bring it to the gym.

A study in Environmental Determinants of Infectious Disease Transmission found that public fitness centers and exercise facilities can spread bacterial infections - most frequently the bacteria responsible for staph infections. Even at home, however, bacteria will build up over time if you don’t clean your mat.

Choose a Cleaning Method Based on the Mat Material

There are two types of yoga mats: open-cell and closed-cell construction. Closed cell mats are non-porous and waterproof, making them much easier to clean. Unfortunately, the waterproof nature of these mats can cause them to become slippery when used.

Open cell mats are porous and absorb moisture, which helps to maintain traction but makes them more challenging to clean. When cleaning your mat, it is important to know which type of mat it is. If unsure, search for what is in the material: jute, cork, rubber, foam, etc.

You can soak some materials in water, and others shouldn’t. Check the table below for some basic information regarding common mat materials. A surface wipe with a disinfectant is enough for most materials, but you’ll want to read the label to know if the surface should be pre-cleaned.

• Cork: On its own, cork is very water-resistant. Workers use the bark of a cork oak tree to make cork. However, many cork products are composite material, which means it’s a mixture of cork and other materials. Most cork composite materials are also non-porous and water-resistant. This eco-friendly material is used frequently for more natural, plant-derived mats and yoga blocks.
• Rubber: Natural rubber is waterproof and should be easy to clean. Companies use the latex of a rubber or fig tree to make natural rubber. However, some are rubber foam, which is a composite material that can have varying properties.
• Foam: Many yoga mats are made from foam, but there are a large variety of foams available. This is where open-cell and closed-cell structures are important to pay attention to. As mentioned above, open-cell mats absorb moisture, and closed-cell mats repel moisture. Most foams have an open-cell structure, which feels porous and spongy.
• PVC: PVC, or vinyl, is a water-resistant material whose base components are largely chemically derived from salt and ethylene.
• Fabric: Fabric mats, also known as yoga rugs, can contain various materials, such as cotton, polyester, jute, and/or other fibers. Often, fabrics are a blend of more than one material. In this case, it is best to read the tag or the listing by the seller, which should have instructions and other considerations for washing.

Choose the Right Cleaning Solution

There are many types of cleaning solutions, including sprays, wipes, and traditional household cleaners. Please see the table below for different kinds of cleaners, materials they are safe to use on, and other considerations.

Clean Thoroughly by Following These Quick & Easy Steps

Step 1: Read the Label of Your Cleaning Product

If you need assistance choosing a cleaning solution, please reference the prior section. It is important to read the label of your cleaning product to ensure that you understand how to use it safely - for your health and the longevity of your yoga mat.

Some cleaning products will warn against using it on certain materials, which often means it would damage that material. Some cleaning products have other important considerations, such as a ‘wet time’ for proper disinfection of the surface.

Step 2: Pre-Clean the Yoga Mat

Some disinfectants can also clean a surface, while others require you to pre-clean the surface before disinfecting. If you are using a disinfectant that requires you to pre-clean the surface, you will need to clean your mat first.

This means removing the buildup of dirt and other visible particles. You can scrub most mats with a few drops of mild soap mixed with water, then rinse it off. Do this at least once a month and ensure your mat dries properly.

Step 3: Wear Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can help you avoid getting infections or becoming sick when cleaning exercise equipment. It can also protect from any possible chemical fumes and smells. The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) recommends at least wearing a mask and gloves.

Step 4: Disinfect the Yoga Mat

Using your chosen disinfectant, follow the directions on the label to disinfect the mat. Check the label for any necessary considerations, including the ‘wet time’ needed to disinfect the surface properly. Many disinfectants must be left on the mat, then wiped or rinsed off.

Check the product’s instructions for how long the disinfectant needs to sit. If you need to rinse the mat, hang it, and allow enough time to air dry. 

Dry and Store to Preserve Cleanliness

It is important to dry your mat properly because many molds, fungi, and bacteria thrive in dark, moist environments. Storing a damp mat or otherwise not allowing it to dry can cause unwelcome odors, athlete’s foot, plantar warts, staph infections, ringworm, or other unfavorable condition.

You can pat most yoga mats with a dry towel, then air dry in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the mat is spread out and hanging, such as over a railing, on a clothesline, or on a hanger. Avoid excessive sun or heat exposure, which can degrade the mat material. Store the mat in a clean, dry space.

Be Consistent with Your Daily Cleaning Habits

When using a yoga mat, it will collect dirt, sweat, skin particles, and bacteria over time. One way to preserve the longevity of your mat is to put a towel between you and your mat when you are using it. The towel will help keep the mat cleaner and provide extra grip.

After using your yoga mat, remove the towel and put it in the wash. It is also good practice to disinfect your mat with a disinfectant wipe after use. A common alternative to a disinfectant wipe is to spray a 1:3 vinegar water mixture with a splash of tea tree oil onto the mat, then wipe it off with a dry towel. Once a month, perform a deeper clean by thoroughly washing and disinfecting the mat.

Routine cleaning is necessary to maintain proper hygiene and extend the mat's lifespan. Cleaning and disinfecting yoga mats help to keep them free from bacteria and dirt buildup, which can cause unwelcome odors, bacterial infections, fungal infections, and more. A clean and well-maintained yoga mat enhances your practice and contributes to your overall well-being.