Your yoga mat picks up a lot of germs, dirt, and allergens from your skin and surroundings. That’s why it’s crucial to keep it clean as part of your exercise routine. Regularly wiping, thoroughly cleaning, and properly drying your mat helps keep it in good shape and safe to use.
Cleaning Closed-Cell Mats vs. Open-Cell Mats
Yoga mats are made from materials called either closed cell or open cell. “Imagine a kitchen sponge: it soaks up water, so it’s open-cell. Open-cell mats grip well but also soak up sweat, collecting dirt and bacteria,” it is explained. “Closed-cell mats, on the other hand, don’t soak up moisture, making them cleaner and more durable.”
- Open-cell yoga mat materials: polyurethane and cork
- Closed-cell yoga mat materials: jade, natural rubber, PVC, EVA, and TPE
To check if your mat is open- or closed-cell, just sprinkle water on it, it is suggested. If the water soaks in, it’s open-cell. Open-cell mats are usually thicker than closed-cell ones.
How Often to Clean Your Yoga Mat
Experts suggest cleaning your open- or closed-cell yoga mat after each use to avoid sweat stains and gym smells. “Clean your mat with a mat cleaner after every practice,” it is advised. “Dry the mat with a clean cloth before rolling it up or using it again.” If you can (especially if you sweat a lot), it’s best to wipe the mat right after class instead of waiting until you’re home.
It’s suggested to give your mat a thorough cleaning once a week, although this can vary based on how often you use it.
How to Deep Clean Your Yoga Mat
When it’s time for your yoga mat’s weekly thorough cleaning, use these methods.
Use a Mat Spray
Here are the steps for deep cleaning your mat with an anti-bacterial spray:
- Spray enough so the mat looks wet.
- Leave it for one to two minutes.
- Scrub any dirty or stained spots with a clean cloth.
- Make sure the mat is dry before rolling it up.
Use Soap and Water
It’s advised against using cleaners that aren’t meant for yoga mats. However, one yoga therapist regularly cleans her mat using body soap and a sponge to remove grease, oils, and germs, washing it in the shower and then rinsing it. “Then I hang it up to dry over the shower curtain rod or outside on a chair or bench,” she says.
Other experts recommend soaking the mat in a bathtub and then rinsing it, but it’s warned that regular soaking can cause the mat’s materials to wear out faster. (A specific foam cleanser is recommended for open cell mats.)
How to Disinfect Your Yoga Mat
You should avoid using bleach on your yoga mat because the strong chemicals can damage it. Instead, use disinfectants made with natural ingredients, which are gentler. Only disinfect your mat if it might have been exposed to germs. For example, if you use your mat at a studio, disinfect both sides after class. If you’re practicing at home and no one is sick, you don’t need to disinfect your mat often.
Can You Put a Yoga Mat in the Washing Machine?
Experts generally advise against machine washing yoga mats, as they’re not made for this. “For closed-cell mats, machine washing doesn’t effectively clean them,” it is noted. “For open-cell mats, it causes them to soak up water without removing bacteria.” However, you should check your mat’s care instructions because some can be machine washed. If so, follow the specific guidelines for wash cycles and water temperatures.
How to Dry a Yoga Mat
Never put your yoga mat in the dryer. Instead, hang it up to dry on something like a towel bar or shower curtain rod inside. If you have an outdoor drying rack, hang your mat in a sunny place to let the sun’s UV rays help kill any leftover bacteria or viruses. Make sure your mat is completely dry before rolling it up; putting away a damp mat can lead to mold and mildew.