Spring Cleaning for Your Yoga Mat
Every now and then, I want to give my mat a full cleaning by putting it through the washing machine. (Check your mat’s cleaning directions before using this method, as some mats may not be able to survive a washing machine cycle.) I use cold water and about a cup of white distilled vinegar. The load balances better if you can wash two mats at a time, so maybe borrow a friend’s mat to wash! Afterwards, hang your mat to dry. The drying process can take a while. Be aware that your mat will be out of commission for several hours after washing.
A quicker cleaning method is to make a mat spray. You’ll need equal parts white distilled vinegar and water, a small spray bottle, and essential oils to add scent. I keep a mat spray on hand so that I can (hopefully remember to) clean my mat at least once a week, which works out to once every 10 classes. I spray it down and allow the mat to air dry. You can clean more or less often, depending on how stinky/sweaty/slippery your mat gets.
I’ve also seen yoga mat wipes. One of my students swears by them and uses them at the end of each class. Experiment with a few methods and see what leaves your mat the freshest.
Happy spring cleaning!