How Often and How To Clean Your Yoga Mat

Yoga mats are awesome and provide comfort we need when doing floor work. But have you ever got too close to your mat and smelled something a bit off? Chances are you need to desperately give that bad boy a good clean!

With regular use, an accumulation of dirt, oil and sweat will end up covering our mat – and yet how many of us simply roll up our mats, peace out and carry on with our day? Eeewww!! If this sounds like you, then it’s time to change your ways and get cleaning!

DO:

Use a natural solution that is water-based, all purpose cleaner.

Something we like to use is 50/50 water and white vinegar, which naturally disinfects.

Simply spray the mixture onto your mat and wipe it down with a damp towel. Use less water – this is the secret!

Tea tree oil and other essential oils like lavender or lemon can be nice additions, but always remember to dilute heavily in your water/vinegar solution so the oils don’t eat away at your mat.

DON’T:

Wash your mat with loads of soap or soak your mat. It’s actually much better to use less water for cleaning so the mat doesn’t become waterlogged.

DO:

Use yoga mat wipes if you’re in a rush (or just plain old lazy) these will disinfect and keep your mat nice and clean!

DON’T:

Leave your mat out in the sun to dry all day. It’s a great way to dry your sheets and clothes, but a long lay out in the sun could dry your yoga mat out and cause it to crumble.

If you use a small amount of water and wipe your mat down you won’t need to let it air dry for too long.

How often should you clean your mat? Well in an ideal world, giving your mat a quick spray after every session would be ideal, but if that’s not feasible, once a week is a good rule of thumb.

My MB Active range has several different Yoga and Fitness Mats available, they’re available exclusively at BIG W, both online and in-store – pick one up today!

Mish Xx