How to Clean a Yoga Mat: Easy Ways to Keep It Fresh and Hygienic

Are you into yoga? Honestly, it is a good practice to start the day. If you do it every twenty to thirty minutes a few times a week, it will help your body become more flexible. It uses your body weight to strengthen your muscles and improve balance.

People do yoga on specific yoga mats. This is a good approach because these mats offer better grip and also a dedicated space for yoga. You already know these things if you have a yoga mat. 

But one thing: yoga mats often collect sweat, skin oils, and surrounding dust. A common mistake is that people try to clean every type of mat with the same methods. They have to understand that the method of cleaning one mat can damage the other.

In this guide, we will learn how to clean a yoga mat. Explore the types of materials of yoga mats and find the best solution for your yoga mat.

How to Clean a Yoga Mat

There are some cleaning methods to deep clean your yoga mat at home. You can make a homemade yoga mat cleaner and disinfect the mat using it. All yoga mats are of different types, so every mat has a specific cleaning method. So consider identifying the type of your mat before going with a random cleaning method for your yoga mat.

Understanding The Material of a Yoga Mat

As we discussed, yoga mats are of different types. So, if you are looking for yoga mat cleaning tips, you must understand the type of your mat first, right? Well then, let's break it down:

PVC Yoga Mats 

PVC mats are usually easy to clean. This is because they have a closed-cell surface and they don't allow water or sweat to penetrate. These mats are the most durable and can be wiped with a damp cloth and a suitable cleaner.

TPE Yoga Mats 

You can say TPE is an advanced form of PVC. It has a closed-cell surface too, but it is usually softer and lighter than a PVC mat. Just like Nokia phones have more durability than today's smartphones, TPE is also less durable than a PVC mat. Please consider avoiding strong chemicals on it.

Natural Rubber Yoga Mats

A very common type is natural rubber mats. They are famous for their good grip. One thing is that they have an open-cell surface, so moisture can get into the mat. You can consider following the manufacturer's guidelines and selecting a suitable cleaner to clean the rubber yoga mat.

PU Yoga Mats

Polyurethane (PU) mats are the premium quality yoga mats in Dubai. They offer a smooth surface and a strong grip. However, you have to be more careful when cleaning polyurethane mats. The best approach is to wipe gently with a suitable cleaner. One more thing: avoid rough brushes and harsh chemicals.

Cork Yoga Mats

Cork mats are made of cork oak bark on top, with a rubber or TPE underneath. This yoga mat feels more natural to do yoga on. You can wipe it with water or a suitable cleaner like a PVC mat, but avoid soaking the whole mat. Wood can deform or swell because of moisture exposure.

Cotton, Jute, and Other Fabric Mats

Cotton and jute are natural plant fibers for yoga mats. Cotton is softer and absorbent, while jute is rougher and stronger. The mats are made by weaving these fibers. As they are more natural, their cleaning method is also different from that of other mats. You can check their label and get proper instructions.

Note: Machine washing is suitable for a cotton mat but can damage the PU mat in the worst way. Always consider checking the type of the yoga mat on its tag. Also, clean the mat in its recommended way of cleaning. No one will want to destroy their dedicated yoga space.

Cleaning vs Disinfection of Yoga Mat

Firstly, cleaning and disinfection are not the same. Cleaning refers to wiping away dust, like a surface-level cleaning. Disinfection is using a liquid to kill the unseen germs on the yoga mat. You can say that mat cleaning is regular cleaning, and disinfection is like a deep cleaning services that you can do yourself. So, ‘disinfect’ or ‘sanitize exercise mat’ would be a perfect term. You can get better information from the following table for a proper understanding:

Thinking about “Is a yoga mat necessary?” You can explore this Reddit conversation to figure out if you need one or not.

Useful Cleaning Tips for a Yoga Mat

Cleaning tips can be helpful when it comes to disinfecting a yoga mat at home. Firstly, they are free to do and save us from costly cleaning. Secondly, they help us to maintain our mat so that it won’t be damaged. You can definitely rely on these cleaning tips to deep clean a yoga mat:

• Do not soak the mat: Soaking a yoga mat in water can damage the materials, as we discussed. Normal wiping can be a good choice.
• Avoid direct harsh sunlight: PU mats are sensitive to sunlight exposure. You can extend their lifespan by avoiding this.
• Clean both sides: Do not just clean the upper side. Sweat and moisture can be absorbed into the lower side too. 
• Keep it away from dirty floors: People prefer doing yoga on their lawns. This is a good approach, but consider keeping your mat away from the dirt.
• Wash it according to its material: Consider gaining information about the type of material first. This will be helpful for you to choose a suitable method to clean your yoga mat.

People often go for yoga classes or beach yoga sessions. If you are planning to do this too, then you can explore our guide on the best yoga spots. Also, please get your yoga mat cleaned before using it at home.

Keep Your Yoga Space Clean and Fresh 

We hope you got the answer to 'How to clean a yoga mat.' This guide is provided by DubaiClean, the best deep cleaning company in Dubai. We provide deep cleaning services, including gym deep cleaning and office and home cleaning and disinfection. If you ever need a cleaning service for your home, office, or villa, never hesitate. Contact us now.

Conclusion

Yoga is a good practice for both body and mind. It refreshes you, strengthens your muscles, and eases you from stress. People prefer doing yoga on their specific mats. These yoga mats often collect sweat, moisture, or dust. In gyms, owners hire gym deep cleaning services for a complete refresh. But for homes, people search for ‘homemade yoga mat cleaner’ to clean their mats. As we discussed, all mats are of different types, so it is necessary to clean the mats according to their specific methods. We hope this guide helped you get your answer along with useful information.

FAQs

Is it necessary to sanitize an exercise mat after every workout?

Not always. If it is your personal mat, wiping away sweat after each workout may be enough. Sanitize an exercise mat more often after shared use.

What should I use to disinfect a yoga mat at home?

You can disinfect a yoga mat at home, but first check its care instructions. Some materials can react badly to strong disinfectants or alcohol-based products.

Can I use soap and water to clean a rubber yoga mat?

A little mild soap with water can work for some mats. To clean a rubber yoga mat safely, check the manufacturer’s care instructions first.

When is it time to deep clean a yoga mat?

If regular wiping is no longer removing sweat, dirt, or a sticky feeling, it may be time to deep clean a yoga mat.

What is the easiest way to remove odor from a yoga mat?

Start by cleaning away sweat and body oils. To remove odor from a yoga mat, leave it completely unrolled and let it air dry before storing.