how to properly clean and care for your yoga mat

not all yoga mats are created the same. meaning that not all yoga mats can and should be cleaned the same way. so let's start by distinguishing between the different materials used to make yoga mats.

and yes, you do need to clean your yoga mat -- the fungi and bacteria that are responsible for athlete’s foot, plantar warts, staph infections, and ringworm, among others, are commonly found on yoga mats since they thrive in warm, dark, moist environments.

different options for yoga mats

most standard yoga mats are made of PVC, otherwise known as vinyl, mainly to help with the stickiness to the floor.

newer, more earth-friendly options include natural and recycled rubber, jute, and organic cotton or natural cotton (which means the fabric is not treated with synthetic finishes during manufacturing).

synthetic, semi-synthetic, and all natural materials react very differently to detergents so it's important that you choose the right agent to clean and wash your yoga mat.

you wouldn't wash your laminate floors with the same stuff or in the same manner you would wash your cotton shirts would you? 

best options for cleaning your yoga mat

the same material that gives yoga mats that soft, spongy feel, is the same material that will trap all your sweat, oil, and bacteria if your mat is not cleaned properly.

using soap and water to clean your yoga mat

probably the most convenient and common way people clean their yoga mat is using dish soap or laundry soap. while convenient and cost effective, the soap can really dry out the material in your yoga mat, and if not rinsed out properly, leave a sticky soap residue on your mat.

using vinegar and water to clean your yoga mat

using equal parts of water and white vinegar is definitely a natural way to clean your yoga mat, but the acid in the vinegar can break down certain types of yoga mats so make sure you know what material your mat is made from before using this solution.

throwing your yoga mat in the washing machine

guilty as charged. hey it was worth a try. unfortunately, even on the most gentle cycle, the repetitive rubbing will cause premature deterioration of your yoga mat, and if not dried properly, the yoga mat will always have a residue of soap post wash.

pure yoga mat antibacterial spray

using organic, natural essential oils to clean your yoga mat is by far the best option. here are just some of our favourite reasons:

• certain essential oils like tea tree oil, peppermint, pine, and niaouli have natural anti-bacterial and fungus properties
• once sprayed on the mat these essential oils will not only kill the bacteria, but will naturally evaporate and dry off at room temperature
• using pure essential oils to clean your yoga mat will also provide a protective anti-material environment on your mat, so the next time you sweat there is already a natural barrier in place
• using a mixture of natural essential oils and distilled water makes this solution safe for any type of yoga mat material

In addition to yoga mats, our pure antibacterial spray is great for other materials as well, like your slides, sandals, gloves, and workout gear.