Whether you use your yoga mat regularly in class or at home for stretching a few times a week, it’s essential to clean it. Accumulating sweat, grime, and dust is inevitable and can cause damage to the mat. Understanding the proper cleaning method for your yoga mat is crucial. Remember, how and how often you clean it depends on your habits and mindset, the mat’s material, your usage frequency, and your sweat level during use. Therefore, various cleaning methods are available to suit different needs.
Facts to Know About Cleaning Your Yoga Mat
Yoga mats come in a variety of materials and can differ in price and size. How they should be cleaned depends largely on the type of material of the mat. Here’s what you need to know about yoga mats and how to clean them effectively.
- The process of cleaning your yoga mat will vary depending on the material it is made of. They can be made of various materials such as rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, foam and even cork.
- You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to cleaning your yoga mat so that you do not end up damaging the material.
- There is not a right or wrong way to keep your yoga mat clean, especially if you use a yoga studio. You can keep your mat clean by wiping your hands, feet, and mat as a part of your practice.
- If you just use your mat sometimes to do light stretches at home, you may not need to clean it as often as someone who uses it daily. However, if you constantly use your mat and get sweaty while doing so, you will need to clean your mat after each use. This is especially true if you are using your mat in a public studio. Keep in mind that you should clean both sides of the mat and make sure it is completely dry before you roll it up.
Steps to Take to Keep Your Yoga Mat Clean
There are many ways to keep your yoga mat clean. Whether you choose to clean it after every use or only when you get sweaty using it, you should know the proper practices when cleaning it. Here are a few:
- Use a towel on your mat:
You can simply lay a towel on your mat to keep sweat from reaching your yoga mat directly. Make sure you are using a moisture-wicking towel, so it absorbs sweat. Then simply wash the towel but do not use fabric softener when washing it.
- Use soap and water to clean your mat:
If you are unsure on how you should clean your mat, the best way is to use some soap and water. This will ensure that all dirt and grime is removed, and you will not need to use a disinfectant.
- Use a mat spray:
If you do not want to use soap and water, then you can use a mat spray to clean your yoga mat. You can also mix vinegar and water with some essential oil to clean it. Before making your own vinegar cleaner, make sure to check any recommendations from the brand you purchased the mat from as some companies do not recommend using this type of cleaner on their mats because it could cause damage.
- Be careful when using disinfectants:
Make sure you use disinfectants with caution as they can damage the surface of the yoga mat. You may also end up with an unpleasant odor on your mat. If you do decide to use a disinfectant, make sure that you check the directions for how long you can leave it on the surface of the mat for the best results.
- Deep clean via the washing machine or by soaking it in the tub:
If your yoga mat is machine washable, then you can put it in your washing machine to deep clean it. This is especially true if it is very grimy or odorous. Make sure to always use mild detergent and the gentle cycle. If you are looking for a machine washable mat, read the manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing it.
You can also soak your mat in a tub of warm water with a little bit of detergent. However, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, you may not be able to fully submerge it in water. You can also easily use a soapy sponge and clean both sides of the mat and then use your shower to fully rinse it.
- Make sure to fully dry it:
Whatever way you choose to clean your yoga mat, whether you use soap and water, wipe it with a mat spray, or deep clean it in your tub or washing machine, it is important to allow it to fully dry before you store it.
A great way to dry your mat is to drape it over a shower curtain bar. You can also use the sun to air dry it by putting it outside. However, make sure that you do not sun dry it longer than 30 minutes as it may damage your mat.
Professional Fitness Center Cleaning
If you regularly use a yoga mat for exercise, it is important to clean it often to remove sweat and grime and keep it in good, sanitary condition. The steps described above can help you effectively clean your yoga mat so you can use it for many years. However, entire fitness centers may need the help of professionals to keep them clean and sanitary.
Our professionals at Stratus Building Solutions offer a full range of commercial and janitorial cleaning services for businesses, including fitness center cleaning, in Palm Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. We have the right tools, equipment and methods to ensure your space gets cleaned to the highest standards of the industry. If you need fitness center cleaning or another type of commercial cleaning or janitorial cleaning services, give us a call at (561) 469-8795 to learn more.
