Yoga mats are an important part of your yoga practice. They support you and separate you from the ground. They are soft places for your body to rest while you practice yoga. They can even be a source of comfort and reassurance when trying out a new class or studio for the first time.
Yoga mats are form-fitting and can reveal a lot. Your favorite colour, your favorite phrase or the Sanskrit symbol that speaks to you. But the look of your yoga mat can reveal something else: How often you clean it.
Just like cleaning your body and clothes after yoga, it’s important to clean your mat. Yoga studios are usually heated, so your mat will stay damp and sweaty after class. These conditions, combined with dirt on the floor and bare feet and hands, make yoga mats the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Fungus, bacteria, viruses, and mold can all collect on dirty upholstery. These microorganisms can cause skin infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, plantar warts, and staph infections. oops! But don’t throw away your mat and swear by practicing in socks and gloves. A quick clean after every workout and a monthly deep clean will keep your mat fresh and germ-free.
Cleaning mats is easy, and there are many options. Organic cleaners? towel? Disinfectant? DIY? This guide will help you decide which cleaner is best for you and your mats.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Cleaning and Disinfection
Germs are a big problem these days, whether you’re practicing outdoors, at home, or in a studio. How do you make sure you keep your mats clean without exposing your skin to harsh chemicals?
First, understand the difference between cleaning and sanitizing. Cleaning removes dirt, sweat and bacteria from your yoga mat. Disinfection kills bacteria on the mat. Taking care of your mat means doing both of these things on a regular basis. Disinfect after each use and thoroughly clean once a month. If you take heated or outdoor classes, thoroughly clean your mat more frequently.
You can use Clorox wipes or a household disinfectant like Lysol on some types of synthetic pads. Tea tree oil, vinegar, and witch hazel are good alternatives to harsher disinfectants. They won’t harm your mat or irritate your skin.
What’s safe for your mat?
What’s safe for your mat?
Do your research to find out which products are safe for your yoga mat. Using the wrong product (or too much) can leave odors and residue, or make the mat slippery. Scrubbing vigorously will cause the mat to lose its natural sticky surface. It’s never fun to inhale chemical smells or slide off the mat during child pose.
Get to know your mat and know what it’s made of. According to different materials, yoga mats are divided into open cell type or closed cell type. Open cell means the material is porous and can absorb liquid and sweat. Closed cell pads are smoother and waterproof. Find out the type of yoga mat on the manufacturer’s website.
The natural rubber mat is open cell, perfect for hot yoga sessions. They absorb sweat and keep your hands and feet in place. Synthetic materials such as PVC and environmentally friendly TPE are usually closed-cell materials. These pads do not absorb sweat or odors. Cork is also a closed-cell material that requires special cleaning procedures.
Cork mats are naturally antimicrobial and antimicrobial, so there’s no need to clean them after each use. Cleaning cork mats is simple: wipe the mat with a soft cloth soaked in cool water. Allow the mat to air dry after cleaning. Do not use cleaning products that contain a lot of essential oils as they can damage the mat. Wiping down once a week will keep your cork in good condition.
If your cork pad is really sweaty and dirty, you should clean it thoroughly. Spray a mixture of water, vinegar, and a few drops of essential oils on the cushion. Wipe the cushions with a soft damp cloth – microfiber towels work well here. Be sure to let the mat fully air dry before rolling it up.
Natural rubber mats also require gentle cleaning. The best products for these mats are water-based and organic. When you’re shopping for a new carpet cleaner, check the bottle. It states whether the product is safe for natural rubber mats. A DIY vinegar and water mixture can also do the trick.
To thoroughly clean natural rubber mats, mix warm water with a few drops of a mild fabric cleaner or dish soap. A few drops are key – too much soap can damage your mats! Dip a towel into the water and detergent mixture, then gently wipe the pad. Scrubbing vigorously breaks the mat’s natural stickiness, making it harder for you to grip the mat.
Rinse the soap mixture off the mat with warm water, then dry the mat with a cloth. Once completely dry, repeat the process on the other side. Make sure the mat is completely dry before rolling.
Closed-cell synthetic pads are easier to clean. Most yoga mat cleaners, disinfectants, and wipes are safe to use on these mats. Just spray the mats and wipe away! Disinfect it after each use and clean it thoroughly once a month with water and mild dish soap.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best yoga mat cleaners. Find what works for you and your mat, and make regular cleaning part of your yoga practice.
Natural Organic Cleaning Products
Natural organic cleaning products. Release Notes: https://www.wish.com
Natural and organic cleaning products are the best choice for yoga mats. They contain no harsh chemicals that can damage your mat or irritate your skin. Many natural cleansers are made with tea tree oil, an essential oil that is naturally antibacterial.
Asutra All Natural Yoga Mat Detox Cleanser is biodegradable and available in seven refreshing scents. Ingredients are all natural: water, essential oils, coconut oil and witch hazel. To use, spray three times with a damp cloth, wipe the mat and allow to air dry.