9 Natural Methods to Keep Your Yoga Mat Clean

How to Clean a Yoga Mat Naturally

Studies show unpleasant results when testing yoga mats for cleanliness. Apparently, your favorite exercise tool is covered with unwanted bacteria. Even worse, your yoga mat could be contributing to your allergies due to a collection of allergens on its surface. This is why we are going to talk about how to clean a yoga mat naturally.

Some studies have even found yoga mats that have been contaminated with yeast. Considering how much perspiring can go on when engaging in nimble poses, it should not come as a surprise. Given the extent of skin bacteria, toxins from perspiration, body lotions and floor dirt, yoga mats need a regular cleaning with natural products.

9 Natural Ways to Clean Your Yoga Mat

Daily Cleaning With a Microfiber Towel

It’s important to use a microfiber towel to cleanse your yoga mat once your session is over. Simply dip the microfiber towel in warm water. Then, firmly run the towel over every area of the mat to remove built-up perspiration and bacteria.

Once you are done cleaning the mat, leave the it to dry. Packing it away when damp can cause excess moisture. This is known to encourage germ growth. Yoga mats are similar to clothes worn when playing a sport. You do not wear the same apparel twice without washing it, so why not treat a yoga mat the same?

Eucalyptus and Neroli Essential Oils

Essential oils are a great natural option when it comes to cleaning a yoga mat.

Purchase a spray bottle, as well as eucalyptus and orange essential oils. Eucalyptus essential oil contains antibacterial properties, while orange essential oil works against fungus growth. Mix 500 milliliters of water with 10 drops of the eucalyptus oil and use the same amount of the neroli essential oil in the spray bottle.

Give the bottle a good shake every time before use. Lightly spray the mixture over the yoga mat on both sides, allowing time for each side to dry. This spray mixture will help maintain hygiene and imbue the yoga mat with a pleasing fragrance.

Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils

Tea Tree is a superb natural essential oil that works against fungus and bacterial growth. Lavender essential oil has a pleasant aroma that is sought after for its calming properties. This can be ideal to inhale while busy with deep breathing during a yoga exercise.

Purchase a spray bottle and pour 500 milliliters of water into a container. Add eight drops of both oils to the mixture; give it a thorough shake and spray the contents lightly over the yoga mat.

Allow time for the mat to dry. If you are in a hurry, use a microfiber towel to gently dab excess liquid off the surface of the mat. Always remember to clean both sides to remove bacteria accumulated from the floor.

Remove Stains With Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is another natural cleaning solution that effectively removes stains. Mix 2 cups of water with 4 tablespoons of witch hazel in a spray bottle.

Spray the mixture directly onto any stain on the yoga mat and wipe it with a wet wipe or microfiber towel for removal. This witch hazel mixture is an excellent method to remove perspiration stains and other dirt. Use this cleaning technique daily or when needed.

Lemon Spritzing

Lemons are known for their refreshing citrus scent. They are also known to contain acid that works well as an efficient antibacterial cleaning technique. Add the juice of one lemon to a cup of water in a spray bottle and spray it over the mat.

If you do not have a spray bottle, simply squeeze the juice of a lemon into one cup of water and use a dampened cloth to clean the yoga mat.

This mixture will destroy the worst of the bacteria from the mat, leaving you with confidence to use it in your next session. Additionally, you can enjoy the subtly refreshing citrus scent left on the mat as you breathe in deeply with each stretch.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a multi-purpose, natural cleaning product. It’s probably one of the most convenient too, as all households use it. Get out the trusted spray bottle and mix together a solution of 1 cup of water and 1 cup of common white wine vinegar.

Spray this over the surface of the yoga mat and allow it to dry naturally after wiping off the grime with a wet wipe. You’ll probably want to add a few drops of an essential oil to this mixture to detract from the astringent scent of vinegar for a more pleasant yoga session.

Salt Water

Salt water eliminates bacteria and the growth of any fungi that is caused by the moisture in perspiration. Boil water in a kettle and pour 500 milliliters into a metal bowl. Dissolve 4 tablespoons of salt in the water while still warm.

Allow the mixture to cool and then pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the salt water over the yoga mat. Then, give the solution time to stand for about 20 minutes. Remove residue with a dampened cloth and let the mat dry naturally, but never dry it in the sun.

Create a Baking Soda Solution

Most households also have a packet of baking soda in the kitchen cupboard. Baking soda is highly alkaline and works well as a natural remedy against bacteria. Mix 2 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of baking powder in a spray bottle.

Shake thoroughly, as it can be quite difficult to get the baking soda to dissolve properly. Spray evenly over the entire yoga mat and allow each side to stand for up to 10 minutes.

Once the time has passed, use a damp towel to wipe off the residue and allow the mat to dry as usual. Never roll up your yoga mat after cleaning if it is still damp, as this will promote germ growth.

Castile Soap Solution

Make a natural solution of water and castile soap to disinfect your mat. Castile soap is an all-time favorite to use as a natural cleaning product because it is non-toxic and effective. Pour a cup of water into a spray bottle and add a teaspoon of the liquid soap.

Shake well and spray directly onto the yoga mat. Let it stand for up to 10 minutes before wiping it down with a damp towel. Allow your mat to dry naturally and always test the product on your yoga mat before cleaning the entire surface.