How to Wash & Clean Your Yoga Mat

Yoga mats are prone to collecting germs, especially after intense sessions like Power Vinyasa or Bikram, where sweating is common. Sweat on the mat can promote bacterial growth and cause unpleasant smells. To maintain a clean mat, it’s important to quickly wipe it down after each use and perform a thorough cleaning every month. Regular cleaning helps remove dirt and sweat buildup, keeps your mat more grip-friendly, and prolongs its lifespan. This guide will explain how to clean your yoga mat effectively.

Why Does Your Yoga Mat Need to be Cleaned?

To keep your yoga mat free from germs and unpleasant odors, it's important to clean it regularly. This is especially crucial if you use mats or props at a studio shared with others. Even for home practice, cleaning is essential to remove dirt and impurities, though it doesn’t eliminate germs completely. To kill germs and help prevent infections, you should also disinfect your mat. For advice on disinfectant use, check guidelines from the EPA.

Related: Yoga Mat vs. Yoga Towel | Which Should You Use?

Solutions for Cleaning Yoga Mats

Yoga mats vary in their ability to resist moisture. Closed-cell mats, being thinner and water-resistant, do not absorb liquids as readily, making them less likely to retain bacteria. In contrast, thicker mats usually feature an open-cell design, which allows them to soak up more liquid and potentially harbor more germs.

Regular Cleaning

No matter the thickness of your mat, it's important to clean it after each yoga session, even if you’re using a yoga mat that’s designed for sweaty hands. 

1. During practice, keep a bottle of cleaner and a fresh towel handy. 
2. Spray the cleaner onto the towel and gently scrub your mat in circular motions to cover the entire surface. 
3. Clean both sides of the mat before rolling it up.

Note: Always check the care instructions for your mat before choosing a cleaner, as some mats may not be compatible with vinegar-based solutions or high concentrations of essential oils.

Deep Cleaning

When your mat starts showing visible dirt and grime, it's time for a deeper clean. For open-cell mats, a thorough monthly clean involves soaking the mat in soapy water. However, thinner, closed-cell mats should be spot-cleaned since submerging them in water can cause damage.

Open-Cell Yoga Mat:

1. Fill a sink or bathtub with warm water and add about 1 tablespoon of dish soap per gallon. (Avoid using hot water, as it could damage the mat.)
2. Submerge the mat and let it soak for around 5 minutes. 
3. Gently scrub it with a soft cloth to remove dirt.
4. Rinse the mat with clean water to eliminate any soap residue. 
5. Shake the mat to remove excess water and let it air dry completely.

Closed-Cell Yoga Mat:

1. Place the mat on a flat surface. 
2. Combine warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a bowl, avoiding overuse of soap.
3. Use a rag dipped in the soapy solution to clean the mat from top to bottom, focusing on any stained areas, and use circular motions. 
4. Wipe the mat with a towel and let it air dry for at least 30 minutes.

How Frequently Should You Clean a Yoga Mat?

The frequency of cleaning your yoga mat depends on how often you use it and the intensity of your workouts. Generally, it's advisable to wipe down your mat weekly or more often if you detect any odors or see visible stains. Be cautious, though—overcleaning can degrade the material faster, as some manufacturers warn.

The frequency also depends on the type of mat you’re using. An exercise mat or yoga rug might require more or less cleaning, depending on how much you use it.

Pilates mats are also different from yoga mats in their use case. Make sure you’re washing your mat in proportion to how much you’re using it. 

Related: What Towel Should You Bring to Hot Yoga?

Can a Yoga Mat be Washed in the Washer?

Although some yoga mats can be cleaned in a washing machine on a gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent, this method should only be used if the manufacturer specifically allows it. Washing machines can potentially harm or break down your mat, and in many cases, may also cause damage to the machine itself. This could result in costly repairs or replacements for both your mat and the washing machine.

How to Keep Your Yoga Mat Safe and Dry?

Ensure your yoga mat is entirely dry before storing it, as a damp mat can foster bacterial growth. To dry it thoroughly, hang the mat over the back of a chair or a porch railing. Avoid using a dryer, as this can damage the mat. Once it's fully dry, roll it up tightly and keep it in a well-ventilated area. Even if you're not practicing, periodically unroll the mat to promote air circulation. If you notice peeling or pieces of the mat sticking to your clothes, it's time to replace it.

Make it a Habit to Clean your Mat

Dirty yoga mats show active use, which is ideal. You should appreciate your mat's natural wear and grime and sweat. Maintaining cleanliness is important for hygiene and practice quality. Yoga requires clean practice spaces to maintain their sacredness. Clean your mat after each session and thoroughly once a month to keep your practice area clean.