How To Clean Your Yoga Mat

There you are. Standing at the top of your mat. Heaving in tadasana. Perspiration gushing. Your self-consciousness and sweat puddle expanding at rates only the Buddha is comfortable with.
 
You have already tried to hide it. Everyone knows. Isn’t it obvious you created a pool for the whole class to cannon ball into? How could anyone ignore you’re not doing yoga anymore? It’s clear you are swimming laps… right?

Don’t worry. Deep breath.
 
Anyone who has taken a Bikram hot yoga class in Houston knows this, feels this, and is with you the whole way (except for that one friend who doesn’t sweat – which we all somehow know too).
 
Now, the most obvious question would be, how do I sweat less?
 
Except! Honey, here’s the thing.
 
We can’t change you. You can’t change you. This is just who you are, a sweat-er. You have to own that sweat like you’re a diamond lighting up the yoga studio one asana at a time. Get your sparkle on!
 
So then, the real big question is…
 
How do you clean your yoga mat after an hour of crushing it?

For those of us who are always too busy, we have options.
For those of us whose mats are beyond recovery, we have options.
And, for those of us who just need a post-practice routine, we have options.

SITUATION: I used it.
​Mat Condition: This is to compliment your traditional Vinyasa practice or weekly yoga grind. It’s your standard “nothing too gross but could use a clean” deal.
Treatment: Soap and water.
Steps: Mix 4 drops of dish soap into 2 cups of water. Caution! Too much soap can create excess slipperiness in your next class. Next, use a soft scrubber to wipe down your mat followed by a hot water rinse.

SITUATION: I’m busy.
Mat Condition: Whether your mat is grungy and down for the count or worn and just needs a pick me up, this option supports both. Although convenient, beware. If done too frequently, your mat will be exposed to greater wear-and-tear. Also, check with your mat’s manufacturer to ensure it’s safe and/or possible.
Treatment: Washing Machine.
Steps: Use gentle detergent on gentle cycle with cool water.

SITUATION: Help me.
Mat Condition: This means you, your friends, your friend’s kid, and your sort-of friend’s dog have all left their mark on your mat. Basically, your mat is nasty.
Treatment: Sanitize.
Steps: This can be done one of two ways. Easier, option one is to simply buy pre-made mat sanitizing solutions. The second, more DIY option is done by blending 1 cup of water and 1-2 drops of essential oil. Because of their antifungal properties, we suggest tea tree, lemon, or lavender – which you can order from Wayne Campbell at Urban Fit Yoga, at anytime. After spraying your mat, make sure to wipe it clean with a hot, damp towel.

If you have any questions or want to grab some essential oils, send us as email or give us a call. We’re here to support you on and off your mat.
 
Because, it’s not about what happens on the mat that defines who you are. It’s what you do off the mat (with the wisdom and awareness you receive during practice) that shapes who you become.
 
May you sweat in peace.
May you practice in peace.
May you clean your mat in peace.
 
Until your next Houston yoga class with us, happy cleaning yogis!

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Meet the Author: Courtney Faith
I am a therapeutic artist, inner child advocate, and digital marketing ace. If I'm not creating top-grossing digital marketing platforms, you can usually find me meditating, caught in some mindful movement, or spilling coffee on myself.