Gabriel Hernández
23. Pharma Student and Kitchen Lover. Trying to bring the best of pop and indian culture to everyone.+ info
We have a question for all you yoga enthusiasts in the house: when was the last time you washed your yoga mat? Can’t remember? Well then it’s safe to say that your yoga mat is filthy. And there is nothing worse than rolling on a mat that is sticky with sweat, dirt, and grime.
When we think of yoga, we hardly give a second’s worth of attention to yoga mats—especially their upkeep. Frequent cleaning is necessary because over time these mats become dirty, sweaty, and smelly. Not to mention, with daily maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your mat.
But there’s another reason why you should wash your yoga mats regularly. The dirt, oil, and sweat on the yoga mat create a safe harbour for bacteria and fungi, which can give rise to plenty of infections. So, while you might be doing downward dog for the sake of your health—your dirty yoga mat can ensure you pay a visit to your doctor.
So, how can you clean your yoga mat?
Washing or cleaning a yoga mat isn’t as difficult as it may seem. You just need a few ingredients like:
- Warm Water
- Vinegar (optional)
- A soft cloth or sponge
- Dish soap
Here’s how you can clean your yoga mat
- Fill a large bucket or tub with warm water. Add to this, the dish soap and the vinegar. Soak your mat in this solution for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Next, rub your mat with a soft cloth on both sides to remove the dirt. Focus on areas that are darker than the rest of the mat, as that’s where the grime accumulation is the most.
- Now, rinse the mat with clean water and hang it up so as to let excess water drip away.
- Let the mat dry completely under the sun and use again.
How often should you clean your mat?
Since your yoga mat can very well be a bacteria magnet, even though you can’t see germs crawling all over it, we would suggest that you wash your mat every two weeks to a month, depending on how often you use it.
Don’t wait for that funky smell to take over, and air your yoga mat every day if possible under the sun.