Are you having trouble getting traction on your new yoga mat? Does it have an offensive new yoga mat chemical odor? Or have you been practicing a while and noticed that your mat was less than fresh the last time you came face-to-mat with it?
If you answered yes to any of the above, it may be time to wash your yoga mat. How best to wash a yoga mat, you ask? If your mat is new, check for any manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your yoga mat. Otherwise, plan to give your yoga mat a bath! It really is the best way to wash a yoga mat.
Put your yoga mat in the tub with some water and a drop or two of mild dish soap and/or a generous splash of white vinegar. Be careful not to use too much soap since it can be hard to remove completely. Rub your mat thoroughly with a cloth or sponge and then rinse it well, making sure you remove the soap residue completely.
Next, roll your yoga mat up in a large towel to remove as much of the water as you can, then unroll and hang it over your shower curtain rod, a towel rod, or clothes rack to dry completely. Alternatively, if it's warm out, you can put your yoga sticky mat outside to dry. It will probably take a day or two to completely, unless you live in a nice, hot, sunny climate. Once completely dry, you can roll it back up until your next yoga session.
Periodic yoga mat maintenance will help keep your yoga mat fresh in between bathtub washings. Frequency of maintenance depends on how often you practice yoga and the amount of sweat your mat is exposed to. Keeping your feet clean can help too.
I like to give my mat a spray with a simple homemade yoga mat cleaner, wipe it down with a cloth, and let it dry completely before re-rolling and storing it. It’s easy to make your own homemade yoga mat cleaner. In a spray bottle, combine one part water, three parts white vinegar, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil - tea tree, lavender, and/or grapefruit seed extract essential oils all have antibacterial properties and smell nice. One batch of homemade yoga mat cleaner will see you through months of quick and easy yoga mat cleanings.
Would you prefer yoga mat cleaner wipes you can toss in your bag and carry with you to class? They are clearly the quickest, most convenient solution for keeping your mat fresh and you can order them at Yoga Mat Wipes
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