Guest Author - Jen Blackert

Is your sticky mat sticking dirt to your palms and toes? Yuck! There is nothing like going to yoga and getting dirty.

Here’s my best advice for de-stinking your sticky mat:

#1. For easy daily cleaning, create your own all-natural cleaning spray to use after a sweaty yoga class. Start by purchasing a spray bottle and tea tree essential oil at your local organic foods store. Tea tree oil is both anti-viral and anti-bacterial – so you're set! All you need to do is fill your spray bottle with water and add 20-30 drops of tea tree oil. After class you just need to spray down your mat with the mixture. Oh, and of course, don’t forget a towel to dry.

#2. If you have neglected your mat for – gulp – years, you may want to consider a way for a deeper clean. Get this. All you need to do it put your mat in the washing machine. Yes. It’s true. You just have to drop it in and wash it on Cold. Yes, they are rubber! cold wash-cold rinse. After your spin cycle just hang it to dry. Please allow two days to dry.

#3. I know some of you are afraid of the washing machine. You are in luck. I know of one other method to ensure your mat will make it squeaky clean to your next class. Fill your bathtub about 1/3 full of cold water. Drop your mat in and soak. Then grab a kitchen sponge and scrub, scrub, scrub. Next you will want to drain the tub and refill to rinse until the water is clear. Once the mat is clean to your satisfaction, use several towels to remove some of the water and then air dry.

Woo, now that I have said that, I want to let you know that there are a couple of ways to avoid getting your mat dirty in the first place. Here are my two tips for keeping your mat squeaky clean.

#1. Make sure your feet are clean. Sounds silly, but many yogis will already have dirty feet before they even step on their mat. Next thing you know you have grim under your palms. That sounds like fun, doesn’t?

#2. Use a mysore rug. These are rugs that fit over your mat to avoid slippery hand syndrome from wet sweat. They are made of fabric and can be put regularly in both the washer and dryer. If you sweat a lot this may be the best way to go.