Here is how to clean a yoga mat properly. This guide covers daily maintenance and deep cleaning so you can practice on a sanitary, grippy surface every time.
Key Takeaways
- Wipe down your mat after every practice using a microfiber cloth and a gentle mat cleaner.
- Sanitize your mat weekly with a DIY spray made of water, white vinegar, and tea tree oil (check manufacturer instructions first).
- Deep clean closed-cell mats monthly with warm water and mild dish soap; avoid soaking open-cell mats to prevent mold.
- Air dry your mat completely by hanging it over a chair; never put it in a dryer or direct sunlight.
How Often Should You Clean a Yoga Mat?
Your yoga mat absorbs sweat, oils, and grime from your body during every session. If you practice hot yoga or sweat heavily, this buildup happens fast. Neglecting your mat leads to bacterial growth, acne breakouts, and a distinct “locker room” smell.
You should perform a light cleaning after every use. This removes surface sweat and dirt immediately. It also preserves the mat’s grip and extends its lifespan.
Simply spray the mat with a dedicated cleaner like Black Diamond Stoneworks Yoga Mat Spray Cleaner and wipe it dry with a towel.
In addition to daily maintenance, aim for a deep clean once a month to remove embedded grime.
How to Disinfect a Yoga Mat (DIY Spray)
Sanitize your mat weekly to keep mold and mildew at bay. You can easily make a natural disinfectant at home. Note: Do not use this vinegar solution on natural rubber mats (like Jade or Manduka eKO), as vinegar can degrade the rubber.
- Time: 5 minutes
- Difficulty: Beginner
What You’ll Need
- Distilled white vinegar
- Tea tree oil (naturally antimicrobial)
- Spray bottle
- Clean towel
1. Mix the Solution
Fill a spray bottle with three parts water and one part white vinegar. Add a few drops of tea tree oil. Shake well to combine.
2. Spray the Mat
Mist the entire surface of your yoga mat lightly. You do not need to soak it.
3. Wipe and Dry
Wipe the solution off with a damp cloth or sponge. Let the mat air dry completely before rolling it back up.
How to Deep Clean a Yoga Mat
Deep cleaning requires a specific approach based on your mat’s construction.
Closed-cell mats (PVC, TPE) are water-resistant and slick. They don’t absorb moisture, so you can submerge them.
Open-cell mats (Natural Rubber, PU) are porous and act like sponges. They provide great grip but absorb sweat and water. Soaking these can lead to waterlogging and mold growth inside the mat.
- Time: 20 minutes + drying time
- Difficulty: Beginner
What You’ll Need
- Bathtub or large bucket
- Mild dish soap
- Microfiber cloth
- Dry towel
- Chair or railing for drying
Option 1: Closed-Cell Yoga Mats (PVC/TPE)
1. Prepare the Bath
Fill a bathtub with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Do not use too much soap, or you will struggle to rinse it out.
2. Submerge and Scrub
Place your mat in the water and let it soak for 5 minutes. Use a soft cloth to gently scrub the surface in circular motions to lift dirt.
3. Rinse and Dry
Drain the tub and rinse the mat thoroughly with fresh water until no bubbles remain. Squeeze out excess water gently. Hang the mat over a shower rod or chair to air dry for at least 24 hours.
Option 2: Open-Cell Yoga Mats (Natural Rubber)
1. Mix Soapy Water
Do not submerge these mats. Instead, mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl. Dip your microfiber cloth into the solution and wring it out until it is just damp.
2. Wipe Down
Scrub the mat thoroughly with the damp cloth. Focus on areas where your hands and feet usually land, as these spots hold the most bacteria.
3. Rinse and Dry
Wipe the mat again with a cloth dipped in plain fresh water to remove soap residue. Lay the mat flat on a dry towel and roll them up together to squeeze out moisture. Unroll and hang to dry away from direct sunlight.
How to Dry a Yoga Mat
Proper drying prevents mold. Hang your mat over a smooth surface like a drying rack, shower rod, or the back of a chair.
Avoid hanging it over sharp fences or thin clotheslines, as these can leave permanent creases. Never put your mat in a tumble dryer or use a hairdryer; high heat ruins the material.
Cleaning Instructions by Brand
Different manufacturers use different materials. Always check the label, but here are general rules for popular brands.
Alo Yoga
Wipe the top surface with a damp microfiber cloth after every use. For deeper cleaning, use a mixture of water and a tiny amount of oil-free soap. Always ensure the “top” side faces out when you roll it up to prevent creasing.
Gaiam
Gaiam recommends spot cleaning with a mild soap and water solution or a dedicated spray like Black Diamond Stoneworks Yoga Mat Spray. You can also use a mixture of water and witch hazel. Air dry flat. Do not machine wash.
Jade Yoga
Jade mats are made of open-cell natural rubber. Wipe them down with plain water or a specialized rubber mat cleaner. Never use vinegar, alcohol, or petroleum-based cleaners on Jade mats, as they break down the rubber. Keep these mats out of the sun.
Lululemon
The Reversible Mat needs gentle care. Wipe it with a damp cloth after practice. For a deeper clean, use warm water with a tiny bit of dish soap. Avoid essential oils, as they can clog the porous surface and affect the grip.
Manduka
For the Manduka PRO (closed-cell), you can use a generic mat spray or salt scrub to break it in. For the eKO Series (natural rubber), use a vinegar-free cleaner like the 7th Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner or Manduka’s own wash. Do not soak the eKO mats.
Tips for Maintaining Your Yoga Mat
Extend the life of your mat with these simple habits.
- Clean your body first: Wash lotions and oils off your hands and feet before practice. Lotion is a major cause of slipping.
- Skip the rings: Remove jewelry to prevent scratching or tearing the mat surface.
- Rotate your mat: Switch which end you use as the “front” to ensure even wear patterns.
- Store correctly: Keep the mat in a cool, ventilated area. Heat degrades the material.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Bleach and high concentrations of alcohol can ruin the texture and elasticity of your mat.
- Keep it shaded: UV rays dry out rubber and PVC, causing them to crumble. Never leave your mat in a hot car.
Can You Wash Yoga Mats in the Washing Machine?
Generally, no. Most modern yoga mats will be destroyed by the agitation of a washing machine.
However, a few specific synthetic mats are machine washable. Check your specific brand’s care tag. If it allows machine washing, use a gentle cycle, cold water, and mild detergent. Skip the spin cycle and never use the dryer. When in doubt, hand wash.
When to Replace a Yoga Mat
Even with great care, mats wear out. It is time for a new one if:
- The surface begins to peel or flake off onto your clothes.
- You lose traction and start slipping more often.
- The padding has thinned out, causing joint pain in your knees or wrists.
- It retains a bad smell even after a deep clean.
FAQs
Can I Use Clorox Wipes on My Yoga Mat?
No, avoid Clorox wipes. They contain harsh chemicals that can degrade the mat material and irritate your skin during practice. If you must use one in a pinch, wipe the mat down with water afterward to remove the chemical residue.
Can Yoga Mats Get Moldy?
Yes, especially open-cell mats that absorb moisture. If you roll up a damp mat without letting it dry, mold and mildew can grow inside the pores.
How Do You Remove Mildew From a Yoga Mat?
Mix water with white vinegar and tea tree oil (for closed-cell mats) or use a specialized enzymatic cleaner. Spray the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe clean. Allow it to dry completely in a ventilated area.
How Do I Know If My Yoga Mat is Open or Closed Cell?
The “water test” is the easiest way. Pour a tiny drop of water on the corner of the mat. If the water beads up and sits on top, it is closed-cell. If it darkens the mat and soaks in, it is open-cell.
Why Do You Sprinkle Salt on a Yoga Mat?
Salt is used to “break in” new PVC mats (like the Manduka PRO). The salt scrub removes the thin manufacturing film that makes new mats slippery, improving grip and texture.
How Long Does it Take For a Yoga Mat to Dry?
Surface cleaning dries in 10 to 20 minutes. After a deep soak, a mat can take 24 to 48 hours to dry completely. Thicker open-cell mats take the longest.
Can I Use Baby Wipes on My Yoga Mat?
Yes, you can use baby wipes for a quick surface clean, provided they do not contain alcohol or heavy oils. Look for “water-based” or “sensitive skin” wipes to ensure they are gentle on the mat’s surface.
Best Way to Clean a Yoga Mat
The best cleaning method combines consistency with the right ingredients. Spray and wipe your mat after every single session to prevent buildup. Once a month, give it a deeper wash with mild soap. Treat your mat well, and it will support your practice for years to come.
