Fitting yoga into your busy schedule is a challenge without having to worry about spending time cleaning your mat!  However, regularly washing your yoga mat will:

• Keep it soft and sticky.
• Prevent bacterial growth.
• Maximize the life of your mat.

The only way to keep most yoga mats clean is to wash them by hand, so here are some tips to show you how to wash a yoga mat easily.  

Wash your yoga mat before first use

You will probably want to wash your yoga mat before its first use to remove any “rubbery” odor and slickness.  

Deep Clean

For its first wash, or whenever your yoga mat seems particularly dirty, you will probably want to give it a really thorough cleaning.  

1. Run a few inches of cool or slightly warm water into a bathtub or large laundry sink and add a few drops of mild, non-oily detergent. Make sure you don’t add too much soap or it will be difficult to rinse away completely, leaving your yoga mat unnecessarily slippery.
2. Submerge the yoga mat in the water. Let it soak for a few minutes (the longer you let it soak, the more thoroughly it will be cleaned).
3. Gently rub down both sides of the mat, top to bottom, using the soft side of a sponge, a piece of terrycloth, or even just your hands. This will help the mat to develop that soft, grippable surface for which sticky yoga mats are so prized.
4. Rinse the yoga mat out very thoroughly in clean water, making sure you get rid of any soap residue.
5. To dry your yoga mat, lay it on top of a dry towel and tightly roll mat and towel together like a cinnamon roll. Squeeze out excess water by pressing with your hands or feet. Unroll and hang to air dry. Make sure you let it dry out completely before storing to prevent mold.

Quick Clean

For lighter, more frequent maintenance cleaning and a quicker drying time, you can just clean your mat with a spray bottle and soft cloth.

Homemade Yoga Mat Cleaner

It is very easy to make a spray-on mat cleaner that will break up sweat and dirt and kill odor-causing molds and bacteria while at the same time extending the lifespan of your mat. Try either of these recipes.  

Water/Vinegar Spray

For a very simple, natural antibacterial/antifungal mat spray, simply mix 1 part warm water with 3 parts white vinegar. You can also try adding a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender, mint, or tea tree oil to add a nice aroma and increase the germ- and odor-killing potential.  

Soap/Water Spray

Another easy cleanser is a simple soap solution of 2 or 3 cups of water and a few drops of mild detergent.

Spray Cleaning Instructions

1. Spray your yoga mat cleaner over the surface of your mat. If you are using a soapy cleanser, spray very lightly or your mat may become slippery. If you are using a vinegar cleanser, you can spray liberally. If your yoga mat seems especially dirty, let the cleanser sit and soak in a bit before cleaning it off.
2. Wipe the yoga mat with a wet cloth or sponge. When the cleanser has been thoroughly removed, rub the mat down with a soft dry cloth, like a small towel or washcloth. Now repeat on the other side.
3. Allow your mat to air dry, which should take only about 5 to 10 minutes. If it takes longer than this, then try rubbing your mat down some more with a towel to remove the excess water and accelerate drying time.

Now that you have a clean yoga mat, put it to good use! Check out some of Wai Lana’s workout DVDs or videos, or catch Wai Lana Yoga on your local PBS station