After every class, I always leave a homemade yoga mat cleaner and towel for students to clean their mats. Although many skip this step, it is very important to clean your mat after each practice. Here are some reasons why:
– You want to get rid of the bacteria that will stick and develop on your yoga mat (because even if it does not look like it, it gets dirty, and QUICKLY!).
– It will extend your mat’s lifetime.
– It’s basic yogui hygiene.
I have had many students ask me how they should clean their yoga mat. So I decided to share this basic recipe to make your own at home. Making your own mat cleaner is cost-effective and you get to choose the smell combinations and oils you would like to use.
- Spray Bottle (preferably glass)
- 3 parts filtered water
- 1 part witch hazel or vinegar
- A few drops of Tea Tree Oil or Lemon oil
- A few drops of your favourite essential oil(s)
Mix everything in your spray bottle, shake it well, and use it!
Notes on oils:
*Tea tree and lemon oils are antibacterial. Using them in your mat cleaner is important since it will kill the bacteria.
* Eucalyptus oil will not only smell amazing and like a spa, but also will help with clear breathing.
* Lavender oil has a calming and soothing effect.
Extra cleaning tips for your yoga mat:
- Completely wash your mat once every few months (if you practice every day, wash it once a month). Do not squeeze the water out. You can roll the mat with a towel to absorb the extra water, and then hang it to dry.
- Do not always roll your mat to store it. By hanging it, your are letting it air out.
- Do not place your mat in the washer or dryer.
La chola 
Thanks for this detailed post on yoga mat cleaning. I would like to know can we use yoga mat for martial arts workouts?
Hi! I am glad this post was helpful! You can definitely use a mat for martial arts, but make sure the yoga mat is on a slip-free surface. You don’t want to land on it and slip and fall.