Your yoga mat sees a lot. Sweat, skin oils, dirt, dust. Over time, all that buildup can leave the surface feeling less fresh, less grippy, and in need of a good cleaning.
A quick clean after practice helps keep your mat in good shape. A deeper clean every week or two takes care of the buildup that a quick wipe can’t fully tackle. The best solution? Do both. The best method? Depends on your mat’s material. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions before you reach for anything stronger than soap and water.
But you came here for more answers than that! We’ll give you the complete breakdown of how to clean all different types of yoga mats, so you can keep your mat clean and ready for your next class or yoga retreat.
How Often Should You Clean Your Yoga Mat?
Give your mat a quick wipe after every practice. It only takes a minute or two and keeps sweat, oils, and bacteria from sitting on the surface. Plus, isn’t that just good hygienic practice?
For a deeper clean, every one to two weeks works well for most people. What do we mean by deeper clean? Think a stronger solution, like a mixture of warm water, dish soap, and vinegar, paired with a soak in the tub or a gentle scrub. If you’re practicing hot yoga, sweating heavily, practicing outdoors, or getting on your mat several times a week, clean it more often.
Now, if your mat starts to smell, feels unusually slick, or has visible buildup, that’s a good sign it needs a deeper clean.
What You’ll Need To Clean Your Yoga Mat
To gently clean your yoga mat, all you’ll need is:
- Mild soap or gentle dish soap
- Warm water
- Vinegar (as a potential alternative to soap)
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Clean towel
- Spray bottle (optional)
Make sure to skip the heavy-duty household cleaners. Your yoga mat doesn’t need the same treatment as a kitchen counter, and strong ingredients can damage the surface or leave behind a residue that changes how it feels under your hands and feet.
The exact solution depends on the material of your mat. For example, cork or natural rubber are more sensitive to soap so water and vinegar tend to work better. You can check with your mat’s manufacturer for their recommendation, or at least to see what your mat is made of.
How To Clean A Yoga Mat In 5 Easy Steps
1. Shake or Wipe Away Loose Dirt
Start with a dry mat. Shake it outside to get rid of loose dirt and dust, or run a dry, soft cloth over the surface. Check the edges and corners, too. Those spots tend to collect more debris than you might notice during regular practice
2. Make a Gentle Cleansing Solution
Next, mix a small amount of mild soap with water, or vinegar with water, depending on your desired solution. You don’t need much soap, think 1 teaspoon for every 2 cups of warm water. You can mix the solution in a bowl or add it to a spray bottle for easier application. If you’re using a store-bought yoga mat cleaner, make sure it’s made for your particular mat material.
3. Wipe Down Your Mat
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution, then wring it out well. You want the cloth damp, not dripping. Wipe it across the whole mat, giving extra attention to the spots where your hands and feet spend the most time. If you see a patch of sweat or grime, go over it a few times with gentle pressure. There’s no need to scrub hard. A rough sponge can damage the surface, especially on softer mats.
4. Rinse or Wipe Away Residue
Use a second cloth dampened with clean water to wipe away any remaining soap. It’s important to not skip this part! Soap residue can build up over time and change the way your mat feels. For mats that shouldn’t be saturated, a clean damp cloth is all you need.
5. Let Your Mat Air Dry Completely
Lay your mat flat or hang it somewhere with good airflow. Keep it out of direct sunlight unless the manufacturer says otherwise. Some materials can fade or break down with prolonged sun exposure.
Don’t rush this step and make sure to let your mat dry all the way before you roll it up. Rolling up a damp mat traps moisture inside, which can lead to odors and, in the right conditions, mold or mildew.
How to Deep Clean a Yoga Mat In 4 Steps
Sometimes a quick wipe is not enough. If your mat has accumulated noticeable sweat, grime, or odor, it’s time for a deeper clean. Be sure to always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some mats can be gently hand washed, while others should only be wiped down. A few specialty mats may be machine washable, but this is relatively uncommon and should only be done if the manufacturer specifically says it is safe.
1. Make The Cleaning Solution
For a mat that can be hand washed, use lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap. If you’re considering adding ingredients such as witch hazel or tea tree oil, check your mat’s care instructions first. Natural does not always mean suitable for every material, and concentrated essential oils can affect some mat surfaces. (And if you’re wondering why we call out witch hazel and tea tree oil, these are sometimes added as natural antibacterial and antifungal boosters.)
2. Wipe Down Your Mat
Gently work the solution over the surface, paying more attention with any areas with visible buildup.
3. Rinse Your Mat
Then, rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and there is no soapy residue left behind. You can gently press the mat between clean towels to remove excess water, but don’t wring or twist it. Such actions can crease, crack, break down layers, or warp your mat.
4. Let Your Mat Dry Completely
Finally, let it dry completely. Lay it flat or hang it somewhere with good airflow, and give it several hours or even overnight if needed. A thick or absorbent mat may take longer. Don’t roll it up or put it away until every part of it is dry.
Remember, a deeper clean doesn’t need to mean harsher products. The difference is giving the entire mat a more thorough wash and enough time to dry before your next practice.
How To Clean Different Types of Yoga Mats
How to Clean a Rubber Yoga Mat
Natural rubber mats can be sensitive to harsh chemicals and excessive moisture. Use a gentle soap-and-water solution and a soft cloth, then wipe away residue and let the mat air dry completely. Avoid strong cleaners and prolonged direct sunlight.
How to Clean a PVC Yoga Mat
PVC mats tend to be less sensitive to moisture than some other materials. Wipe the surface with mild soap and warm water, then go back over it with a clean damp cloth to remove the soap. Let it dry completely before storing it.
How to Clean a Cork Yoga Mat
Cork doesn’t need much water. In fact, soaking it is a bad idea unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it. Use a lightly dampened cloth to wipe the surface, focusing on areas that collect the most sweat and oils. Let the mat dry fully in a well-ventilated area before rolling it up.
How to Clean a TPE Yoga Mat
TPE is thankfully a shorter way to say Thermoplastic Elastomer, a blend of plastic and rubber-like polymers. TPE mats can usually be cleaned with mild soap and water, although care instructions vary from one manufacturer to another. Use a soft cloth or sponge and avoid abrasive tools. Don’t leave the mat sitting in water, and give it plenty of time to dry before putting it away.
What Not to Use on Your Yoga Mat
Arguably one of the more important sections here is what not to use.
When it comes to cleaning your mat, stronger is not necessarily better. Be sure to avoid:
- Bleach
- Strong disinfectants
- Alcohol-heavy cleaners
- Highly concentrated essential oils
- Rough brushes or abrasive sponges
- Washing machine (unless the manufacturer specifically says the mat is machine washable)
The wrong cleaner can break down the material, leave behind residue, damage the surface, or affect your mat’s grip.
Keep Your Yoga Practice Fresh With a Pura Vida Retreat
A clean mat is a good start. A change of scenery might be exactly what your practice needs next. At Pura Vida Retreat & Spa, daily yoga happens in a stunning hall that overlooks Costa Rica’s Central Valley surrounded by coffee plantations and mountain air. Whether you’re joining us solo or bringing your whole studio along, we’d love to have you on the mat with us. Thankfully, if you bring your own, it’ll be clean and ready for your practice.
