How to Clean Your Yoga or Pilates Mat

Practicing yoga can be a healthy and relaxing way to relieve stress and get fit. However, when it comes to caring for yoga gear even the calmest yogis can get a bit frazzled.

What’s the best way to care for you mat without creating a slick, slippery surface? I’ll run through a few quick and easy solutions for cleaning your yoga or Pilates mat and recommend a few great products to make it ever more quick and easy.

After a few yoga classes, you might notice that those sweaty hands and feet have started to take their toll on your mat. To keep your mat fresh, most mat manufacturers recommend keeping your yoga or Pilates mat clean by occasionally wiping it down with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Create a homemade cleaning solution by mixing one part detergent with three parts water. Apply with a spray bottle or a damp cloth and wipe dry. Try this light cleaning every few weeks to keep your mat clean and help it retain its tackiness.

If you mat is more heavily soiled, you’re going to need to give it a more serious washing. Fill your tub with cool water and a few drops of detergent. Wipe your mat down lightly, let it soak for about a half hour and scrub it lightly again. Once you’ve finished washing your mat, wring it out really well. Once you’ve gotten all the water out, hang your mat to dry. Clean it lightly every few weeks with the homemade cleaning solution reviewed above.

For those of you on the run, there are lots of great products out there to help clean your mat in the gym, at home or wherever you practice. Many companies offer great, natural cleansing sprays and portable wipes to make cleaning your mat quick and hassle-free on the go. Give these a try:

Wipes: Stow some of these in your gym bag or car for cleaning on the go. Wipe your mat down right after class to keep it fresh and tacky. (Avoid using baby wipes or other cleaning wipes. The chemicals can damage your mat and make it slick.)

Jo-Sha offers individually packaged wipes in one of four natural essential oil scents that dry quickly. These wipes are all-natural and contain no alcohol or bleach. The packaging is even biodegradable.