How To Clean A Rubber Yoga Mat
One of the biggest pains in the butt, when you own an expensive yoga mat, is keeping it clean. You wouldn’t want to spend your money just to let bad hygiene turn your pricy mat into a dirty, smelly mess, would you? Keeping your yoga mat clean is important for keeping it from stinking up your room and smelling like a sweaty dog all the time.
If you own a quality yoga mat, it won’t stink if you store it properly and take good care of it. This article has detailed information on how to keep your rubber yoga mat clean so that no funky smells or stains develop. From storing the rubber yoga mat to cleaning methods and maintenance, we’ve got everything you need to know about how to keep your rubber yoga mat clean and germ free.
Check what your yoga mat is made of before you start to clean it
The first step in keeping your rubber yoga mat clean is knowing what it’s made of. This is because cleaning methods vary depending on the material that the yoga mat is made out of. If you know what it’s made of, you can get a better idea of how to go about cleaning it. For example, if it’s made out of PVC, then you should use a wet wipe to clean the mat. However, if it’s made out of natural rubber, then you should use shampoo, dish soap, or vinegar and warm water to clean your mat.
How to clean a natural rubber or cork yoga mat
most natural rubber yoga mats have a natural cork layer that is important for the mat’s durability and comfort. To keep your mat from getting dirty, you should store it in a dry place and use a clean towel to wipe down the mat before and after each use.
You can also use a damp cloth to wipe down the yoga mat with soap and water. If you want to deep clean your rubber yoga mat, you can use a mild dishwashing detergent or shampoo to wash it by hand or in the sink. You should also avoid using abrasive cleaners on natural rubber or cork yoga mats as they could cause damage to the material.
It is important to regularly wash your rubber yoga mat with soap and water or let it dry out completely so that any dirt, dust, hair, or sweat doesn’t build up on the surface of the mat and make it seem disgusting when you practice on it. Keep in mind that some types of cleaning solutions are not good for natural rubber so check labels before using them on your yoga mat.
Polyurethane Rubber Yoga Mats
Polyurethane rubber yoga mats are the most common type of rubber yoga mat. They are durable, water resistant, and easy to clean. This is why this type of yoga mat is widely used by professional athletes.
Polyurethane rubber yoga mats are also effective at resisting heat buildup in your practice. This makes them great for hot yoga classes where sweat can make a rubber mat stick and it gets difficult to clean later on. They are also highly durable which makes them a favorite among most yogis as they can take a bit more abuse than a natural rubber or cork mat.
One of the main challenges with using a polyurethane rubber yoga mat is that they do not absorb the sweat or moisture in your practice easily. If you want to keep your mat clean, these mats need regular maintenance so that they don’t attract dirt and bacteria like other types of rubber mats do.
How Often You Should Clean Your Mat
The frequency of how often you should clean your yoga mat depends on the material it’s made of. If your yoga mat is made from natural rubber, then it needs to be cleaned as often as possible. You’ll need to pay special attention to the sticky surface and wash it in warm water and soap or a mild detergent to remove potential bacteria on the surface.
If your yoga mat is made from synthetic rubber or is a PVC mat, then you can get away with cleaning it every few weeks if you use it a lot, to every few months if you use it infrequently, because there are fewer bacteria that might accumulate on the surface over time.
How to Deep Clean a Yoga Mat
After you’ve been practicing on your mat for some time, it starts to get smelly. To make sure your rubber yoga mat doesn’t turn into a smelly mess, you should clean it every few days or so, or at least weekly.
You can deep clean a yoga mat by using only soap and water or using a scrubber with an antibacterial cleaner that isn’t abrasive on it. This will keep the mat looking new and smelling fresh.
There are many methods for cleaning a rubber yoga mat. Some people use soap and water, others use scrubbers with antibacterial disinfectant spray cleaners on them, while others dip their mats in boiling water before spraying them with disinfectant (we don’t recommend this, it can be dangerous, messy, and ruin your mat).
The actual method for cleaning is less crucial as long as the outcome is good: clean, sparkly-smelling, and healthy-looking yoga mats!
Can I wash my mat in the washing machine?
No. While the top layer of your yoga mat might be washable, the base layer is not. If you try machine washing your mat, it’s likely that your expensive yoga mat will sustain damage and start to fall apart.
The only way to keep your mat clean is to regularly wipe it down with a towel so that any dirt and oils from your body can be wiped away. Then do a deeper clean every few days to weeks depending on use frequency.
Can I use bleach on my mat?
Bleach is a popular cleaning method for yoga mats and other rubber goods, but it should be used sparingly. Bleach can be too strong for some types of rubber and will damage the material. It’s important to use it on your yoga mat the right way so that it doesn’t damage the surface or cause discoloration. If you want to use bleach on your mat, test a small area with water first and make sure there are no adverse reactions before proceeding.
Conclusion
When it comes to yoga mat care, there are some differences depending on what the mat is made of. Realistically, you want to keep your mat as clean as possible to avoid dealing with a disgusting mat that can grow fungus and potentially spread sickness and infection. From water and vinegar to dish soap and water, the key is to clean it frequently. Most rubber mats can withstand more robust cleaning and a clean mat is a happy mat that should last you many many years!
