When heavy soil is evident or at least monthly the mat should be cleaned to remove odor and help preserve the life of the mat.
Cleaning a dirty yoga mat.
Submerge your yoga mat in a bathtub and allow it to soak for a few minutes.
In an article for abc 13 melanie rech the laboratory director at emsl analytical examined swabs taken from personal and communal yoga mats mats from the local yoga studio came back the cleanest with 3 million counts of normal environmental bacteria writes ktrk houston.
Use a solution of warm water and a mild detergent such as dish soap.
Make sure to clean both sides of your yoga mat and let the solution set on it long enough for the mat to air dry or for however long the maker of your spray suggests before cleaning it.
Soak your yoga mat.
Cleaning your yoga mat should be one of the rituals you bring into your yoga practice a plethora of bacteria viruses and microbes are being transported on to the floor of your beautiful yoga studio daily and lying face down in child s pose with all those cooties is going to have you contract a cold at some point if not worse.
After every session use a clean towel to wipe down your mat to remove sweat and any loose surface soil.
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If you sweat a lot or the mat retains an odor clean it more often though some mats caution that over cleaning can cause them to wear out more quickly.
Dish soap or hypoallergenic laundry detergent are two of the best options for mild cleaners for your yoga mat.
This will help dislodge dirt oils and any odors.
Try manduka mat wash.
So just how dirty is your yoga mat.