Cleaning by Yoga Mat Type
Yoga mats are made from a variety of materials. If you know what your yoga mat is made of and what kind of surface it has, you can clean it in the best possible way. The right care for each model depends on its surface and components.
Highly Absorbent Open-Cell Mats
Open-cell yoga mats absorb moisture when you sweat, drawing it away from the surface of the mat to provide non-slip grip. Of course, this applies not only to sweat but to other liquids too. Along with sweat, the absorbent surface also soaks up cosmetic products on your body, such as moisturizer. Over time, this breaks down the structure of your mat and shortens its life. That's why, if you have a mat with an open-cell surface, you need to clean it often.
You can clean an absorbent open-cell mat with dish soap diluted in plenty of water. Simply wipe the dirt off the surface with a soft cloth dampened in the soapy water. However, avoid over-cleaning and soaking your mat with too much water. Also, make sure it's completely dry before you put it away.
Closed-Cell Surfaces That Keep Liquid Out
Unlike open-cell mats, a closed-cell structure keeps liquid out. These mats are easier to clean than open-cell ones. Since they aren't absorbent, you don't need to be as careful with liquids. Still, after cleaning, you should dry them in the shade in open air before putting them away.
Cleaning Manduka Yoga Mats
Manduka offers yoga mats with both closed and open surfaces. The brand also makes yoga mat cleaning solutions specifically for its yoga mats, made with completely natural ingredients. These special mat washes vary according to the mat's structure, so you should choose the one that suits your mat.
Simply spray enough of the product onto the surface of your mat and wipe it with a soft cloth. If you don't have one of these solutions, clean your Manduka yoga mat only with a soft cloth lightly dampened with water. Open-cell yoga mats need a deeper clean. Adding 2-3 drops of organic apple cider vinegar to the water helps clean the mat's cells more thoroughly.
Cleaning Liforme Yoga Mats
You can also clean Liforme yoga mats with a small amount of dish soap diluted in plenty of water. Clean the mat surface thoroughly with a non-abrasive sponge and leave it to dry. Don't use chemical mat cleaning solutions or oily sprays on Liforme yoga mats, because these products can wear down the surface of the mat over time.
How Often Should You Clean Your Mat?
The more often you use your mat, the more often you should clean it. Your mat's surface gets dirty depending on how many times you practice. Weather conditions also affect how often you need to clean it. If you practice in hot weather, you sweat more, which means your mat comes into contact with more sweat. In hot weather, it's a good idea to clean your mat after every use. In normal weather conditions, cleaning your mat once a week is enough, depending on how often you use it. If you use your yoga mat less often, you can adjust the cleaning frequency to suit you.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Mat
There are specific cleaning recommendations and care instructions for each material yoga mats are made from. These instructions are usually detailed on the packaging of the product you buy or on the product page of the website. Cleaning your yoga mat according to these recommendations preserves its quality and helps it last longer.
- Don't wash your yoga mat in the washing machine unless the instructions say otherwise
- Don't leave your mat soaking in water
- Avoid using hard, abrasive tools such as brushes or steel wool to clean the mat's surface
- Don't expose your mat to direct sunlight
- Don't fold and store your mat while its surface is damp; let it dry in a suitable place first
- Avoid using products with harsh chemicals to clean the mat's surface. These products damage the mat's color and texture and reduce its durability. Using these detergents is also harmful to the environment and human health
- Never leave your mat wet
- Dry a damp mat outdoors in the shade, not indoors
- Don't put your mat away without cleaning it in very hot weather or after heavy sweating. Otherwise, bacteria will build up on the mat's surface and cause unpleasant odors.