How to Clean a Liforme Yoga Mat
If you are a yoga enthusiast, you probably know how important it is to have a clean and comfortable yoga mat.
A yoga mat not only provides cushioning and support for your body but also helps you maintain your balance and alignment during your practice.
However, after many sessions of sweating, stretching, and twisting, your yoga mat can get dirty, smelly, and sticky.
This can affect your hygiene, health, and performance. That’s why you need to clean your Liforme yoga mat regularly and properly.
Liforme yoga mats are made of natural rubber and eco-polyurethane, which are biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials.
They also have an open-cell structure on the top surface, which means they absorb moisture and prevent slipping.
This also means they can trap dirt, bacteria, and oils from your skin and the environment. Therefore, you need to take good care of your Liforme yoga mat to keep it in tip-top shape.
There are different ways to clean your Liforme yoga mat depending on how dirty it is and how often you use it.
Here are some options for routine cleaning and deep cleaning your Liforme yoga mat.
Why you need to clean your Liforme yoga mat
Regularly maintaining a clean Liforme yoga mat is essential for several reasons:
- Hygiene: A dirty yoga mat can harbor bacteria, fungi, and other germs that can cause skin infections, allergies, and other health issues.
- Performance: A clean and well-maintained yoga mat provides better grip and stability during your practice, ensuring you can perform poses correctly and safely.
- Longevity: Proper cleaning and care can prolong the life of your Liforme yoga mat, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
- Aesthetics: A clean and fresh-looking yoga mat is more inviting and pleasant to use, enhancing your overall yoga experience.
You can also check: How to clean a rubber yoga mat
For Routine Cleaning
Routine cleaning is recommended after every use or at least once a week if you practice frequently or sweat a lot. Routine cleaning helps to remove any surface dirt, sweat, or oils from your mat and keeps it fresh and hygienic. Here are the steps for routine cleaning:
- Step 1: Gather the materials you need. You will need a cloth or sponge, some mild soap or detergent, water, and a spray bottle. You can also use a specialized yoga mat cleaner, such as Manduka’s Mat Wash Restore if you prefer.
- Step 2: Wet the mat with water and spray some soap or cleaner on it. You can either use a spray bottle to apply the soap or cleaner, or you can add a few drops of soap to a damp cloth or sponge and rub it on the mat. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the mat, especially the areas that are dirty or sweaty.
- Step 3: Scrub the mat gently with a cloth or sponge. Use circular motions to remove any dirt, stains, or oils from the mat. Be careful not to scrub too hard or use abrasive materials, as this can damage the mat’s texture and grip.
- Step 4: Rinse the mat thoroughly with water. You can either use a hose, a shower, or a sink to rinse the mat. Make sure to remove all the soap or cleaner residue from the mat, as this can make it slippery or sticky.
- Step 5: Dry the mat in the shade. You can either hang the mat over a railing, a clothesline, or a drying rack, or you can lay it flat on a towel. Avoid exposing the mat to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can cause it to fade or degrade faster14. Let the mat dry completely before rolling it up and storing it.
You can also check: How to clean a cotton yoga mat
For Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is recommended once a month or whenever your mat needs some extra care.
A deep cleaning helps to remove any deep-seated dirt, bacteria, or odors from your mat and restore its quality and performance. Here are the steps for deep cleaning:
- Step 1: Follow steps 1 to 4 of routine cleaning.
- Step 2: Soak the mat in a bathtub filled with warm water and some vinegar or baking soda. You can use about one cup of vinegar or baking soda for every gallon of water. These natural ingredients help to disinfect and deodorize your mat without harming its materials.
- Step 3: Let the mat soak for about 15 minutes. You can also use your hands to gently massage the mat while soaking it to loosen any stubborn dirt or stains.
- Step 4: Drain the water and rinse the mat well with fresh water. Make sure to remove all the vinegar or baking soda residue from the mat.
- Step 5: Follow step 5 of routine cleaning.
You can also check: How to Clean a Hemp Yoga Mat
How to Dry and Store Your Yoga Mat
After cleaning your Liforme yoga mat, you need to dry and store it properly to prevent any mold, mildew, or damage. Here are some tips for drying and storing your yoga mat:
- Always let your mat dry completely before rolling it up and storing it. This will prevent any moisture from causing mold or mildew growth on your mat.
- Roll up your Liforme yoga mat with the top side (the colored side with the alignment design) on the outside between uses. This will help ensure that your mat lies flat and smooth each time you use it for your practice.
- Store your Liforme yoga mat in a cool place indoors away from direct sunlight. This will protect your mat from fading or degrading due to heat or UV rays.
- Avoid folding your Liforme yoga mat, as this can leave visible creases. If you need to transport your Liforme yoga mat, use a yoga bag or strap that fits its size and shape.
- Keep your Liforme yoga mat away from pets. Pets can sometimes mistake your Liforme yoga mat for a pee pad, chew toy, or scratch pad. This can damage your Liforme yoga mat’s surface and quality.
By following these simple steps for cleaning, drying, and storing your Liforme yoga mat, you can enjoy its benefits for a long time.
A clean and well-maintained Liforme yoga mat will enhance your yoga practice by providing you with comfort, support, grip, alignment, and eco-friendliness.
You can also check: How to Clean Felt Yoga Mat
Final Thoughts
Taking good care of your Liforme yoga mat is essential for maintaining its quality, performance, and longevity.
By following the routine and deep cleaning steps, as well as properly drying and storing your mat, you can ensure a hygienic and enjoyable yoga experience.
Remember that a clean and well-maintained yoga mat not only benefits your practice but also contributes to a healthier and more sustainable environment.