How to Clean a Recycled Yoga Mat

If you’re a yoga enthusiast, you know that having a clean and comfortable yoga mat is crucial for a successful practice.

However, after multiple sessions, your recycled yoga mat may become dirty and sticky.

In this article, we will discuss how to clean your recycled yoga mat properly.

Why You Need to Clean Your Recycled Yoga Mat

Cleaning your recycled 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 recycled 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 cotton yoga mat

Materials You Need

• A clean cloth or sponge
• Mild soap or detergent
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Essential oils (optional)

Routine Cleaning

Routine cleaning is recommended after every use or at least once a week if you practice frequently or sweat a lot. Here are the steps for routine cleaning:

1. Gather the materials you need. You will need a clean cloth or sponge, mild soap or detergent, water, and a spray bottle. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to the spray bottle for a pleasant scent.
2. Wet the mat with water. Use a spray bottle to apply water to your recycled yoga mat.
3. 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. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the mat, especially the areas that are dirty or sweaty.
4. 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.
5. Rinse the mat thoroughly with water. Use a spray bottle or a hose 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.
6. 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 faster. Let the mat dry completely before rolling it up and storing it.

You can also check: How to Clean Felt Yoga Mat

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 restores its quality and performance. Here are the steps for deep cleaning:

1. Follow steps 1 to 4 of routine cleaning.
2. Soak the mat in a bathtub filled with warm water and vinegar. You can use about one cup of vinegar for every gallon of water. Vinegar helps to disinfect and deodorize your mat without harming its materials.
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.
4. Drain the water and rinse the mat well with fresh water. Make sure to remove all the vinegar residue from the mat.
5. Follow step 6 of routine cleaning.

You can also check: How to Remove Stains from a Cork Yoga Mat

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your recycled yoga mat is essential for maintaining its quality, performance, and longevity.

By following the routine and deep cleaning steps, 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.