How to Make a Non-toxic Yoga Mat Cleaner [Video]

This is something most of us don’t pay attention to. I confess I’m one of those people that wipe their yoga mat with a disinfecting wipe and call it a day. But, regularly, my yoga mat is exposed to my sweat and all the bacteria on the floor where I place it. Yikes! When you really think about everything that happens on your yoga mat, you realize how disgusting its surface may be and why having a DIY yoga mat cleaner is a must.

Here’s my recipe for a yoga mat cleaner that will leave yours smelling fresh and ensure the surface is germ-free so you can take your Shavasana with ease.

Why Should You Clean Your Yoga Mat?

Besides obvious reasons – sweat, dirty feet, bacteria, you know. It turns out your yoga mat can be a pool of bacteria. So, one study analyzed the bacteria in communal and personal yoga mats. To everyone’s surprise, including mine, the studio-owned mats came out the cleanest. While those personally owned mats tested positive for over twelve million counts of bacteria. The bacteria found on these personal mats are responsible for athletes’ foot, ringworm, and staph infections.

So, in a nutshell, not cleaning your yoga mat is pretty gross.

Keep in mind that to make sure your mat is at its cleanest, you need to both disinfect and clean your mat to not only get rid of debris but kill the germs.

How to Clean and Disinfect Your Mat

First, watch the video above for that easy-to-do, non-toxic yoga mat cleaner I’ve been using for a while. Introduce the ritual of cleaning your mat at the end of your practice. When you’re using these types of solutions, you can make sure you’re killing the bacteria living on your mat, refreshing its scent, and get rid of debris all in one.

To disinfect your mat: Spritz the non-toxic solution on both sides of your yoga mat and use a paper towel or a clean washcloth to wipe off the solution.

To clean your mat: Mix warm water and mild dish soap. Spritz this solution all over your mat and use a microfiber cloth to scrub it. Rinse your mat with warm water, and let it dry.

You’re Doing GR8

Feel proud of your dirty yoga mat! That mean’s your mat is being used, and you’re moving along with your practice. Other ways to keep your mat clean include using a yoga towel during your practice to catch all the sweat and bacteria. Plus, the art of spraying your yoga mat with your non-toxic solution also includes a bit of aromatherapy with the essential oil component, so it’s a win-win no matter how you look at it. Oh, and also, this cleaning solution works for whatever fitness mat you’re using.