When it comes to practicing yoga, it is always a great feeling to have your own mat.
Once you know how much they can harbor bacteria, you will probably not want to share a mat again.
However, you might also think that owning one is a little bit of a chore, after all, you have to make sure you get into the habit of cleaning it properly.
If you do not, then you risk it becoming not only smelly, but harmful to your own health.
The Manduka yoga mats are made from various materials, from natural rubber to PVC. In fact, the PVC version (which is the PRO line) has a lifetime guarantee.
However, no matter what your Manduka mat is made from, there are several ways to clean it that all have the same benefits. So, let’s take a look at them!
Good Old Fashioned Soap And Water
One of the easiest ways to clean your Manduka yoga mat is to use the old fashioned and trusted method of just using soap and water.
If you want to give it a basic wipe down once a week, then this is an easy option.
Place the yoga mat and a bucket into the bathtub. Fill the bucket with hot water and squirt some soap in.
Using a clean cloth, submerge it into the water and then wring some of the excess out – though not so much that the cloth is just damp.
Wipe both sides of the mat down, scrubbing at any stains you find along the way.
Once finished, you will then need to let the mat air dry outside on the line or place it on a chair out of direct sunlight.
Using White Vinegar And Water
Vinegar is another tried and tested method when it comes to cleaning because it acts as a natural cleanser.
For this very reason, it is often used to clean around the home. It can remove grease and general dirt.
However, you may find that everything smells of vinegar. Because of this, you can also use tea tree oil to not only mask the smell, but to add its own cleaning benefits to the mixture.
It can kill lots of different bacteria, and remove fungi.
Using a spray bottle, place in 4 parts water and one part white vinegar and shake to mix.
If you are concerned about the smell, add in 15 or so drops of tea tree oil. Do not go past 20.
Spray the mixture onto the yoga mat and wipe it away with a damp cloth.
Just like the method above, let it air dry on the line outside or over a chair, but do make sure that it is not in direct sunlight.
Just a tip: if you do not want to use tea tree oil, or if you do not have any to hand, you can also use lemon juice.
Naturally squeezed lemon juice is preferred. Add a couple of teaspoons in place of the tea tree oil.
The Odor And Stain Remover
If you notice that your Manduka yoga mat is starting to smell, then you will want to do something about it, especially if the regular wipe down is not doing its job.
Baking soda is another cupboard staple that is often used to clean the home.
This is because not only can it get rid of nasty odors, but it also does a great job at removing stains.
To use, add a tablespoon of baking soda to one cup of water and shake gently to mix.
Spray it onto the yoga mat and wipe it away with a damp cloth.
If you have a particularly bad stain or the yoga mat smells terrible, then spray the mixture onto the mat and let it sit for around 5 minutes or so to do its job.
Once the time is up, wipe it away with the damp cloth.
You may need to spot target areas if you have a stain on the mat, for example.
Let it sit for a few minutes, and then use the clean soft cloth to scrub the stain away.
You may find that if your yoga mat is quite stained, you may need to repeat the process a few times before it looks clean again.
Use A The Manduka Cleaning Spray
If you would prefer to buy a specialized spray, then you will be happy to know that Manduka has an all natural cleansing spray that washes and refreshes the yoga mat.
It is said to be both pet friendly and non-irritating.
In fact, using this spray is probably going to be the easiest method to try if you would prefer to clean the mat after every single use.
This is especially helpful if you practice hot yoga. You will want to remove the sweat and oil to avoid the build up of grime and bacteria.
To use this product, all you will need to do is spray it onto the mat and then wipe it away with a clean and dry cloth to ensure that the mat is not still damp.
Once that quick step has been completed, you can roll the mat up and go.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to yoga, the last thing we think about is cleaning the yoga mat.
We would much prefer to get on with our day after a relaxing session, then have to think about getting the tools out to clean the mat.
Even so, cleaning the yoga mat is another way to clear the mind (see what we did there).
Once you know that the mat you are using is freshly cleaned and bacteria free, the more relaxed you can be once you are trying to find a moment of calm.
Fortunately, there are a number of methods to do so, from using soap and water, to vinegar and tea tree oil.
Choose the one that you find the easiest, and that you are willing to do!
The positive effect yoga had on me was indescribable. Every aspect of my life improved, from social to mental, physical to emotional.
I want my website to help more people get into the world of yoga and teach them how to be present for themselves - even if that’s just for a few minutes a day.
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