How to Clean a Yoga Mat

At commercial gyms and yoga studios, all kinds of fitness equipment are cleaned regularly, but at home, they can often be left off our regular cleaning checklists. Yoga mats in particular are convenient to have at home when you want to get a quick sweat session in. Unfortunately, they’re also one of the unexpected places germs congregate at home. Keeping yoga mats germ-free is a pretty easy task if you do it regularly. If you can’t remember the last time you gave your favorite yoga mat a good wipe-down, our Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab experts have put together this easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide to cleaning your yoga mat, regardless of the condition it may currently be in. Before trying any of these cleaning methods, check the manufacturer’s instructions for your yoga mat.

If you’re using a store-bought yoga mat cleaner, make sure the cleaner is formulated for the material of your yoga mat, and follow the instructions on the label. If you prefer to use a homemade cleaner, follow the steps below for a germ- and odor-free mat. Looking for a workout mat to complement your yoga routine? Check out our guide to the best exercise mats.

How to Regularly Clean a Yoga Mat

What you’ll need:

1. In a spray bottle, mix a few drops of mild dish soap and two cups of warm water.
2. Lightly spritz the solution onto the mat and wipe the surface with a clean, soft, dry cloth.
3. Dip a second clean cloth into clear water and wring it well. Wipe the mat with the damp cloth to remove any residual dish soap left on the surface of the mat.
4. Turn the mat over and repeat on the other side.
5. Lay the yoga mat flat or hang it over a sturdy shower rod to dry completely before rolling it up to store.

How to Deep-Clean a Yoga Mat

What you’ll need:

If your yoga mat can be submerged in water:

1. Add a squeeze or two of mild dish soap to a bathtub filled with warm water.
2. Submerge the yoga mat in the tub and allow it to sit for a few minutes, then lightly work the soapy water into the yoga mat with a clean cloth.
3. Empty the tub and rinse the yoga mat well. Make sure no soap is left behind on the mat’s surface.
4. Shake off as much excess water as you can from the mat. Then lay it flat or hang it over a sturdy shower rod until it’s completely dry.

Pro Tip: If you’re taking a yoga mat outside to dry, keep it out of direct sunlight. Yoga mats can fade and become brittle after prolonged time in the sun.

If your yoga mat cannot be submerged in water:

1. In a spray bottle, mix one part white vinegar and three parts water.
2. Lightly spritz the solution onto the mat and wipe the surfaces with a clean, soft, dry cloth.
3. Dip a second clean cloth into clear water and wring it well. Wipe the mat with the damp cloth to remove any residual white vinegar left on the surface of the mat.
4. Turn the mat over and repeat on the other side.
5. Lay the yoga mat flat or hang it over a sturdy shower rod to dry completely before rolling it up to store.

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How often should you clean a yoga mat?

It depends on how often you use your mat and the intensity of your sessions. A good rule of thumb is to wipe down your yoga mat once a week — or more frequently if you notice an odor or visible stains. Some yoga mat manufacturers caution against overcleaning, as this can wear out the material more quickly.

Can you clean a yoga mat in the washing machine?

You may be able to wash some yoga mats in a washing machine on a gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent, but we recommend using this method only if it is absolutely necessary and the manufacturer explicitly says it is OK to do so. Putting your mat through the motions of a washer cycle could cause your yoga mat to rip or fall apart.

What happens if you don’t clean your yoga mat?

Like any other frequently used workout equipment, yoga mats collect germs and bacteria from our sweat and natural body oils. If you apply moisturizer or oil on your skin before a yoga session, those transfer to your mat too, coating the surface and causing the mat to lose its grippy texture that keeps you from slipping and sliding during downward dog. To absorb oils from a less-than-grippy mat, sprinkle and rub baking soda on the surface of your mat. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then brush off or vacuum the excess. Placing a grip-increasing, expert-tested yoga towel over your mat during an especially intense session is also a great option for keeping your mat clean longer.

Can you use Clorox wipes on a yoga mat?

Clorox wipes can be an easy way to kill germs on a yoga mat — if the manufacturer’s instructions for your mat indicate that wipes are safe to use — but it will likely take more than one wipe to do so. For disinfectant wipes like the ones from Clorox to work, the surface must remain wet for several minutes, a tough task to accomplish with just one wipe on a five- to six-foot-long yoga mat.

As for which cleaning products to avoid, you shouldn’t use any cleaners that contain bleach or other harsh solvents to clean your yoga mat. These products can make mats wear out faster over time and leave behind an often difficult-to-remove smell on the material. We found several yoga mat reviews online that mentioned struggling to remove the smell after using bleach-scented wipes to clean their mats.