What Should I Clean My Yoga Mat With?

Introduction

You’ve just finished a vigorous Vinyasa flow. You feel centered, strong, and perhaps a little sweaty. As you roll up your mat, you notice a faint, lingering scent or a few stray smudges from where your hands and feet were planted. This is a common moment for every practitioner, leading to a vital question for the longevity of your gear and the hygiene of your practice: what should I clean my yoga mat with? At Yoga Design Lab, we believe that caring for your equipment is an extension of the practice itself. Whether you are using a high-performance microfiber surface or a natural cork mat, the solution you choose matters. In this post, we will explore the best cleaning agents for different mat materials, how to mix your own DIY solutions, and what substances you should strictly avoid to keep your mat grippy and fresh. Choosing the right cleaner ensures your mat remains a sanctuary for your practice rather than a breeding ground for bacteria.

Understanding Your Mat Material Before Cleaning

Before you reach for a bottle of soap or a spray, you must identify what your mat is made of. Not all yoga mats are created equal, and using the wrong cleaner can lead to a slippery surface or, worse, the degradation of the material. Yoga mats generally fall into two categories: closed-cell and open-cell.

Closed-Cell Construction

Closed-cell mats are non-porous. This means they do not absorb sweat, moisture, or bacteria. Most standard TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) and some natural rubber mats, like our Flow Yoga Mat, fall into this category. Because the surface is sealed, bacteria stay on the top layer. These mats are generally easier to clean and can handle more robust wiping, but they can become slippery if sweat pools on the surface.

Open-Cell Construction

Open-cell mats are designed to be absorbent. These are often the preferred choice for hot yoga practitioners because they soak up moisture to maintain grip. Our signature Combo Mat, which features a recycled PET microfiber top bonded to a natural rubber base, functions similarly to an open-cell mat in how it interacts with moisture. Because these mats "breathe," they require a deeper level of care to ensure sweat doesn’t become trapped deep within the fibers.

Natural Materials

Materials like cork and natural tree rubber have unique properties. Cork is naturally antimicrobial, meaning it contains phenolics that kill bacteria and fungi. Natural rubber is incredibly grippy but sensitive to certain oils and high heat. Understanding these nuances is the first step in deciding what should I clean my yoga mat with to ensure it lasts for years.

Quick Answer: For routine cleaning, use a mixture of filtered water and white vinegar or a mild, specialized mat wash. For deeper cleans, a very diluted solution of natural dish soap works well, but always check your mat's specific material requirements first.

Mat Wash

Eucalyptus Mat Wash - 8oz

£14.00

Eucalyptus Mat Wash - 4oz

£11.00

The Best Solutions for Routine Cleaning

For the average practitioner, a quick wipe-down after every class is the best way to prevent buildup. You don't need harsh industrial chemicals to get the job done. In fact, gentle, natural ingredients are often more effective at preserving the integrity of the mat. For additional daily maintenance ideas, see our guide to maintaining a cleaner yoga mat.

Water and White Vinegar

This is the gold standard for DIY yoga mat cleaning. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. It is acidic enough to break down the oils from your skin and the salts from your sweat without damaging the mat's surface.

To make this at home:

1. Fill a spray bottle with three parts filtered water.
2. Add one part white distilled vinegar.
3. Lightly spritz your mat and wipe it down with a soft microfiber cloth.

Essential Oils for Antimicrobial Power

Many yogis prefer to add essential oils to their cleaning spray. Not only do they provide a pleasant, calming scent for your next practice, but several oils possess natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.

• Tea Tree Oil: Known for its powerful antiseptic qualities. It is excellent for keeping mats hygienic.
• Lavender Oil: Offers a soothing scent and has mild antibacterial benefits.
• Lemongrass or Eucalyptus: These provide a fresh, invigorating aroma and help cut through grime.

If you add essential oils, use them sparingly. Two to three drops in a standard spray bottle are sufficient. Too much oil can leave a residue that makes the mat slippery or clogs the pores of an open-cell mat.

Specialized Mat Washes

If you prefer a ready-made solution, consider an Eucalyptus Mat Wash. Avoid cleaners that contain artificial fragrances or harsh detergents. These specialized washes are formulated to maintain the "stickiness" of the mat while removing odors.

How to Deep Clean Your Yoga Mat

Sometimes a surface wipe isn't enough. If you practice daily or attend many hot yoga sessions, your mat will eventually need a deep clean to remove embedded sweat and oils. Our guide to washing a yoga mat in a machine covers additional care considerations.

The Mild Soap Method

When the grime starts to build up, a very mild soap is your best ally. We recommend using a gentle, biodegradable dish soap or a pure castile soap. These soaps are designed to break down fats (oils) without the use of harsh synthetic chemicals.

Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning:

• Step 1: Prepare the solution. / Mix a few drops of mild soap into a bowl of lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can break down the natural rubber in many high-quality mats.
• Step 2: Scrub gently. / Use a soft cloth or a non-abrasive sponge. Dip it into the soapy water and rub the mat in circular motions. Focus on the areas where your hands and feet typically land.
• Step 3: Rinse thoroughly. / This is the most important step. Any soap residue left on the mat will become incredibly slippery the next time you sweat. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away all soap, or rinse the mat under a cool shower if the manufacturer allows it.
• Step 4: Press out excess water. / Lay the mat flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the mat and the towel together and step on the roll to squeeze out moisture.
• Step 5: Air dry. / Hang the mat over a railing or the back of a chair. Always dry your mat in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can cause natural rubber to oxidize and become brittle.

Key Takeaway: Deep cleaning should be done once a month or after a particularly sweaty session. The goal is to remove internal moisture while ensuring no soap residue remains to cause slipping.

Cleaning Specific Yoga Design Lab Mats

Different mats in our collection require specific care routines to maintain their beauty and performance. Because we use sustainable materials like natural rubber and recycled plastic bottles, the cleaning approach is tailored to those fabrics.

The Combo Mat

Our signature Combo Mat is a mat and towel in one. The top layer is a plush microfiber made from recycled PET. This material is designed to get grippier as it gets wet. Because it acts like a fabric, it can actually be machine washed.

Machine Washing the Combo Mat:

• Use a cold cycle with a gentle detergent.
• Do not use bleach or fabric softener, as these will ruin the microfiber's grip.
• To speed up drying, wrap the wet mat in a towel and squeeze out the excess water.
• Hang to dry. Do not put it in the dryer.

The Cork Mat

Cork is a fascinating material for yoga. It contains suberin, a waxy substance that makes it naturally resistant to moisture and pests. Because it is antimicrobial, it doesn't need to be deep cleaned as often as other mats.

For a cork yoga mat, a simple wipe with water and a tiny bit of white vinegar is usually enough. Avoid using soap on cork, as it can be absorbed and may eventually cause the cork to crumble or lose its natural grip. If you have a very stubborn stain, a light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper can often refresh the surface.

The Infinity Mat

The Infinity Mat is a high-performance mat with a textured surface designed for maximum support. It features a closed-cell top, meaning it won't absorb sweat. For this mat, a daily spritz of our recommended vinegar and water solution is perfect. Avoid using any oils on this mat, as they can interfere with the engineered grip of the PU (polyurethane) surface. Explore the Infinity Mat for additional product-specific care information.

What You Should NEVER Clean Your Yoga Mat With

Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to use. Many common household cleaners are too aggressive for the delicate materials used in eco-friendly yoga mats.

Avoid Bleach and Harsh Disinfectants

While it might be tempting to use a bleach solution to "kill everything," bleach is extremely caustic. It will eat away at natural rubber and TPE, causing the mat to flake, peel, and lose its structure. Furthermore, the residue is not something you want your skin to be in direct contact with for an hour-long practice.

Skip the Disinfecting Wipes

Standard grocery store disinfecting wipes often contain alcohols and fragrances that can dry out your mat. Some wipes also leave a film behind that is designed to stay on hard surfaces like countertops to keep killing germs. On a yoga mat, this film creates a dangerous, slippery layer that can lead to injury during balance poses.

Say No to High Concentrations of Oils

While a few drops of essential oil in a spray are fine, avoid using straight oils or heavy oil-based cleaners. These will clog the pores of open-cell mats and stain the microfiber of a Combo Mat. Once a mat is "clogged" with oil, it is very difficult to restore its original grip.

Note: Never put a natural rubber mat in a tumble dryer. The high heat will melt the rubber and ruin both your mat and your appliance. Always air dry in the shade.

Practical Tips for Keeping Your Mat Clean Longer

Prevention is often the best form of maintenance. By incorporating a few simple habits into your routine, you can reduce the frequency of deep cleans and keep your gear in top shape.

Wash Your Feet and Hands

Most of the dirt on a mat comes from our own bodies. Washing your feet before you step onto your mat can significantly reduce the amount of oil and debris transferred to the surface. This is a common practice in many traditional studios and serves as a nice ritual to begin your practice.

Use a Yoga Towel

If you know you are a heavy sweater, or if you are attending a hot yoga class, lay a yoga towel over your mat. Our yoga mat towels are designed to absorb the bulk of the moisture, keeping it away from the mat itself. It is much easier to toss a towel in the washing machine after every class than it is to deep clean a mat.

Allow for Airflow

Never roll up a damp mat and leave it in a hot car or a dark closet. This creates a "perfect storm" for mold and mildew. If you have to roll your mat up quickly to leave the studio, unroll it as soon as you get home to let it breathe and dry completely.

The "Sun" Rule

While we mentioned avoiding direct sunlight for drying, a very brief (10-15 minute) exposure to indirect sunlight can help kill some surface bacteria. However, keep this to a minimum. Extended UV exposure is the primary cause of fading and "crumbling" in natural rubber mats.

Material Comparison for Cleaning Ease

Why Sustainability Matters in Mat Care

At Yoga Design Lab, our commitment to the environment doesn't stop at the manufacturing stage. How you care for your mat also impacts its environmental footprint. When you use biodegradable cleaners like vinegar and castile soap, you are ensuring that the runoff from your cleaning doesn't harm local waterways.

Furthermore, by choosing high-quality materials and maintaining them properly, you are participating in a more sustainable consumer cycle. A well-cared-for mat can last for years, reducing the need for frequent replacements and keeping old mats out of landfills. Our founder, Chad Turner, started this journey in Bali with the goal of blending beauty, performance, and sustainability. When you take the time to clean your mat correctly, you are honoring that vision and the planet. Explore Yoga Design Lab’s sustainability story to learn more about the brand’s environmental commitment.

Bottom line: The best thing you can clean your mat with is a simple, natural solution of water and vinegar, applied consistently after every practice to prevent buildup.

Conclusion

Taking care of your yoga mat is an act of mindfulness. It shows respect for your practice, your health, and the environment. By answering the question "what should I clean my yoga mat with" with natural, gentle ingredients, you protect the high-performance grip and stunning designs that make your mat unique. Whether you’re wiping down your Combo Mat after a sweaty session or giving your Cork Mat a light refresh, the key is consistency and the avoidance of harsh chemicals.

We invite you to treat your gear with the same kindness you show yourself on the mat. Beautiful, high-performance, and sustainable gear is meant to inspire you to show up, and proper care ensures it remains a joy to use for years to come.

• Always identify your mat material first.
• Use a 3:1 water-to-vinegar ratio for daily sprays.
• Avoid bleach, alcohol, and heavy oils.
• Never dry natural rubber in direct sunlight.

If you are still looking for the perfect mat to suit your practice style, or if you're ready to upgrade to a more sustainable option, explore the yoga mat collection for a range of options suited to different practices.

FAQ

Can I use Clorox or Lysol wipes on my yoga mat?

It is generally not recommended to use standard disinfecting wipes on high-quality yoga mats. These wipes often contain harsh alcohols and chemicals that can dry out natural rubber or leave a slippery residue on the surface. For a safer, mat-friendly alternative, use a DIY spray of water and white vinegar.

How often should I deep clean my yoga mat?

If you practice once or twice a week, a deep clean every month is usually sufficient. However, if you practice daily or do hot yoga, you may need to deep clean your mat every two weeks. Always supplement deep cleans with a quick routine wipe-down after every single practice to prevent odors from setting in.

Is it okay to put my yoga mat in the washing machine?

Only certain mats, such as our microfiber-topped Combo Mat, are safe for the washing machine. Most natural rubber, cork, or TPE mats will be damaged by the agitation and soaking of a wash cycle. Always check the specific care instructions provided by Yoga Design Lab or your mat's manufacturer before attempting to machine wash.

My mat has lost its grip; will cleaning it help?

Yes, often a loss of grip is caused by a buildup of skin oils and sweat on the surface of the mat. A thorough deep clean with a mild, oil-free soap can often "strip" these oils away and restore the original texture. For microfiber mats, ensure you aren't using fabric softeners, which are designed to coat fibers and will significantly reduce grip.