Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Your Mat: Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell
- Essential Ingredients: What Do You Clean a Yoga Mat With?
- Cleaning Solutions for Specific Mat Materials
- Step-by-Step Cleaning Routines
- Drying and Storage: The Often Overlooked Steps
- Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
- Maintaining Your Other Props
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
We have all been there. You are settling into a peaceful Child’s Pose, forehead resting on the mat, only to be hit by a faint, stale scent of last week’s Power Yoga session. Or perhaps you notice your hands starting to slide during Downward-Facing Dog because of a buildup of invisible skin oils. Maintaining a clean practice surface is about more than just hygiene; it is about honoring your space and ensuring your equipment performs the way it was designed to.
Since 1986, Hugger Mugger has been a trusted resource for practitioners seeking high-quality tools that last for years. In this guide, we will break down exactly what do you clean a yoga mat with based on its material, how to tackle deep cleaning without damaging your mat, and how to maintain that "fresh-from-the-studio" feel every time you unroll it. Whether you use a classic PVC mat or a natural rubber surface, knowing the right solutions to use is the key to longevity. If you want help comparing your options as you read, start with our Yoga Mat Guide.
Quick Answer: Most yoga mats can be cleaned with a simple solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. For natural rubber mats, a diluted vinegar solution is often better, while cork mats require only a damp cloth. Always avoid harsh chemicals and direct sunlight during the drying process.
Understanding Your Mat: Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell
Before deciding what do you clean a yoga mat with, you must understand how your mat is constructed. In the yoga world, mats generally fall into two categories: open-cell and closed-cell. This distinction changes everything about how you apply moisture and cleaning agents.
Closed-Cell Mats
Closed-cell mats are made of non-porous materials. This means they do not absorb sweat, bacteria, or moisture. Most standard PVC mats, like our Tapas Original or Tapas Ultra, are closed-cell. Because the surface is "sealed," sweat stays on top. These mats are generally easier to clean because you can scrub the surface without worrying about moisture getting trapped deep inside the mat.
Open-Cell Mats
Open-cell mats have a porous structure. They are designed to absorb moisture, which is why they are often preferred for hot yoga or practitioners who sweat a lot—the absorption provides a better grip when wet. However, this also means that sweat, skin oils, and cleaning solutions can travel into the core of the mat. Natural rubber mats, such as our Para Rubber Yoga Mat, often fall into this category. Cleaning these requires a gentler touch and more attention to drying to prevent mold or material breakdown.
| Mat Type | Material Examples | Porosity | Best Cleaning Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed-Cell | PVC, TPE, Some PER | Non-porous | Surface wipe with mild soap/water |
| Open-Cell | Natural Rubber, Polyurethane | Porous | Diluted vinegar or specialized wash; avoid soaking |
| Specialty | Cork, Jute | Variable | Water only or very mild natural spray |
Essential Ingredients: What Do You Clean a Yoga Mat With?
You do not need a laboratory of chemicals to keep your gear fresh. In fact, many common household cleaners are too abrasive for the delicate materials used in high-quality mats. Here are the most effective and safe ingredients to use.
1. Mild Dish Soap
A clear, mild dish soap is often the best choice for PVC and TPE mats. It is formulated to break down body oils and grime without being overly acidic or basic. We recommend avoiding soaps with heavy artificial fragrances or moisturizing agents (like "hand-softening" soaps), as these can leave a slippery residue on your mat.
2. Distilled White Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural cleaner with mild antimicrobial properties. It is especially effective for natural rubber mats because it helps neutralize odors without damaging the rubber's "sticky" quality. A standard ratio is three parts water to one part vinegar.
3. Essential Oils
Many practitioners like to add a few drops of essential oils to their DIY cleaning sprays. Tea tree oil is a popular choice for its natural antifungal properties, while lavender or lemongrass can provide a calming scent.
Note: Use essential oils sparingly. Some oils can break down the integrity of natural rubber over time, and too much oil can make any mat surface dangerously slippery.
4. Specialized Mat Washes
If you prefer a ready-made solution, a dedicated mat wash or Refresh Mist is designed specifically for yoga gear. These products are formulated to be safe for the materials while providing a consistent, pleasant scent that is not distracting during practice.
5. Witch Hazel
As an alternative to vinegar, witch hazel can be used in a DIY spray. It has a less pungent smell than vinegar and is effective at refreshing the surface of cork or jute mats.
Cleaning Solutions for Specific Mat Materials
Every material reacts differently to moisture and acidity. Using the wrong solution can lead to "flaking" on a PVC mat or "drying out" a natural rubber mat.
PVC and TPE Mats (The Tapas Collection)
These are the most durable mats. To clean these, use a mixture of warm water and a drop of dish soap. You can be a bit more vigorous with your scrubbing here. Since they are closed-cell, you don’t have to worry about the soap soaking into the center, but you must ensure you rinse the soap off completely to avoid a slippery surface in your next class.
Natural Rubber Mats (Para Rubber)
Natural rubber is a living material. It is sensitive to sunlight and harsh chemicals. What do you clean a yoga mat with when it’s made of rubber? Use a 50/50 water and vinegar solution. Avoid using a lot of soap, as it can be difficult to rinse out of the porous rubber. Never submerge a natural rubber mat in a bathtub, as it may never fully dry out, leading to a heavy, waterlogged mat.
Cork Mats
Cork is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial, which is one of its greatest strengths. Most of the time, a cork mat only needs to be wiped down with a damp cloth. If it is particularly dirty, use a very diluted mixture of water and witch hazel. Avoid vinegar on cork, as the acidity can eventually break down the natural binders in the cork.
Jute Mats (Sattva Jute)
Jute is a natural fiber that can be somewhat abrasive. To clean a jute mat, such as our Sattva Jute Yoga Mat, use a damp cloth with water. Because jute is highly absorbent, you want to use the least amount of moisture possible. If you soak a jute mat, the fibers may become brittle or begin to smell like damp hay.
Key Takeaway: Match your cleaning solution to your mat's material. Soap is for PVC; vinegar is for rubber; water is for cork and jute. Always prioritize the "less is more" approach with moisture.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Routines
The frequency of your cleaning depends on how often you practice and how much you sweat. We recommend a two-tiered approach: the daily refresh and the monthly deep clean.
The Daily Post-Practice Refresh
This should take less than two minutes and will significantly extend the life of your mat.
- Step 1: Mist your mat lightly with a dedicated mat spray or a water-and-vinegar solution.
- Step 2: Use a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire surface.
- Step 3: If you practiced at a studio, don’t forget to wipe the bottom of the mat as well, as it was in contact with the studio floor.
- Step 4: Allow the mat to air dry for at least 5 to 10 minutes before rolling it up. Never roll a damp mat, as this is the primary cause of bacterial growth.
The Deep Clean
If you notice persistent odors or visible stains, it is time for a deeper session. This is typically done every 4 to 6 weeks for regular practitioners.
- Step 1: Create a bucket of warm water with about half a teaspoon of mild dish soap.
- Step 2: Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the soapy water and wring it out so it is damp, not dripping.
- Step 3: Scrub the mat in circular motions, paying extra attention to where your hands and feet usually land.
- Step 4: Wipe the mat down a second time with a cloth dampened only with plain water to remove any soap residue.
- Step 5: Lay the mat flat on a dry towel and roll the towel and mat together like a sleeping bag. Press down to squeeze out excess moisture.
- Step 6: Unroll and hang to dry away from direct sunlight.
Drying and Storage: The Often Overlooked Steps
How you dry your mat is just as important as what you clean it with. Many practitioners make the mistake of thinking a "sun bath" will disinfect their mat.
Avoid Direct Sunlight While UV rays can kill bacteria, they are incredibly damaging to yoga mat materials. Sunlight causes PVC to become brittle and causes natural rubber to undergo a process called "oxidation," where it begins to crumble and lose its grip. Always dry your mat indoors or in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
The "Towel Roll" Technique If your mat is very wet, don't hang it up immediately. The weight of the water can stretch the mat out of shape. Instead, use the towel roll technique mentioned in the deep clean section. This removes about 80% of the moisture instantly, making the air-drying process much faster and safer for the mat's shape.
Proper Rolling When your mat is completely dry, roll it with the practice side (the side you stand on) facing out. This ensures that the corners stay flat when you unroll it for your next practice. Rolling it with the bottom side out can cause the edges to curl up, creating a tripping hazard.
Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
In our decades of experience at Hugger Mugger, we have seen many mats meet an early end due to well-intentioned but incorrect cleaning methods.
Myth: You can put any yoga mat in the washing machine. Fact: Most mats are too heavy and dense for a home washing machine. The agitator can tear the mat, and the spin cycle can stretch the materials beyond repair. Unless the manufacturer specifically states it is machine-washable, stick to hand-washing.
Avoid Harsh Disinfectants Bleach, heavy-duty bathroom cleaners, and even some "natural" cleaners with high alcohol content can strip the finish off your mat. This leaves the surface feeling "chalky" or "slick." If you must use a disinfectant (for example, if you are a teacher cleaning shared studio mats), look for products specifically labeled as safe for gym equipment or TPE/PVC surfaces.
Don't Use Abrasive Scrubbers Steel wool or the rough side of a kitchen sponge can create micro-tears in the surface of your mat. These tears then become magnets for sweat and bacteria, making the mat even harder to clean in the future. A soft microfiber cloth or a smooth cellulose sponge is always the best choice.
The Essential Oil Trap While essential oils smell great, they are still oils. If you use too many, they will build up on the mat surface, creating a film that makes the mat slippery. This is particularly dangerous for styles like Vinyasa where grip is essential for safety. If your mat starts to feel "slimy" even when dry, you likely have an oil buildup that needs to be stripped with a mild soap and water solution.
Maintaining Your Other Props
While the mat is the foundation, your other props—like blocks, straps, and bolsters—also need attention. Since these items often come into direct contact with your skin, they should be cleaned with the same care as your mat. If you want a deeper breakdown of the basics, explore our Yoga Prop Guide.
- Foam Blocks: These can be wiped down with the same mild soap and water solution you use for your mat. They are closed-cell and won't absorb much moisture.
- Yoga Straps: Most cotton straps can be tossed into a mesh laundry bag and washed on a cold, gentle cycle. Air dry them only, as the heat from a dryer can shrink the cotton or damage the metal D-ring.
- Bolster Covers: Most of our bolsters, including the Standard Bolster, feature removable covers. These should be washed in cold water and hung to dry to prevent shrinking.
- Yoga Blankets: Our cotton and Mexican blankets can be machine washed, but always use a gentle cycle to preserve the weave.
Key Takeaway: A clean practice environment involves more than just the mat. Regularly checking your blocks and washing your bolster covers ensures a completely hygienic and inviting space.
Conclusion
Keeping your mat clean is one of the simplest ways to show respect for your practice. When you know what do you clean a yoga mat with, you protect your investment and ensure that your gear remains a reliable partner on your journey. Whether you are using our classic Tapas Original or a natural rubber Para Rubber mat, the goal is always the same: a clean, grippy, and supportive surface that lets you focus entirely on your breath and movement.
At Hugger Mugger, we have spent nearly 40 years perfecting the tools of the trade. We believe that when you take care of your props, they take care of you. Use natural, gentle solutions, avoid the harsh sun, and always give your mat the time it needs to dry. By following these steps, you can keep your mat in peak condition for years to come.
To find the perfect cleaning accessories or to find a new mat that fits your specific practice style, we invite you to explore our Yoga Mats collection or take the next step with our Yoga Mat Guide.
FAQ
Can I use Lysol wipes on my yoga mat?
While Lysol wipes are effective at killing germs, the harsh chemicals and alcohols can often damage the surface of many yoga mats, especially natural rubber or open-cell varieties. Over time, these wipes can cause the mat to become slippery or cause the material to break down and flake. If you must use a disinfectant wipe, ensure it is alcohol-free and designed for fitness equipment.
How do I get the "new mat smell" to go away?
Many mats, particularly natural rubber or freshly manufactured PVC, have a distinct scent when first unrolled. The best way to dissipate this is to unroll the mat and leave it in a well-ventilated room (away from direct sunlight) for 24 to 48 hours. You can also wipe it down with a 50/50 water and vinegar solution to help neutralize the odor more quickly.
Is it okay to soak my yoga mat in the bathtub?
Soaking is generally only recommended for closed-cell PVC mats that are extremely dirty. You should never soak an open-cell or natural rubber mat, as the core will act like a sponge and absorb the water, which can lead to mold and a permanent "heavy" feeling. For most cleaning needs, a surface scrub and the "towel roll" technique are much safer and more effective. If you use a bolster for restorative practice, the Standard Bolster collection is a useful place to find supportive options.
How often should I clean my mat if I only practice once a week?
Even if you only practice once a week, you should still give your mat a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth or a light mist after every session. Dust and skin oils can settle on the mat even during a gentle practice. A deep clean would likely only be necessary every few months for a once-a-week practitioner, provided you are consistent with your post-practice refreshes.