Keep Your Yoga Mat Clean With H2O? No Way!

Yogis, let’s chat about mat maintenance! I’ve been practicing yoga for years now and my mat has seen better days. Lately, some fellow yogis asked me “Can I wash my yoga mat with water?” - and I realized many don’t know the best practices for keeping mats fresh. 

It’s important to clean your mat regularly to wash away sweat, dirt and bacteria that accumulate. A dirty mat is a breeding ground for germs and can also affect grip and safety during your practice. But you can’t just throw your mat in the washing machine or scrub it with water and soap. 

Yoga mats need special care to preserve their texture and performance. Here’s a handy guide on how to clean your yoga mat properly:

Can You Wash a Yoga Mat with Water

Straight water isn’t enough to fully sanitize and freshen up your mat. Water alone won’t break down the oils, sweat and gunk that builds up. And submerging the mat can degrade the material over time. 

For regular cleaning, use a gentle yoga mat spray or all-natural wipe. Look for plant-based, antimicrobial ingredients like tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint or lavender oil. These will disinfect your mat without harsh chemicals. 

Spritz it evenly across the top and underside, then wipe dry with a towel. This lifts away dirt and kills bacteria without soaking the mat.

Deep Cleaning Yoga Mats 

For a deeper clean, mix water with vinegar or lemon juice and rub it in with a damp cloth. The acid in vinegar/lemon juice helps cut through grime. 

Or sprinkle baking soda before your yoga session - its abrasiveness loosens stuck-on gunk and absorbs odors as you practice. After class, shake off the baking soda and wipe down.

Every few months, do a detox bath by mixing gentle soap with warm water in a tub. Swish the mat around, drain the tub and rinse until the water runs clear. Lay flat to dry. 

Pro Mat Washing Tips

- Spot clean right after class to prevent stains from setting 

- Sanitize regularly but avoid over-washing, which degrades the mat  

- Wash with mild soap and lukewarm water only when needed

- Don't machine wash or bleach mats - it will ruin the material

- Wash hands before practice and avoid lotions to minimize oil transfer

- Hang up or fold mats - don't bundle them up wet or dirty

DIY Mat Refreshers

- Lemon juice concentrate to brighten and deodorize

- Witch hazel to remove odors and bacteria

- Hydrogen peroxide to bubble away stubborn stains

- Distilled white vinegar to demolish mildew and smells

- Coconut oil to condition and renew grip  

Take good care of your mat and it will support many yoga sessions to come! Namaste!