How to maintain and clean your yoga mat

Yoga enthusiasts usually have their own mat. A mattress chosen with care and love, because we spend long hours in its company! Over the course of the sessions, your yoga mat tends to get dirty and this is completely normal. Perspiration, dust and ambient impurities can stain your equipment and encourage the appearance of bacteria. Regular maintenance is therefore essential to keep your soul mat clean and healthy, and prevent it from deteriorating prematurely. But how can you sanitize your mattress without using chemical detergents? Discover our selection of natural products to maintain your yoga mat .

Cork, rubber, PU: which natural product should I use to maintain my yoga mat?

To clean your yoga equipment, always use cleaning products that are suitable for the material of the mat. In fact, an unsuitable compound could damage it irreversibly! We discussed in detail how to maintain a yoga mat according to its material in this blog article , but here we return to the most common materials.

How to maintain a cork yoga mat?

A natural material par excellence, cork is naturally antibacterial. It is therefore easy to clean and has the advantage of avoiding odors and sweat stains. To maintain cork yoga equipment, simply spray a solution of essential oils after practice.

How to maintain a PU yoga mat?

Polyurethane yoga mats often have a stained side that quickly picks up marks from hands and feet. Additionally, lotions and sweat can deteriorate the surface of your mat and reduce its grip. To clean a PU yoga mat, simply use mild soapy water and a soft cloth. To remove deeply embedded stains, soak it for a few minutes before cleaning. If you practice regularly, essential oil spray is ideal for refreshing and disinfecting your yoga mat between sessions.

How to maintain a rubber yoga mat?

Rubber yoga mats are known for their ease of maintenance. In fact, some yogis don't hesitate to put them in the washing machine! However, I do not recommend this method of washing: it deteriorates your equipment more quickly and significantly reduces its lifespan. Choose a specific product for the maintenance of natural rubber or a universal solution formulated for yoga equipment.

A natural and universal product to maintain my yoga mat

Use a specific product to naturally maintain my yoga equipment

Manduka's universal yoga mat cleaning spray has been specially developed for the maintenance and disinfection of your mattress. Easy to use, it dries quickly and leaves your mat perfectly clean. This natural and eco-friendly product is an excellent alternative to chemical disinfection agents:

• its fully biodegradable composition is guaranteed to be free of phosphates, alcohol or drying agents;
• it contains essential oils with naturally antibacterial, relaxing and energizing properties;
• This solution is packaged in 100% recyclable bottles, made from recycled materials for minimal impact on the environment.

Avoiding chemicals and harsh products for my soul mat

Group practice is essential to your yogi balance, but you feel the need to disinfect your equipment after each session? Sanitizing your yoga mat is a good idea to avoid the outbreak of unpleasant viruses. However, keep in mind that it is, like you, very sensitive to chemical detergents! So be sure to avoid the following products:

• Bleach, because it is one of the most aggressive and stripping products for your skin, eyes and mattress. Absolutely avoid.
• Disinfectant solutions, the use of which on yoga equipment is particularly complex. In fact, the product must be left to act for a specific period of time to ensure its effectiveness. Careful rinsing is then necessary to eliminate all chemical agents that are potentially aggressive for your skin and your equipment. In addition, they are not suitable for certain non-slip mats with a porous surface: you will not be able to rinse them properly.
• Disinfectant wipes, because you will need to use a large quantity to clean your entire mat. In addition, just like classic disinfectants, you will need to rinse your equipment completely after disinfection. Indeed, prolonged contact with the products they contain can trigger severe allergic reactions in their users.

Restore my yoga mat with essential oils

Which essential oils should I use to maintain my yoga mat?

Cleaning, refreshing and protecting your yoga equipment is essential to ensure its longevity and ensure a comfortable and efficient practice. Essential oils are ideal for naturally maintaining your yoga mat. Here is a selection of the varieties to favor:

• lavender, for its disinfectant and relaxing properties;
• sage, for its purifying properties;
• lemongrass, for its antifungal, deodorizing and antiseptic properties.

Be sure to use essential oils certified organic farming to take full advantage of their benefits. Never use them pure on your mat at the risk of making it greasy and slippery: they must be diluted before being applied to your yoga mat.

Essential oil products specifically formulated for my yoga mat

You will find many recipes for homemade sanitizing sprays online that work very well for cleaning the kitchen or bathroom. For yoga equipment, however, it is better to opt for a perfectly dosed solution to ensure effective cleaning that is safe for your mat. The refreshing spray from the Restore range (Manduka) was specially designed for natural rubber mats. It is composed of:

• purified water without biocides;
• essential oils of sage and lemongrass;
• of a natural stabilizer promoting the mixing of water and essential oils, and guaranteeing their durability over time.

This formula ensures a perfect wash and a pleasant feeling, neither sticky nor slippery, after drying. After each yoga class in the studio, use the refreshing spray to thoroughly clean the inside and outside of your mat and keep viruses and bacteria at bay!

Clean and Refresh My Yoga Mat Naturally

What maintenance routine for my yoga mat?

For the basic cleaning of your yoga mat, plan on a daily application of Manduka Natural Rubber Mat Cleaner Spray . A few sprays are enough to cover the surface of the mat, before cleaning it with a damp cloth. After drying, the soothing scent of essential oils will pleasantly perfume your yoga mat. Serenity and good mood guaranteed for the rest of the day!

How do I prevent my yoga mat from fading?

Over time, white spots or discoloration may appear on your natural rubber mat. This does not mean that your yoga mat is at the end of its life. This is an oxidation process that occurs when the mat is exposed to light and oxygen. If this happens, do not worry. Manduka Rubber 100% Natural Mat Cleaner is formulated to reverse the surface oxidation that discolors rubber mats. It is ideal for reviving the original colors and extending their life.

When and how should I deep clean my yoga mat?

Once a month, apply a larger amount of product to completely cover the surface of the carpet. Pay particular attention to discolored areas. Leave on for a few minutes and then remove the product with a soft cloth. Make sure the mattress is completely dry before rolling it up or using it.

 

To enjoy the comfort and shine of your beautiful mat for a long time, it is essential to maintain it properly. Find now our entire range of yoga mat cleaning products with essential oils: gentle on your mat and good for the planet!