How to Clean Your Yoga Mat—and How Often You Should Do It

Keep the foundation of your practice safe and germ-free.

From the sweat and oils of your skin to the dirt and dust on floors and other surfaces, your yoga mat is exposed to an array of bacteria, germs, and potential allergens. That's exactly why keeping your yoga mat clean is such an important part of your workout routine. Frequent wipes, regular deep cleans, and the correct drying procedure help keep your mat sturdy, strong, and safe.

Rolling yoga mat

oatawa / GETTY IMAGES

Cleaning Closed-Cell Mats vs. Open-Cell Mats

Yoga mat materials are categorized as either closed cell or open cell. "Think of your kitchen sponge: That absorbs water, so it's open-cell. Open-cell mats typically have great grip, but also absorb sweat, trapping dirt and bacteria," says Mary Vallarta of Manduka. "Closed-cell mats do not absorb moisture, and hence remain more hygienic and last a longer time."

  • Open-cell yoga mat materials: polyurethane and cork
  • Closed-cell yoga mat materials: jade, natural rubber, PVC, EVA, and TPE

"To see if your mat is open- or closed-cell, sprinkle some water on it," says Vallarta. "If it absorbs the water, it’s open-cell." Open-cell mats are also thicker than closed-cell iterations.

How Often to Clean Your Yoga Mat

Experts recommend wiping down your open- or closed-cell yoga mat after each use to stay ahead of sweat stains and prevent gym odors from developing. "Mats should be cleaned with a mat cleaner after every practice," says Vallarta. "Use a clean cloth to wipe the mat dry before rolling or using." If possible (and especially if you sweat a lot), wipe the mat as soon as your class ends instead of waiting until you get home.

Vallarta recommends giving your mat a more thorough clean once a week (although this can depend on how frequently you use it).

How to Deep Clean Your Yoga Mat

When you're ready to give your yoga mat its weekly deep clean, turn to these methods.

Use a Mat Spray

Vallarta provided these instructions for deep cleaning your mat with an anti-bacterial spray.

  1. Spray generously until the mat is visibly wet.
  2. Let it sit one to two minutes.
  3. Use a clean cloth to gently scrub any areas that have dirt or stains.
  4. Always dry your mat before rolling.

Use Soap and Water

Vallarta cautions against using cleaners that aren't designed for yoga mats. But Ingrid Yang, MD, C-IAYT, a yoga therapist at Saffron and Sage, cleans her yoga mat regularly with body soap and a sponge to pull out grease, oils, and germs, bringing it into the shower to lather and rinse it. "Then I hang it up [to] dry over the shower curtain rod or outside on a chair or bench," she says.

Other experts suggest submerging a mat in the bathtub, then rinsing it; however, Vallarta says that regularly soaking the mat in water can encourage the materials to break down more quickly. (She recommends Manduka's mat restoring foam cleanser for open cell mats.)

How to Disinfect Your Yoga Mat

You should never use bleach to disinfect a yoga mat, since the harsh chemical makeup can reduce the integrity of your mat. Disinfectants made with natural ingredients are a gentler option. "You only want to disinfect your yoga mat when you feel it has been exposed to germs," says Vallarta. "If you practice at a studio, you should disinfect your mat, both top and bottom, after your class. If you are practicing at home and no one in your home is sick, you really don't need to disinfect your mat very often."

Can You Put a Yoga Mat in the Washing Machine?

In most cases, no, say experts: Yoga mats aren't designed for machine washing. "For closed-cell, it does not clean the mat," says Vallarta. "For open-cell, it will just absorb and trap the water and not clean out the bacteria within." However, check the care instructions on your specific mat, since some manufacturers may allow machine washing; follow the recommendations for cycles and water temperatures.

How to Dry a Yoga Mat

Never put your yoga mat the in the dryer. Instead, hang it to dry—Vallarta recommends using a towel bar or shower curtain rod indoors. If you have an outdoor drying rack, take advantage of the sun's UV rays to attack any remaining bacteria or viruses on your mat by hanging it in a sunny spot. Don't roll up your mat until it's fully dry; storing a damp mat can increase the risk of mold and mildew.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles