How to clean your yoga mat

If you are an avid yoga fan and practice regularly at home, chances are you have your own mat. When you settle down into child's pose and take a deep cleansing breath in - do you ever smell something a little... off? That'll be your yoga mat.

Without regular cleaning, your mat can get imbedded with dirt, oils and sweat. Many of us simply unroll our mat, practice and then roll it back up until our next session. Over time this can lead to our mat becoming riddled with bacteria. To keep your mat clean, hygienic and generally a much nicer place to be, take a look at the following tips.

Clean your mat weekly

If you practice regularly, a weekly wash will keep your mat squeaky clean. If you practice Bikram yoga or take your practice outside a lot, you may want to consider cleaning it after every session.

Use a natural cleanser

A water-based, organic cleanser is considered best for yoga mats. If yours is made from natural tree rubber, try a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar to naturally disinfect and cleanse. If you want to add some essential oils like lavender or thyme, be sure to check with the manufacturer of your mat to ensure it can tolerate these oils.

Try yoga mat wipes

If you want something quick and easy, try using yoga mat wipes. Most big manufacturers of mats now offer their own cleansing solutions that are safe for their mats - they can be a great time-saver.

Don't leave it out in the sun

It may be tempting to let your mat dry out in the sun, but it is likely to get too dry this way. The mat can loose it's flexibility and become crumbled.

If you want some professional guidance in your yoga practice, search for a yoga therapist in your local area.