How To Clean Your Yoga Mat The Right Way
Text by Pushpanjali Mohanan
How is everyone holding up so far? We bet that the Movement Control Order has inspired you to get healthy more than ever now. It seems that everyone we know is in the mood for some meditating regardless of day or night. Or are joining virtual workout sessions to burn out some calories from all the snacking. And the majority are using a yoga mat at home. Even many celebrities and supermodels like Karlie Klos too.
View this post on Instagram
It is great that everyone is working out. But don’t neglect the most important matter. You need to clean your yoga mat regularly. Nobody wants to exercise on an oily and dirty mat, that is why cleaning your mat is a must. Speaking of hygiene, cleaning is the only logical way to do especially during the pandemic.
A good amount of cleaning would be wiping your mat once a week. If it starts looking heavily soiled or it has developed an odor, then don’t wait for any longer. Proceed to wash it, please!
#1 How to Lightly Clean Your Mat
The best way to make sure your yoga mat stays clean is by checking for spots or stains after a whole week of exercising. If there are any, apply a solution of two cups of warm water and four drops of dish soap to the soiled areas. Use a spray bottle or damp cloth to apply the solution. Wipe the mat with clean water and then lightly dry it off with a towel or dry cloth. After completing this whole process, you need to air-dry your yoga mat so that all the water retained will be completely gone.
#2 Deep Cleaning Your Yoga Mat
Darker stains and an odd smell are tell-tale signs that your mat is in need of a serious wash. Soak it in a solution of warm water and mild detergent, use it sparingly because the residue might cause your mat to be slippery and clogged in the future. Thoroughly hand washed your mat and rinse it off with clean water. The final steps are similar to light washing. Just pat the mat with a towel/cloth and then leave it to air-dry.
Easy, isn’t it? Also, here is some extra information that is important you need to know when cleaning your yoga mat:
- Air Dry, Not Sun Dry
The best method for drying your yoga mat is by letting the natural wind and air do all the work. Sure, drying it under the sun might work faster but it will dry out your mat a little bit too much and may cause more damage in the long run.
- No Need To Be Harsh
Don’t overdo it! Avoid using harsh cleaning tools to maintain the shape and quality of your yoga mat.
- Avoid The Oils and Creams
It is best to avoid applying oil or body cream on your body because it will leave stains on the yoga mat over time.
When cleaning and drying the yoga mat, it could take up hours depending on the day. Be sure to have an extra yoga mat to avoid interruption of your workout session. In case if you need to buy a new one, we have the basic shopping tips you need to know:
READ:
#MCwakeup2abetterday: Here’s How To Empower Yourself During The Restricted Movement Order
The Yoga Set You Need Right Now
The post How To Clean Your Yoga Mat The Right Way appeared first on Marie Claire Malaysia.