If you use your yoga mat a lot, it will get dirty, sweaty and stinky.This is not a good way to experience yoga.The surface of the mat can be penetrated with skin and product oils, sweat, and dirt.The elements can make it hard to practice yoga on the mat.It is possible to extend the life of your yoga mat by washing it regularly and keeping it clean.
Step 1: You should be aware of when to wash your mat.
If you don't practice regular maintenance or perform yoga every day, you should wash your yoga mat every couple of months.It will extend the life of your mat, but it will also keep it from smelling.If you practice yoga every day, you should wash your mat at least once a month.The more soil you see on your mat, the more likely it is to be washed.Purchase a new mat if your yoga mat is peeling or adhering to your clothes.
Step 2: Take the yoga mat and soak it.
A solution of warm water and detergent can be used.Allow the yoga mat to soak in the bathtub for a few minutes.It will help remove dirt, oils and odors.If you have a yoga mat, you should use dish soap or laundry detergent.Don't use too much detergent in the water.It's important that you have enough soap to clean your mat.It's difficult to practice asanas on a slippery mat if you use too much detergent.For every 1 gallon of tap water, mix 15 grams of laundry detergent or dish soap.It's suggested that you wash your mat with vinegar.This can leave a scent on the mat that can make practicing yoga less enjoyable.The quality of the mat may be affected by the amount of vinegar in it.
Step 3: The mat should be washed with a soft cloth.
After your mat has soaked, use a soft cloth to wash both sides of it.Thoroughly wipe each side, concentrating on the areas that your hands and feet touch the most.The areas you use the most are likely to have a slightly different color to the rest of the mat.Make sure you wipe each side gently so that you don't damage the mat.If you don't see bubbles from the detergent, that's fine.Don't make the mat slippery by using too much detergent and bubbles to clean it.
Step 4: Clean water is the best place to wash your mat.
Remove the tub from which you have your mat and wash it with clean water.The risk of having a slippery mat will be minimized if this is used.The water is clear if you rinse off the mat.If the water doesn't clear quickly, wash it off with a soft cloth.
Step 5: Excess water can be removed from the mat.
To remove water from your mat, shake it off.Put the mat on a dry towel and roll it together.Don't wring out your mat!It can cause wrinkling, tearing or warping.If you want to get out excess water, you can step on the rolled up mat and towel.
Step 6: To dry your mat, hang it.
When you are done squeezing out water, put your yoga mat in the towel.It needs to be hung up until it is dry.You can hang up your mat with pant hangers, but they may leave marks.If you have a laundry drying rack, drape your yoga mat over it to dry it.Do not put a yoga mat in a clothes dryer.This can ruin your mat and cause a fire.Once the mat is completely dry, use it again.It is possible to squeeze bits of the mat between your fingers.
Step 7: Understand the importance of regular cleaning.
It is more difficult to practice on a mat with dirt, oils, and sweat on it.It is possible to prolong the life of your yoga mat by performing simple maintenance tasks after each use.It is important to clean off and store your mat properly if you practice yoga a lot.
Step 8: Before practice, clean your hands and feet.
The areas of the body that tend to be dirty are the hands and feet.It is possible to extend the life of your mat by using it with clean skin.It's a good idea to wash your hands and feet after practice to make sure they don't degrade the mat.If you can't wash your hands and feet before practice, use baby wipes to wipe them off.
Step 9: Remove your mat.
If you practice yoga on your mat, wipe it off with either a baby wipe, yoga mat specific wipe or a cloth with some mild soap.You are good to go if you roll it up after it dries.It can help to keep your mat clean and free of sweat, dirt, and oils.Specialty yoga retailers and sports stores sell wipes that are specifically formulated for yoga mats.
Step 10: Place towels on the mat.
If you sweat a lot, you should put a towel on your mat in a hot room.It's easier to grip your mat with towels.During use, regular towels may slip around.It can be dangerous.There is a yoga towel.You can keep the material from slipping on your mat with the special grips on the towels.At some sports stores and online yoga specialty retailers you can buy yoga towels.
Step 11: It's a good idea to air out your mat.
Most people store their yoga mats in a mat bag or a corner of their home or studio after they use them.It's a good idea to allow your mat to air out regularly to help evaporate sweat and keep it smelling fresh.You can put the mat over the laundry rack.If you only practice on one side, you want to make sure you are airing out both sides of the mat.If you're going to use your mat carrier for transport, make sure it's for that purpose.Keep your mat out of the sun.This will keep it from degrading.It will prevent it from getting too wet, which can cause diseases.