Top Tips for Yoga Mat Care: Ensuring Longevity and Hygiene

The Best Way to care for your yoga essentials to ensure longevity and hygiene

Investing in high-quality yoga equipment, such as mats and pad covers, is essential for a fulfilling and safe practice. To maximize the lifespan of these items and maintain a hygienic environment, proper care and maintenance are crucial. Here's a comprehensive guide to keeping your yoga essentials in top condition.

1. **Regular Cleaning Practices**

Yoga Mat

**Surface Wiping:**  After each session, wipe down your mat to remove sweat and dirt. Place a couple drops of mild non-toxic dish soap in 500 ml of warm water to make a solution. Pour the solution into a spray bottle.

Lightly spritz the solution onto the mat and wipe the surface with a clean, dry microfibre cloth or chamois.  Turn the cloth over many times to ensure a clean wiping.

**Deep Cleaning:**  Depending whether your yoga mat is open celled or closed cell will depend of how clean and bacteria free your mat remains. 

Open celled mats, like PVC and Cork absorb sweat and trap dirt and bacteria and may need to be deep cleaned more often than a closed cell mat.  Closed-cell mats, like Natural Rubber, TPE and EVA do not absorb moisture and hence remain more hygienic and last a longer time. 

To deep clean a closed cell or open celled yoga mat, make the above solution but add 1 tsp of colloidal silver to act as a disinfectant.  Colloidal silver kills germs on contact. You can usually find it under the name of disinfecting silver at a natural products store. Clean as above but instead of spraying and wiping, spray until completely covered and let sit for 2 - 3 minutes.  Wipe vigorously with a dry microfibre cloth or chamois.  Turn the cloth over many times to ensure a clean wiping.  Allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.

Yoga Mat Pad Cover

**Machine Washing:**  Most pad covers are machine washable. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild, non-toxic detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can leave residues that affect the cover's texture and performance.

**Drying:**  Air-dry the cover by laying it flat or hanging it up. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading or material degradation.

2. **Material-Specific Care**

**Natural Rubber, TPE, and Cork Mats:**  These materials are more durable and eco-friendly. Use a damp cloth with a mild cleaning solution for regular maintenance. Avoid using harsh chemicals or submerging these mats in water, as it can affect their integrity.  Avoid overexposure to sunlight, as that can also accelerate wear.

**PVC Mats:**  These mats can degrade faster and may become slippery over time. Regular cleaning helps maintain their grip and appearance. However, avoid overexposure to sunlight, as it can accelerate wear.  I would caution against submerging PVC mats in water to clean.  I’m afraid that once a deep clean as described above is no longer helping, it’s time to throw it out. 

3. **Storage Tips**

**Avoid Sunlight:**  Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause materials to break down or fade. Store your mat and pad cover in a cool, dry place away from windows or heat sources.

**Proper Ventilation:**  After cleaning or intense practice sessions, allow your equipment to air out before rolling or folding. This prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to odours and/or mold.

**Transportation:**  While it's convenient to leave your mat in the car, temperature fluctuations and sunlight can damage it. Always bring your mat inside with you  after practice.

4. **Additional Maintenance Tips**

**Use of Towels:** Placing a towel over your mat during practice can absorb sweat and reduce direct wear on the mat's surface. This is especially beneficial during hot yoga sessions.

**Avoiding Rough Surfaces:** Practicing on abrasive surfaces such as beaches and can cause tears or scratches. Ensure the area is clean and smooth before laying down your mat.

**Product-Specific Cleaners:** There are some cleaners out there but I haven’t found anything better than my DIY spray.  I would be skeptical of sprays with essentials oils as they may make the mat slippery.  Natural is the best.

By incorporating these care practices into your routine, you not only extend the life of your yoga equipment but also ensure a clean and supportive environment for your practice. Remember, the longevity of your investment is directly related to the attention and care you provide.

**Namaste.**