How to clean your yoga mat

There is nothing that disturbs the calm and meditative benefits of yoga more than practicing on a smelly icky mat. This problem is easily solved by pretty much just wiping your mat down after a practice.  To keep you mat in excellent condition,  here are some tips for cleaning your yoga mat.

How often should I clean my yoga mat?

After every yoga practice you should wipe down your mat.  Simply spritz some yoga mat cleaner on your mat and wipe the surface clean with a soft clean cloth.  Rinse the mat with a cloth that has been dampened with water.  Hang the mat over a towel rack to dry fully before rolling it back up.  You can either buy a yoga mat cleaner or make your own.  Simply add a few drops of dishwashing liquid and 2 cups of water to a spray bottle and you are good to go!

How to deep clean your mat

Every once in a while you should wash your mat thoroughly.   If you practice regularly, you should do this once a month.  Here is a break down of how to clean your specific asoka yoga mat:

1. Asoka eco sticky yoga mats

• These mats are easy to clean as you can simply soak them in a bath of lukewarm water mixed with some dishwashing liquid and hand wash them with a soft sponge.(Approximately 1 tablespoon of liquid to 4 litres of water).  You can also add a teaspoon of baking soda if the mat is very dirty.  To rinse, simply soak your mat in the shower to get rid of all the solution residue.  Make sure to get rid of all the leftover soap.
• Lie the mats flat on a clean towel and roll the mats together with the towels to get rid of excess water.
• Do not ‘wring’ the mats, as this can damage your mat.
• Hang to dry completely over a towel rail before rolling up your mat again.
• Avoid leaving your mat out in the sun for long periods. Your yoga mat is biodegradable after all and the sun can degrade it more quickly!

2. Asoka Eco lux yoga mats

• Use a drop of dishwashing liquid with 4 cups of water and wipe your mat gently with a soft sponge.
• Allow your mat to dry fully before you roll it up
• Store with fabric side out
• Avoid leaving your mat out in the sun for long periods.

3. Asoka Alignment performance mats

• Use a drop of dishwashing liquid with 4 cups of water and wipe your mat gently with a soft sponge that is damp but not overly wet.
• We recommend you clean your mat after 5-10 uses.
• Allow your mat to dry fully before you roll it up.
• Avoid leaving your mat out in the sun for long periods.
• Refrain from soaking your mat and using essential oils as these will detract from the stickiness of your mat over time.

4. Asoka Cork and natural tree rubber yoga mats

• Thanks to the natural antimicrobial qualities of cork, it’s a little easier keeping your cork mat clean.
• With a cork yoga mat, we suggest a wipe down once a week
• To clean the cork surface of your yoga mat take a soft damp cloth or sponge and wipe away any dirt or build up.
• For a deeper clean, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid or white vinegar.
• Let your mat airdry before rolling it back up.