After a sweaty, heart-pumping yoga session, your yoga mat probably isn’t as clean as it could be. If you’re at home or heading straight home from your yoga class, cleaning the mat isn’t a big deal – you can easily wipe it down once you get home. However, if you’re on the go, you might be searching for a more convenient solution.
So, can you use Lysol wipes to clean your yoga mat? They come in convenient little packages, perfect for on the go, but they’re not the best option for cleaning your yoga mat. Here’s what you need to know.
Can I Use Lysol Wipes On My Yoga Mat?
When you’re racing around, running errands, working, and squeezing in yoga sessions on a daily basis, convenience is key. In these cases, cleaning your yoga mat in a bathtub or hosing it down isn’t the most logical option. So, you might be tempted to use a pre-packaged cleaning wipe, such as Lysol wipes.
While these wipes are great for many scenarios, cleaning your yoga mat isn’t one of them. Lysol contains various harsh chemicals that can damage the surface of your mat. Some yoga mats feature a protective lining, which may become damaged under Lysol wipes. On top of that, porous yoga mats might absorb the chemicals from the wipes, meaning you’ll be in close contact with them in your next savasana.
So, while handy, you shouldn’t use Lysol wipes on your yoga mat. There are much better alternatives specifically designed for
Can I Use Disinfecting Wipes On My Yoga Mat?
While you could use disinfecting wipes like Lysol or Clorox to clean your yoga mat, we don’t recommend it. Many of these disinfecting wipes contain harsh chemicals that can damage your yoga mat or sink into the porous surface of the mat.
If you decide to use disinfectant wipes on your yoga mat, test the wipe on an inconspicuous area of that mat to check for adverse side effects. As long as the mat doesn’t react poorly to the wipes, you could technically use the wipes to disinfect the mat.
That said, if you decide to use wipes for disinfecting the mat, we recommend wiping the mat down with a clean, damp cloth afterward to remove leftover residue. Then, let the mat dry completely before rolling it up for storage.
What Do I Wipe My Yoga Mat With?
As mentioned, convenience is critical when cleaning your yoga mat on the go. Some yoga studios offer sprays and disinfecting wipes to clean your mat after class, but this isn’t always the case, so you should come prepared.
You can buy cleansing wipes specifically designed to disinfect yoga mats, although you should be sure to check the label for harsh chemicals. These are perfect for busy folks, as they come in small packages that won’t consume much space in your yoga bag.
Alternatively, you could bring a DIY mat cleaner to the studio with you. Mix a homemade cleaner in a small bottle and put a few paper towels in a Ziploc bag. After each class, spray down the mat with your homemade cleaner, then wipe it down with paper towels. If you can, leave the mat unrolled to dry completely (if you leave it in your car, don’t leave it in the sun!).
You could also buy a small box (similar to the one baby wipes come in), which would allow you to make ready wipes. Simply soak a stack of paper towels in the cleaning solution and store them in the sealed box. When you’re ready, pull one out of the box and clean the mat!
Why Regularly Cleaning Your Yoga Mat Is Essential
Cleaning your yoga mat regularly is essential to caring for your yoga materials. While regular cleaning is imperative for promoting the longevity of your yoga mat, it’s also crucial for your health. The longer you go between cleaning your yoga mat, the higher the likelihood of bacteria, dirt, and grime accumulating on your mat.
If bacteria and fungi remain on your mat, they can pose a threat to your health. Some folks, especially those with a sensitivity to certain bacteria and fungi, may notice adverse effects after using their mat. On top of that, they don’t usually emit a pleasant odor.
Cleaning isn’t difficult – most of the time, it’s as simple as wiping down the mat after a sweaty session. The process is even easier if you have premade yoga mat cleaner on hand. You simply need to spray the solution on the mat, then wipe away the excess with a soft cloth.
Leave the mat unrolled in a ventilated area and allow it to dry thoroughly. If you put the mat away when it’s still wet, mold and mildew might begin to grow, as a damp, porous mat is the perfect environment for them to grow.
How Often Should You Clean Your Yoga Mat?
A regular cleaning schedule is essential for you and your yoga mat. You probably don’t want to be up close and personal with the excess sweat and grime from your last hot yoga session. On top of that, your yoga mat will hold up better with regular cleaning.
However, how often should you clean it? As a general rule of thumb, it doesn’t hurt to quickly wipe down the mat after each session. That said, this might not be necessary for less active sessions, such as a soothing bedtime routine. For some mat types, you might only need to wipe down the mat once or twice per week.
It depends on how often you practice and how intense the class is. Once the mat starts to feel or smell dirty, you need to clean it. You don’t have to wait this long, as regular cleaning is best, but you should always wash it if it smells or feels dirty.
Of course, you’ll want to wipe down the mat after each hot yoga session, as the mat will probably be quite grimy and sweaty once you’re done.
How To Clean A Yoga Mat
Cleaning your yoga mat is usually a quick and easy task, especially if you’re just quickly wiping the entire surface after class. Deep cleans take a bit longer but don’t usually require much work. We outline a few great ways to clean yoga mats here (specifically Lululemon, but these methods work for most mats).
As you’ll see, cleaning your yoga mat is simple. Toss a pack of yoga mat wipes in your bag for on-the-go. You can find these products online, at sites like Amazon or specialty yoga shops.
Or, use our suggestion from earlier: mix the essential oil recipe or the baking soda and lemon recipe in a bowl, then pour it over a stack of cloths (or paper towels for easy disposal) in a watertight container. Toss the container in your yoga bag for easy cleaning while away from home.
Occasionally, you might need to deep clean your yoga mat to remove deep-set stains or smells. Generally, this process is as simple as soaking the mat in a bathtub with a few inches of soapy water. Scrub the mat, focusing on problem areas. Once you finish cleaning the mat, rinse it with warm water and dry it with a clean towel. Drape it over a chair or on a laundry drying rack until it dries completely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Wash My Yoga Mat In The Washing Machine?
No, you shouldn’t wash your yoga mat in the washing machine. Although some yoga mats can go in the washing machine without an issue, this doesn’t apply to all mats. Before tossing your mat in the washer, check the label for care instructions.
The washer can shred the mat or ruin the protective coating, so don’t toss it in the wash without ensuring it can safely go in there.
Can I Dry My Yoga Mat Outside?
Yes, you can dry your yoga mat outside. However, avoid leaving it in direct sunlight (indoors or out), as this can cause the yoga mat to melt, become crumbly, or ruin it altogether. So, if you decide to leave your mat outside to dry, leave it in a shady, well-ventilated area.
Drying it inside might be the better option, as you have more control over the environment, but it’s up to you. If you dry the mat inside, the same rules apply – leave the mat out of direct sunlight in a well-ventilated area.
