How to Make Your Own DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner

Whether you’re joining yoga class via screen from the comfort of your own home, participating in a studio, or signed up for a session in a memorable outdoor setting, remember that it’s always a good idea to clean your yoga mat after each workout. Incorporate this into your routine by making a simple spray for on-the-go mat upkeep. Store it in a small bottle that you can bring to class, and know that you’re doing your part to keep germs, allergens and mildew at bay.

Surface cleaners are plentiful in most household cabinets, but in this case, it’s always good to have a cleaner that doesn't need to be washed off and won't irritate your skin during your next session. You also don’t want a cleaner so intense that it threatens to break down the material in any way. If your yoga mat came with manufacturer cleaning instructions, read them over to be safe. The key is to create something that will truly disinfect the surface without damaging it.

One big benefit of making your own yoga mat spray is that you can control the scent (or opt for a scent-free formula).

Two DIY Yoga Mat Sprays That’ll Really Work

Scented Spray:

• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of white vinegar
• 3 drops of tea tree oil
• 1-3 drops of your favorite scented essential oil, or combination scent (Lavender! Eucalyptus! Lemon! Oh, the choices.)

Unscented Spray:

• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of white vinegar
• 1/2 cup of vodka (70+ proof)

Apply the spray to the surface, wipe away any excess moisture and allow it to air dry before rolling it up at the end of class. The next time you use it, your yoga mat will be fresh and clean, just like the day you bought it.

If you used the scented spray, revel in your happy place. If you used the unscented mix, you might notice a mild scent while the solution is wet (perhaps like a boozy potato chip), but it will dry scent-free.

How to Deep Clean Your Yoga Mat

Don’t rely on the occasional spray down alone; your yoga mat really does need a deep clean once in a while depending on where you use it and with what frequency. Yoga mats may come with some basic cleaning instructions from the manufacturer, but one safe tried-and-true method that really works is submerging it in the bathtub.

Fill the tub with a few inches of warm water. Use a washcloth with a drizzle of dish soap or a mild detergent to wash both sides of the mat, and effectively deep clean any oils from the surface without damaging the material. Never use an abrasive cleanser or sponge.

Remove it from the bathtub and hang it on a towel rack to air dry, or over your shower curtain bar. (Put a bath mat beneath it to catch the drips.) Once it's dry, you can roll it up and put it away.