How to clean a yoga mat, material by material

Cleaning a yoga mat is mostly about two habits: a light wipe after each practice, and letting the mat dry completely before you roll it. In a humid climate, the second matters as much as the first.

Before anything else, read the care label or the care page from the mat’s maker. Materials vary, and so do coatings. What follows is general guidance, and where it disagrees with the maker, the maker wins.

How do you clean a yoga mat after each practice?

1. Lay the mat flat.
2. Wipe the top with a soft cloth dampened with clean water. Use a drop of mild soap in the water if it feels sticky.
3. Wipe the underside too, since it picks up floor dust.
4. Hang it or leave it flat to air dry in the shade, then roll it top side out.

That takes about two minutes and does most of the work.

How do you deep clean a yoga mat?

Every few weeks, or when it looks or smells grubby, give the mat a fuller clean. Mix lukewarm water with a small amount of mild, unscented soap. Wipe it on with a cloth, working in sections, then wipe again with clean water to remove any soap, since leftover soap can make a mat slippery. Pat with a dry towel and air dry.

Avoid soaking unless the maker allows it. Open-cell mats absorb water, which makes them slow to dry.

How should you care for each mat material?

PVC. Dense and fairly forgiving. Water and mild soap are usually fine. Some PVC mats have a surface that grips better over time, so avoid scrubbing hard.

TPE and foam (EVA, PE). Light and often softer. Wipe gently with water or very diluted soap. Avoid hot water and long sun, which can warp or break down foam.

Natural rubber. Rubber dislikes direct sun, heat and oils. Use plain water or a cleaner the maker recommends, and keep it out of the sun while drying. Rubber mats contain latex.

PU (polyurethane) top. The grippy top layer marks easily and can absorb oils from skin and lotion. Wipe after every session with water and a soft cloth, and avoid harsh cleaners or long sun.

Cork. Cork usually needs only a light wipe with water. Do not soak it, and let it dry flat.

If you are still choosing a mat, the materials are compared in the best yoga mats in the Philippines, and the mat finder suggests a material and thickness from five questions about how you practise.

What should you not use on a yoga mat?

Unless the maker says otherwise, skip bleach, strong solvents, abrasive pads and undiluted essential oils, which can damage the surface and leave it slippery. Do not dry a mat in direct afternoon sun or near a heater, and do not roll it while damp.

How can you keep a mat cleaner for longer?

Wash your hands and feet before practice, and skip heavy lotion on the palms, which makes hands slide in Downward Dog and builds up on the mat. Put a towel on top if you sweat a lot. Grip socks for yoga are another option if you prefer not to go barefoot on a shared mat. Store the mat rolled loosely, out of the sun, or in a breathable mat bag. Blocks and straps can be wiped the same way; see yoga blocks and straps. A clean mat also feels more inviting for a slow final rest in Savasana at the end of practice.