Ways to Dry Your Yoga Mat & Keep It In Good Shape
for longer!
Yoga mats require regular cleaning because they absorb sweat and odors during physical exercise, and time to dry, to prevent the formation of mildew, mounds, and bacterial growth.
Knowing how to dry it and clean it will ensure that your yoga mat stays in good shape for longer.
The best place for drying a yoga mat is indoors on a rack because it helps maintain its color and remain durable. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun because it causes decay or placing it on a tumble drier or a space heater because it makes it brittle.
This article will help you understand how to clean and dry your yoga mat and keep it in perfect shape.
Moreover, we have listed the best drying racks and the best disinfectant spray to keep your mat smelling fresh always.
Best yoga mat drying racks
Mats require air-drying after every yoga session. Therefore, choose a drying rack with sufficient surface area for spreading the mat and avoid folding.
Here are the two of the best yoga mat drying racks in the market:
Bamboo wooden wall mount yoga mat drying holder storage
This wall-mounted rack is entirely made of bamboo wood which makes it solid and durable.
It is multifunctional, as you can use the wall mount for drying as well as storage. This rack bar is easy to assemble as it comes with a manual that has clear instructions with pictures showing the wall installing steps.
This type of product is recommended for personal use. It covers a small area, thus saving on space.
You can get this bamboo wooden wall mount from Amazon.
Namaste yoga mat hanger
This type of mat hanger has a latch hanger for easy inserting and removing of the mat.
A namaste yoga mat hanger has 25% more hanging power and can hold 28” wide mats weighing up to 7 pounds.
If you are looking for a yoga mat hanging solution for your home, this hanger is one of our top choices.
Drying racks for two mats
If you have more than one yoga mat cleaning them should not worry you because there are drying racks that accommodate two mats, such as:
Power systems wall-mounted mat rack
This wall organizer is made of robust and durable steel. It’s economical in space, yet it can hold up to 60 thin mats. Its dimensions are 55” by 7” by 2”, its total weight is 5.85kgs.
This product has a simple care routine of wiping it down with a damp cloth to keep it looking new.
Make your order for this wall-mounted rack here.
Yoga mat storage racks
MULTI-PURPOSE YOGA & EXERCISE MAT STORAGE ORGANIZER RACK
This 12”-gauge steel all-purpose yoga organizer can hold any size of the yoga mat. It can hold up to eight 1/2” thick mats.
It is easy to assemble and reassemble. It comes with two 1.5” black screws, two black washers, two universal wall anchors, and a setup guide with easy-to-follow instructions on how to install.
Get this multi-purpose storage rack to help keep your yoga mat in good shape for longer.
Power systems adjustable wall rack for mats
This wall-mounted rack has a solid wood body weighing 0.32kgs. Its width is adjustable from 15” to 19.75”. It can hold up to 10 hanging mats.
Order this adjustable wall rack for your mat airing needs clicking the link
How to clean your yoga mat
Accumulation of sweat, floor dust, and dirt on your mat will make it stink and eventually form a ground for bacteria to thrive.
Based on the material used to make the mat, every mat has a unique cleaning instruction.
Foam yoga mats do not allow machine wash as it will break the foam, and thus hand washing is recommended for these kinds of mats.
The other common material for yoga mats is rubber which also requires hand washing. The rubber cells used to make these mats need a minimum amount of water during cleaning to avoid clogging.
There are two options for cleaning a mat.
Option 1: Wipe your mat after every session
- Put apple cider vinegar or any dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Spray it on a piece of cloth, then wipe the entire mat gently.
- Spread it on a rack until it dries up.
Option 2: Bathing it
Submerge your mat in a deep bath once per month, especially if you are on a daily practice schedule. This will help remove some stubborn dirt accumulations which never clear during daily wiping.
Rubber yoga mats should not be submerged in water as that damages the mat. A water spray is recommended instead.
Foam and cork yoga mats can be submerged in water. However, it should be done once a month to protect the materials used to make them.
How do you deep clean a yoga mat?
- Put warm water in a bathtub. Do not use hot water, as it may damage the mat.
- Pour some amount of dish soap or any mild detergent into the bathtub. 5mls should be sufficient when washing a single mat in a 5-liter capacity container.
- Avoid too much soap. It can leave a residue that you can slip on in future practices.
- Dip the mat in the water (30 to 40 degrees). With a sponge or a piece of cloth, gently rub the dirt off on both sides. Avoid using a coarse scrubber, as it can easily damage your mat.
- Rinse it in clean water until the water is clear of soap.
- Shake it to release excess water
- Place it over a dry towel.
- Roll it over together with the towel.
- Step on it to further squeeze any remaining water onto the towel.
- Unroll from the towel and hang it on a drying rack. Be sure that it’s scorched before storing it.
Can I put my yoga mat in a washing machine?
Yoga mats are made from different materials, from vinyl to jute and recycled rubber. Therefore the material used in making the mat will dictate which washing method is effective.
If your mat is made of foam or rubber, avoid machine wash and use hand washing to protect the materials. You can use the washing machine on a gentle cycle using cold water for cork and polyurethane mats.
If your mat allows for machine washing, then you should aim to use a tiny amount of soap in cool water. Using excess soap will leave a slippery residue. Use a gentle cycle instead of the spin cycle. Do not mix mats with clothes.
When choosing the kind of soap to use on the yoga mat, avoid using harsh detergents or powder with high levels of bleach.
The purpose of washing your yoga mat is to disinfect it, which can be achieved using any mild detergent.
Best yoga disinfecting spray
A yoga mat spray is an essential tool for disinfecting your yoga gear. Use it to sanitize the yoga mat, kill bacteria and fungi, and eliminate mounds’ formation.
Avoid using harsh chemicals that may leave residues because your mat is in constant contact with your skin during the exercise.
ASUTRA Organic yoga mat cleaner (fresh & unscented)
An all-natural ingredient spray that deeply disinfects your mat, leaving it with no slippery residues. It also does not contain harsh chemicals.
This biodegradable cleaner contains organic oils that keep your mat clean and smelling fresh. It is safe for all types of mats.
The sanity of your yoga practice
Keeping the yoga mat clean prolongs its shelf life, and it also safeguards your health.
Hang it on a rack between classes rather than roll it up to maintain the mat’s shape.
As a standard procedure, always check the manufacturer’s tag for instructions for wash options. Invest in a good drying rack to ensure it is dry before subsequent use.
Choose a standard yoga spray with the right proportions of essential oils and vinegar to clean and disinfect the mat.
Following these steps will extend the life of your yoga mat considerably.