Sweat, dirt and mineral composites are common contributors to a stinky yoga mat. While standard yoga mats are made from a sturdy combination of PVC, latex and plastic, and can be machine washed, newer eco-friendly mats are becoming increasingly common on the market. If available, the manufacturer's instructions sometimes provide specific instructions for how to clean your particular mat.
Hand Washing
The December 2001 issue of "Yoga Journal" recommends this gentle cleaning method for any type of yoga mat. For lightly soiled mats, fill a spray bottle with two cups of water and four drops of dish soap. Spray the entire mat and rub out the soiled areas using a damp sponge and terry cloth towel. If your mat is heavily soiled, submerge it in a solution of warm water and 1 tbsp. of mild detergent for 15 to 30 minutes before hand-washing the mat with clean water.
Alternative Method
The alternative method is particularly useful for newer eco-friendly mats constructed from materials such as cotton, jute, hemp, wool and natural rubber. Mix 1 gallon of water with 8 oz. of alcohol, 8 oz. of hydrogen peroxide and ¼ tsp. of lavender and tea tree oils. Shake the mixture thoroughly and apply with a wet sponge or spray bottle.
Machine Wash
The Bikram Yoga Decatur website suggests placing standard yoga mats in a washing machine with a small amount of mild laundry detergent. Be conservative with the amount of detergent you put in the machine, since higher quantities can cause your mat to become slippery by removing the mat's natural sticky coating. Unroll the yoga mat inside the washing machine so that it is completely extended, and turn the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
Drying Instructions
Once you've finished cleaning your yoga mat, squeeze it tightly to release any sealed water and wipe off excess moisture with a dry terry cloth towel. Place your yoga mat outdoors or in a non-humid location to air dry. Avoid using hairdryers or other hot-air drying devices that could overheat the yoga mat.
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