Whether you practice hot yoga, take a weekly class, or stretch daily at home, every session leaves behind sweat, body oils, dust, and other debris. This build up on the surface eventually leaves your mat looking less clean and smelling funky.
As sweat lingers, odor-causing bacteria can grow in the damp surface of the mat, leaving behind that familiar musty smell.
Learning how to wash a yoga mat is easier than you might think, and the right routine will help keep it clean without damaging the material.
Know your mat material before cleaning
Before you start washing a yoga mat with soap, identify what material it’s made of. Using the wrong cleaning method can strip away the ‘sticky’ grip of your mat.
Most yoga mats are made with any of the following materials:
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Natural rubber: Excellent grip but sensitive to harsh cleaners and too much sunlight.
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PVC (vinyl): Durable and water-resistant, making it easy to clean.
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TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): Lightweight and eco-friendly but shouldn't be soaked for long periods.
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Cork: Naturally antimicrobial but still benefits from regular wiping.
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PU (Polyurethane): Great grip but absorbs moisture more easily than PVC.
If your mat came with care instructions, follow those first. A little extra care helps preserve the texture, grip, and cushioning.
How to clean a yoga mat at home: The daily refresh routine
You don't need to deep clean your yoga mat after every workout. A quick wipe-down after practice removes sweat before it has a chance to build up.
Here's how you can clean a yoga mat at home with an easy daily routine:
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Lay the mat flat.
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Wipe both sides with a soft microfiber cloth.
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Lightly spray a homemade solution with three parts water and one part vinegar.
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Wipe with a clean cotton or microfiber towel to spread the cleaner and lift the dirt.
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Let the mat air dry completely before rolling it up.
If you’re constantly worrying about how to remove smell from a yoga mat, Mozi Mists can help freshen it between washes. Made with plant-based ingredients and long-lasting fragrances, each bottle delivers 1,000+ sprays to help keep your yoga mat smelling fresh after every practice.
But before spraying the entire mat, test it on a small corner first to make sure it's compatible with your mat's material.
How to wash a yoga mat: Deep cleaning strategies for a sweaty yoga mat
If you practice hot yoga, exercise outdoors, or your mat has developed stains and odor, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned. This is why knowing how to wash a yoga mat will come in handy.
Most yoga mats can be deep cleaned using one of the following two methods:
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Submerge method
Some mats, especially PVC yoga mats, can handle a gentle soak.
Here’s how you can clean a yoga mat at home using this method:
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Fill a bathtub or large basin with lukewarm water.
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Add a small amount of gentle detergent.
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Place the mat in the water for 15-30 minutes.
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Wipe away sweat and dirt using a soft cloth.
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Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
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Roll the mat inside a towel to remove excess water.
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Hang or lay flat until completely dry.
Remember to use a gentle detergent like Mozi Wash, which helps lift sweat and everyday buildup without harsh chemicals. Its plant-based, enzyme-powered formula cleans effectively and leaves behind a fresh, long-lasting scent.
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Scrubbing method
Some types of mats - like mats made with rubber - aren’t meant for submersion. They can become heavy, lose shape, and take days to dry.
Here’s how to disinfect such yoga mats:
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Lay the mat on a clean surface.
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Mix a solution with 50% water and 50% vinegar.
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Apply the solution to the yoga mat and let it sit for some time.
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Use a soft sponge or cloth to clean both sides.
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Focus on areas where your hands and feet rest.
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Wipe away any remaining solution.
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Allow the mat to air dry completely.
How to dry & store a yoga mat
How you dry and store your yoga mat is just as important as how you wash it. That’s because improper drying and storing can lead to lingering odors and even damage the mat.
Here are the three things you absolutely shouldn’t do:
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Never roll up a damp mat: It can lead to trapped moisture, odors, and mold growth.
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Never put your mat into the dryer: Heat can melt PVC, warp TPE, and ruin the elasticity of rubber.
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Never wring out your mat: It causes the material to permanently stretch.
Instead, follow these yoga mat cleaning tips for the best results:
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Hang the mat over a shower rod or drying rack.
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Keep it away from direct sunlight.
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Let both sides dry completely.
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Roll it loosely instead of folding it.
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Store it somewhere cool and dry.
Cleaning yoga mats at home: Do’s and don’ts for different materials
Here’s an easy cheat sheet on how to wash a yoga mat at home so that you can bookmark for the next cleaning day:
|
Yoga Mat Type |
Best Cleaning Method |
What to Avoid |
|
PVC |
Wipe with warm water and a gentle detergent. Can be submerged occasionally for a deep clean. |
Harsh chemicals, bleach, and high heat. |
|
Natural Rubber |
Wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Air dry completely. |
Long soaking, direct sunlight, and harsh cleaners. |
|
PU (Sticky Mats) |
Spot clean with a soft cloth and diluted gentle detergent. |
Abrasive scrubbing, oils, and soaking. |
|
Cork |
Wipe with a damp cloth or diluted mild detergent when needed. |
Excess water, harsh cleaners, and prolonged soaking. |
|
Jute |
Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. |
Soaking, machine washing, and high heat. |
|
Microfiber or Combo Mats |
Machine wash on a gentle cycle (if manufacturer-approved) or wipe clean by hand. |
Fabric softeners, the dryer, and high heat. |
Yoga mat cleaning tips: How to stop the odor before it starts
Use these handy tips to reduce the need for frequent deep cleaning.
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Clean your hands and legs before using the mat.
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Air out your mat for 30 minutes regularly to remove lingering smells.
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Try to skip heavy lotions and body oils as they become ‘food’ for bacteria on the mat.
- Use a dedicated microfiber yoga towel to wipe away sweat before it hits the mat.
No more smelly yoga mats
Taking time to learn how to wash a yoga mat at home can help you remove the dirt and grime build-up easily and keep your mat smelling fresh.
A few simple habits can help your mat stay clean and last longer:
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Wipe it down after every practice.
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Deep clean it once or twice a month.
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Let it dry completely before rolling it up.
Most importantly, clean your mat the right way - suitable for its material. Pair a gentle detergent and a refreshing mist from Mozi Wash to help keep your mat clean, fresh-smelling, and ready for your next session.
How to wash a yoga mat FAQs
1. How to disinfect a yoga mat naturally?
To disinfect your yoga mat naturally, mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water. Add 3-5 drops of antimicrobial tea tree oil and spritz the solution lightly on the mat. Wipe with a clean microfiber towel and let it air dry.
2. Can I sanitize my yoga mat with an alcohol-based disinfectant?
It depends on your mat. Alcohol-based disinfectants can dry out or damage some materials, especially natural rubber and PU mats. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions and spot-test on a small area first.
3. How often should I wash my yoga mat?
You can wash your yoga mat once a month if you practice yoga every week. However, if you do hot yoga or sweat intensely, you might need to wash the mat every two weeks.
4. Can I wash a yoga mat with soap?
Yes, as long as the material is washable and you use a gentle, mild detergent and rinse away any residue before letting it air dry.
5. Can I put my yoga mat into the washing machine?
Yes, but only if the mat’s label explicitly says ‘machine wash allowed’. Most mats made with rubber, cork, or even PU don’t do well in the machine.
6. Why does my yoga mat still smell after washing?
Lingering odors usually mean sweat and moisture have soaked deeper into the mat or it wasn't dried completely. A thorough deep clean followed by complete air drying often helps eliminate the smell.
