This article will discuss how to wash the yoga mat so it looks great after each use.

Yoga mats will lose their bounciness with time. It is possible to remove the excessive “hardness” from a mat but it will also require a stronger washer than a gentle cleanser.

Unless you really want to hold onto the washer for years, I would recommend opting for the Washing Machine Wash Method.

Here are some different uses for your yoga mat:

1. To clean car surfaces, car tires, and other car parts.

Most mats have a tag with the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. You can use the mat to protect your back or knees while working.

They can also be put on pavement or garage floors.

2. When you’re not looking for anything.

I used to ask my students if they had a yoga mat that they wanted to give me for an interview. I quickly learned that many of them didn’t use their mats.

So when I noticed a yoga mat with a sticker on it that had someone’s handwriting on it, I knew it was time for it to go. Try to sell or re-home the unused mat.

3. When sitting outside or tanning.

Don't have a good picnic blanket or beach towel? Use your yoga mat!

Since you can easily wash it, and it is already exposed to sweat, try taking it outside. The space-saving size and lightweight makes it easy for transport!

4. To cover furniture or areas to keep them stain-free.

I used to use it to get a nice shine on my bar cart but then I realized that some of the stains were seeping onto the edges of the wood. I never clean the tables at my house and I got tired of having to wipe away sticky wine bottles.

So I opted for a yoga mat cover to protect the wood.

You can also lay it over a rug or table to prevent staining and discoloration.

5. When you want to feel really glamorous:

Maybe you want to lay on a silk robe and fake a natural glow. Then you need a different method to clean your yoga mat. If you want to wear a soft silk robe while you do your sun salutations, then this is the perfect solution for you.

How to clean your yoga mat after uses:

Yoga mats are made of a variety of materials. Most are porous, spongy foam-like, and these are usually the least expensive. Yoga brands make their own mats of special fabric blends and go for higher prices.

Mats can also be made out of genuine leather, which can be the most expensive and the hardest to take care of.

Yoga mats can absorb humidity in the air. This means that you need to dry your mat indoors for maximum effectiveness. If you don’t have access to an indoor drying room, you can spray it with a mild solvent or bake it in the oven for 1 hour.

Keep in mind that you do not want to get a brown leather yoga mat dirty with a solvent. They are very expensive and the damage will be irreversible. You may also want to lay a damp towel over it to keep it safe from drying out.

If your mat is leather, you can also place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or the freezer for 10 minutes. This will speed up the drying process. If your mat is silicone, you can place it in the microwave for 15 seconds.

How to wash your yoga mat with a simple soap:

You can do it! Here’s how to clean your yoga mat with a dollop of simple soap and water.

For spot cleaning, just take a sponge or towel and soak it in soapy water. Then, use it to clean spots on your mat that are dirty.

For using a washing machine:

Step 1:  is to take out the old washer that is still in your machine.

Step 2: This is where most people get in trouble. They wait for the washer to be finished to take out the mat. They should not do this!

Step 3: The old washer is the only thing keeping your mat in one piece. So your job is to remove the old washer.

Step 4: Pour a few tablespoons of your favorite soap into your water and scrub the dirt and grime from the mat.

Step 5: Pour another generous amount of soap and scrub it into the wet yoga mat.

Step 6: After the soap is removed, your yoga mat is now ready for the washing machine.

Step 7: I highly recommend using a soft dry towel over the mat while it dries. The towel will help reduce friction between the mat and your clothes and help prevent the mat from becoming wrinkled.

Repeat Steps 1-7 until the mat is completely clean.

Now, don’t you feel like an even more efficient yogi!