Knowing how to clean a yoga mat is the best way to ensure that your mat is always in tip-top condition no matter what activity you choose to do, be it developing your mind-body connection with yoga or strength and Flexibility with Pilates.
Think about how you care for your yoga mat as it is important not to neglect the hygiene and longevity of your mat as it will support you. You can clean your rug after a session or consider putting it in the washing machine for a thorough clean. There are some clear tips for improving the health of your mat and tips for cleaning a yoga mat.
With the selection of yoga mats available, there are several ways to keep your yoga mat clean and give you the best foundation to work with. Find out when, how, and why to remove the yoga mat along with evidence-based strategies to keep you and your practice in optimal health.
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How to clean a yoga mat: how often should a yoga mat be cleaned?
It's a good idea to clean the mat after every yoga session. Think about how to use your yoga mat, be it in a hot yoga class or while focusing on the silence in yin yoga. Your yoga mat is in constant contact with a damp, hot and humid environment.
Jessica Ek, director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute , told Live Science, "Bacteria and germs thrive in dark and damp environments, like a rolled up yoga mat that sweats after being used but not cleaned. The next time you use this mat, germs that have multiplied can be transferred to your skin and clothing. Keeping exercise equipment clean is important for skin health and general health.
Cleaning your yoga mat after every hour reduces the accumulation of bacteria and germs.
"If you've sweated, you should clean it after each use. It can be as simple as wiping it off or wiping it down and letting it dry. "
If left untreated, there is an increased risk of health problems with prolonged contact with soiled surfaces.
- See also: Sweaty Betty Super Grip Yoga Mat Review
How To Clean A Yoga Mat: How To Thoroughly Clean A Yoga Mat
You can clean your mat after class and clean it thoroughly every now and then, but there is a key difference between cleaning and sanitizing. For best results, it is important to use both methods when caring for your yoga mat.
"It's about eliminating pathogens rather than killing or inactivating them, the microorganisms that cause infection and disease," said Ek.
A combination of soap and water is enough to clean most carpets.
Yoga mats are usually made of PVC, a pore-free material that can tolerate soap and water very well.
With PVC mats, be careful to protect the integrity of your yoga mat. PVC mats often have a sticky feel to the surface, which improves grip and stability when practicing yoga. Rubbing the surface of the mat can damage this top backing.
Even though regular cleaning is important, don't neglect to disinfect your yoga mat. Tea tree is widely used as a disinfectant because of its antiseptic properties.
Ek explained that "during disinfection, the pathogens on this surface are irreversibly inactivated. "
While cleaning removes germs and dirt, disinfection kills remaining bacteria and other contaminants.
You should also follow the manufacturer's instructions for yoga mats made of different materials, as some mats are made from materials that are more sensitive to certain oils and soaps.
Polyurethane yoga mats are a great way to wipe your mat clean. Keep in mind, however, that these mats are inherently more porous and exposure to too much liquid can affect the slip resistance of the yoga mat, which is so important to yoga practitioners. Too much liquid can also have a negative impact on the aesthetics of your carpet as it can stain it.
At the basic level, it is useful to know that rubber mats are not suitable for high concentrations of essential oils, as these can damage the mat over time.
Cork yoga mats are also sensitive to high concentrations of oil, but due to the natural antimicrobial properties of cork, they are much more durable as they resist bacteria and germs as well as odors.
How To Clean A Yoga Mat: Should You Wash Your Mat When Using A Towel?
Using a towel during yoga is not a bad idea as it provides a layer between you and your mat that can be easily cleaned between classes. However, using a towel doesn't mean you don't have to worry about carpet hygiene.
While a towel can absorb sweat and moisture accumulated during a yoga class, your mat will continue to pick up germs and bacteria as you use it.
You may need to clean it less regularly, but it's important not to neglect it entirely. Every time you clean your mat after using it, you reduce the risk of health problems and unpleasant odors to disrupt your session.
How to clean a yoga mat: how often should the yoga mat be replaced?
Several factors play a role in deciding when to invest in a new stack. How often you use your mat, the type of class you take, and the care you take in cleaning and storing your mat will all all have an impact on the life of your yoga mat. The greener rubber or cork mats also break faster than PVC yoga mats.
"If you notice that the carpet is falling apart over time, slipping in places, or lacking adequate padding, these are likely signs that you need to look for a new carpet," says Ek.
The most important thing in terms of hygiene, in order to protect yourself from germs and bacteria, is the odor factor. If you notice an unpleasant odor that doesn't go away, it may be time to buy a new rug.
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