“A yoga mat provides a comfortable place to practice, but it also soaks up sweat and bacteria during your sessions. This is not only the prime reason for infections but also leads to foul odors. Besides this, the gym floors are not too clean either; thus, making a DIY yoga mat cleaner is essential. This can also help remove dust and debris stuck between the delicate fibers of your mat.
In case you wonder what ingredients you need to make a yoga mat cleaner at home. Don’t worry, as this article will let you make one for yourself with ingredients already sitting in your kitchen.”
Ingredients for DIY Cleaners
These easy-to-make yoga mat cleaners just need ingredients that might already be available in your kitchen. Have a look.
- White vinegar
- Witch hazel
- Tea Tree Oil
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Bleach
- Rubbing alcohol
- Soap
- Vodka
- Lemon
- Empty spray bottle
- Water
- Essential oils
1. White Vinegar
Vinegar is widely known as an excellent cleaner but is a poor disinfectant. It can easily remove stains, dirt, and debris from your yoga mat but cannot kill microorganisms.
- Take a spray bottle, add some water, and pour vinegar using a cup, maintaining a 1-to-4 ratio.
- Add 3 to 4 drops of essential oil in the bottle or according to its concentration.
- Close the lid of your spray bottle containing the ingredients and gently shake it to let the ingredients mix thoroughly.
Note: Adding essential oils is completely optional; they are typically only used to add a scent to the disinfectant.
2. Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel, in some cases, is used in hand sanitizers but is not recommended to be used as a disinfectant for hard surface areas
- In a spray container, combine witch hazel with water in a 1:4 ratio.
- Add a fragrance of your choice (optional).
- Mix and apply.
Note: This is not approved under the Environment Protection Agency-approved product.
3. Tea Tree Oil
The essential oil extracted from tea trees can be used as a disinfectant and has antibacterial properties. One does not even need to mix scents or other aromatic compounds since tea tree oil has a fragrance of its own that is soothing as well as beneficial to human health.
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil that has been extracted in its pure state to the water.
- Transfer it to a spray bottle and shake well to mix the components.
Note: If storing, shake the spray bottle before use since oil and water segregate from each other.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
This is a non-bleach alternative that helps to disinfect almost every surface in question. It can also be used for yoga mats of different types and does not harm its fibers.
- Mix a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide in water or ¼ cup of alcohol.
- Pour it into an unreactive spray bottle and simply use it.
5. Bleach
Household bleach acts as an excellent disinfectant. A chlorine-based bleach is often used to kill microbes and remove dirt and debris from surfaces.
- Mix 4 spoons of bleach with roughly 2 cups of water.
- Transfer it to a spray bottle, and this cleaning spray will be ready to use.
Note: This cleaning spray cannot be stored; you need to prepare a fresh batch every time.
6. Rubbing Alcohol
70% concentrated Isopropyl rubbing alcohol in its pure form is often used as a disinfectant. Because of this, the property helps clean yoga mats commercially.
- Take a pure form of this substance in a spray bottle and use it to clean your yoga mat at home.
7. Soap
The easiest method of cleaning your yoga is by making a soap and water mixture.
- Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of liquid soap in half a cup of water.
- Pour this liquid into a spray bottle.
Compared to other DIY cleaners, this one may be kept and utilized for a longer duration.
8. Vodka
For this product to act as a disinfectant, a minimum of 70% concentration is needed. However, regular vodka also works well as a cleaner to remove dirt and debris from yoga mats.
- Stream some vodka in a spray bottle and use it on your yoga mat.
9. Lemon
This citrus fruit contains antimicrobial properties and can also be used to clean yoga mats from time to time.
- Apply lemon juice on your mat and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- After that, use a fresh cloth to clean the surface of the mat.
Note: if the surface feels sticky after using lemon juice, use a damp cloth to remove it.
Steps to Clean Your Mat Using Homemade Cleaners
- On a flat surface, lay your mat and spritz the DIY cleaner you just made. Be generous with the amount, as most yoga mats can soak liquid.
- Using a clean cloth or wipe, rub the disinfectant spray on the mat in slow circular motions.
- Let this side dry completely, then flip over and repeat the steps. Make sure that the floor or surface on which you are cleaning your mat is dust and dirt free. You can also try the hang-to-dry method.
- Once dried, you are free to use your yoga mat for practice again. The freshness and calming aroma scents after this trough cleaning are sure to give you a new experience.
Things to Remember
- Vinegar is recognized as an alternative to household cleaners, but it is not a registered disinfectant.
- Before adding any essential oil to your cleaner, make sure that you are not susceptible to any allergies.
- Avoid using bleach-based disinfectant spray on yoga mats that have the tendency to bleed color.
Last Words
There are many disadvantages to using chemical-based yoga mat cleaners, such as harmful chemicals and possible allergic reactions. It is important to know the type of yoga mat you own and if you have any allergies to ingredients before cleaning or making your disinfectant spray at home.
With these easy-to-make cleaners, you can remove dirt and kill germs without harming your health. But keep in mind that how you store the cleaners depends on the materials of the container and other factors.
With consistent cleaning, you can maintain a healthy yoga practice.
