HOW TO WASH YOUR YOGA MAT

Though it doesn't look like it, I do wash my yoga mat. It gets that dirty because of all the walking around I do in class; my bare feet pick up the dirt on the floor which in turn finds its way onto my mat. When I do wash it I just throw it in the washing machine, on the gentle cycle with a littler detergent, then hang it up in my garage to dry. I’ve been washing it this way for years and its' help up great. But the mats you buy today are far less expensive and most likely made out of slightly different materials so always follow the instructions that come with your mat.

 

You can also wash it by hand as follows:

 

If your mat is lightly soiled, use a spray bottle, damp sponge, or soft cloth to apply a solution of two cups of water and four drops of dish soap. Rub the soiled areas. Wipe the mat with clean water; then rub with a dry towel. Hang to air dry.

 

If your mat is heavily soiled, submerge it in a solution of warm water and mild detergent; use very little soap as any residue may cause the mat to become slippery during future use. Thoroughly hand wash the mat and rinse in clean water. After squeezing out the excess water, lay the mat on a dry towel and roll the mat and towel together. Stepping on the rolled up mat will squeeze more moisture out of the mat and into the towel. Then unroll and hang to air dry.

 

I've never used this product before but came across this information on the web.

 

"Blissoma Yoga Mat Cleanser", is a safe, easy-to-use spray for cleaning contaminants and odors from yoga mats and accessories. Utilizing the natural antimicrobial qualities of tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract, Yoga Mat Cleanser kills bacteria, fungi and viruses, deodorizes, and cleans sweat buildup and other contamination left behind on yoga mats and accessories by bare feet and perspiring skin. It's an ideal product for group yoga practice environments where mats and props are shared.

 

Yoga Mat Cleanser is organic aloe vera-based and mild to skin -- safe for use by chemically sensitive individuals who react to laundry, dish and other common detergents. It does not contain harsh chemicals, artificial dyes, fragrances or animal byproducts.

Blissoma Yoga Mat Cleanser offers yoga enthusiasts a fast, easy, safe way to maintain their mats -- much faster and simpler than washing with soap. Use takes less than a minute: simply apply a light mist of the cleanser to the surface of the mat and wipe to distribute evenly. No rinsing is required and mats are ready for immediate use. Yoga Mat Cleanser also works on foam bricks, chairs, and balance balls. It's great for Pilates mats and equipment too.

Blissoma Yoga Mat Cleanser is available in convenient, portable 4-ounce spray bottles for a suggested retail price of $8.00, available through www.iriestar.com.

All Irie Star products are vegan and never animal-tested. Indulge in guilt-free pleasure.