How To Clean Your Yoga Equipment

Keeping your yoga equipment clean is important. Viruses, bacteria, germs, and fungus love sweaty places, such as unclean gym equipment – not to mention, they can start to smell. Make sure you keep your yoga mats, clothing, and other equipment properly clean by following these quick and easy tips between yoga classes.

Yoga Mats

Nothing traps and keeps sweat more than yoga mats. Different brands have separate cleaning recommendation and instructions so be sure to check those before doing anything. Many companies out there have ready-made sprays, wipes, and other products to clean mats. If you’re looking for a homemade solution here are a few.

If you’re in a hurry, simply wipe down your mat with a damp cloth followed by a dry one. This won’t remove bacteria but it will remove residual dirt and grime until you can give it a deeper clean later. If you need a quick freshener, mix some essential oils (whichever one you want) with some water and spray it onto it. Also be sure to wipe it down.

A deeper clean may sometimes be necessary. Some mats can actually go into the washer machine but be sure check before doing so. Soap and warm water can be used to thorough clean mats of germs but make sure you remove all soap as this can cause you to slip later. A mixture of water and vinegar, or water and baking soda, can also achieve the same effect in a more natural way.

Always be sure to remove all water and to dry it properly. Let them hang dry, it usually happens overnight, and never put them in a dryer or near a heat source. You can reduce how often you need to clean mats by hanging them up after use, not keeping them rolled.

Yoga Blocks

Yoga blocks come in a variety of materials, such as cork, wood, or foam. The material may call for different cleaning styles and always check to see if there’s a manufacturer recommended cleaning method first.

Foam blocks are usually made to be bacteria and moisture resistant. Simply clean them by using a small amount of dish soap mixed with water and rubbing the surface of the block. Let them sit out to dry. Wood blocks can be cleaned in the same way. For cork blocks, don’t use any soap, and instead just wipe them down with a wet cloth.

Yoga Straps

Cleaning yoga straps are fairly straightforward. Hand wash them in cold water with a small amount of laundry detergent. Rinse them well in cold water. Make sure to squeeze and towel off all excess water. It’s best to flat dry them.

Yoga Clothing

People sweat a lot during yoga, but despite that, some people think it’s okay to reuse yoga clothing. Make sure you wash everything after every use, from undergarments to shirts and leggings.

And that’s it! With these quick and easy tips for in-between yoga classes, your equipment will be fresh & clean! Schedule your next class online and we will see you soon! 🙂