Yoga is not only a journey inward, connecting with your breath and stretching your body in ways you never imagined. In reality, sometimes yoga also makes you sweat, leaves your body with odors, and your mat gets dirty. A dirty yoga mat is definitely not the recipe for a smooth, peaceful practice. Therefore, knowing the right way to clean your yoga mat is essential to maintaining a fresh practice environment. With Olaben yoga mats, cleaning becomes easier, helping you stay ready for energetic sessions.
5 Simple Ways to Wash Your Yoga Mat at Home
Cleaning with Water Only
You can clean your yoga mat with just clean water by following these steps:
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Lay your yoga mat flat on the floor.
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Spray water directly onto the mat and gently scrub with a sponge to remove dirt.
- Shake off excess water, then dry the mat in a well-ventilated area or under mild sunlight until completely dry
Tip: Before drying, wipe the surface with a dry towel to shorten drying time.
Washing with Soap
For a deeper clean, you can use soap as follows:
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Put an appropriate amount of soap on a sponge and wet it to create foam.
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Scrub the entire surface of the mat with the soapy sponge.
- Rinse off the soap, shake out excess water, then pat dry with a towel and air dry in a ventilated area
Tip: Just a little soap is enough to remove dirt and odors.
Using Tea Tree Oil with White Vinegar
White vinegar removes stains while tea tree oil disinfects and deodorizes. Here’s how:
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Mix ¾ cup warm water, ¼ cup white vinegar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 10 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle.
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Lay the mat flat and spray the solution on both sides.
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Scrub evenly with a sponge, then soak the mat in warm water for 10–30 minutes.
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Shake off excess water and dry in a ventilated place.
Machine Washing
Not recommended for PVC or NBR mats as they may deform. For other materials, you can:
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Shake the mat vigorously to remove dirt.
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Roll up the mat and put it in the washing machine with diluted soap solution.
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Select a regular wash cycle with low water level.
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After washing, dry in a cool place or use low heat drying if supported, according to product label instructions.
Using a Specialized Mat Cleaning Machine
This is a quick and optimal cleaning method that preserves the mat’s durability.
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Lay the yoga mat flat on the floor.
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Turn on the machine and move the vacuum head across the surface. It only takes 3–5 minutes, leaving the mat clean and dry thanks to its moisture extraction function.
How to Keep Your Yoga Mat Durable and Like New
Clean Your Mat Before and After Each Use
Maintaining the habit of cleaning your yoga mat before and after practice not only keeps it clean but also effectively extends its lifespan.
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Before practice: Simply wipe the mat surface lightly with a damp cloth and wait for it to dry naturally before starting.
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After practice: Similarly, wipe off sweat and dirt with a damp cloth, then let it dry completely before storing.
Cleaning properly before and after use helps maintain durability and prevents bacteria growth and unwanted odors.
Wash Your Hands and Feet Before Practice
Hands and feet are the most likely to collect dirt and sweat, so washing them before stepping on your mat helps you feel more comfortable and avoids sticky sweat. It also prevents dirt and bacteria buildup, reducing the risk of mold growth, especially if the mat isn’t cleaned regularly.
Use a Dedicated Yoga Mat Towel
A yoga mat towel, designed with a rubberized grip surface, increases friction to reduce slipping and absorbs sweat well. You can place this towel over your mat during practice to prevent sweat from soaking into the mat, keeping it clean and giving you extra confidence in your poses without slipping.
Store Your Mat in a Dry Place Away from Direct Sunlight
When drying your mat after cleaning, avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure as it can dry out and warp the mat. Instead, choose a cool, shaded, and well-ventilated spot to dry quickly while preserving durability.
When not in use, store your mat in a clean, dry place away from moisture and dust to keep it in the best condition.
Olaben Yoga Mats — Your Trusted Choice for Every Practice
Olaben yoga mats are carefully designed to accompany you on every practice journey, from home sessions to meditation and outdoor yoga. Made with premium materials, high durability, and excellent anti-slip features, they help you maintain stable postures safely throughout your workout.
In particular, the Olaben Suede Foldable Travel Yoga Mat Grey is an ideal choice for frequent travelers. Its convenient foldable design and lightweight make it easy to carry anywhere without taking up much space.
Additionally, Olaben’s yoga mat collection offers a variety of colors and sizes to meet every practitioner’s needs. Some standout models include the Olaben Energy Capsule Mat Cherry, featuring vibrant colors and a soft design, and the Harmony Yoga Mat Sky, providing a relaxing feel with its gentle tones—both highly favored for quality.
Visit Olaben Store for an In-Person Experience
Try out the latest designs and receive dedicated advice from the Olaben team at our showrooms:
Ho Chi Minh City
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Flagship Store: 1M, Street 10, Thao Dien, District 2 (Thu Duc) – Hotline: 092.828.2088
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Nguyen Trai: 35 Nguyen Trai, Ben Thanh, District 1 – Hotline: 036.428.2088
Hanoi
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Vincom Times City: 458 Minh Khai, Vinh Phu, Hai Ba Trung – Hotline: 037.928.2088
- 263 Pho Hue, Hai Ba Trung
