DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner

As a Yogi, I’m on my mat almost everyday.  I’ve rolled out my mat at home, at a studio and even in a field/park. I’ve never stopped to think about what is actually being left on my mat after I am done my practice.

When at home, I leave my mat unrolled, right where I left it after my last practice.  Coming from a studio or park, you unroll whatever was on the underside of your mat, right onto the front.  Gross, right? Your feet, hands, sweat, even my face – all having contact with my mat.

When I did my practice at a studio, I would use the wipes that they provided before rolling my mat up.  But since having a consent practice at home, I have let this go, until recently.

After reading an article on Elle.com about what could or is lerking on your mat awaiting you, I set out to find a mat cleaner that was safe, no chemicals and could be made for a fairly decent price.

I had recently started using Essential oils so I had these on hand.  Any brand will do, the more pure and natural the better!

You will need the following:

• Small spray bottle
• Water (3/4 of the spray bottle)
• 2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
• 1 Drop of Lavender Essential Oil
• Optional: White Vinegar (1/4 of the spray bottle)

Fill your spray bottle with the ingredients of your choice.  Shake and spray your entire mat. Wipe down your mat with a damp cloth. Don’t forget to repeat on the other side, and allow your mat to dry for 5-10 minutes before rolling it up for storage.

This mat cleaner is made with 2 simple and fairly common Essential oils: Tea Tree and Lavender. Tea tree essential oil is antibacterial and antifungal, so great for getting rid of the nasties that are left on your mat!  Lavender essential oil is an antibacterial oil that offers a relaxing and calming scent which will relieve tension and is great for unwinding post-yoga.

Making a spray, you can use any oils you like to get the desired fragrance, I just like the smell of Lavender and have it on hand at all times 🙂  Tea Tree Oil is an strong scent, and many may not like it. You can substitute it with another antibacterial oil such as lemongrass, eucalyptus, or peppermint. You also don’t have to settle at just two oils – you can mix-and-match and create combinations to match the season 🙂

At least once a month I give my mat a good cleaning.  I use Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Soap and into the tub we go.  I give it a good scrub and a rinse and hang it to dry.

Not only is cleaning your mat after every use, important for your health, it also lets you come to your mat fresh, renewed and ready to start your practice with a clean slate.

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Yoga is YOUR practice, YOUR time, YOUR journey.  Let it be what YOU need it to be.  Step on your mat and Let it all Go.

Namaste

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