How to clean and disinfect your yoga mat after use — quick wipe-down and deep clean methods.
⏱ 2 min readEasyUpdated May 2026
Quick Answer
After each session: spray with diluted white vinegar (1:3 vinegar to water) or a mild soap solution. Wipe with a cloth, rinse with a damp cloth, hang to air dry. Never roll up a wet mat.
Quick Clean After Each Session
1
Make a simple cleaning spray
Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water in a small spray bottle. Add 2–3 drops of tea tree oil (natural antibacterial, also helps with odour). Alternatively use a few drops of mild dish soap in water. Dedicated yoga mat sprays (Manduka, Lululemon) are also available but the DIY version works just as well.
2
Spray lightly and wipe both sides
Lay the mat flat. Spray lightly over the top surface — do not soak it. Wipe with a clean cloth in circular motions. Flip and clean the bottom surface too. The bottom picks up floor bacteria and grit that transfer to your hands and face.
3
Wipe with a damp cloth to rinse, then hang to dry
Wipe once more with a clean damp cloth to remove any soapy residue. Hang the mat over a towel rail or chair to air dry completely before rolling up. Rolling up a damp mat promotes mould and bacteria growth.
Deep Clean (Monthly)
4
Submerge in a bathtub with mild soap
Fill the bathtub with cool water and a small amount of mild soap or baby shampoo. Submerge the mat and gently scrub with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly — soap residue makes mats slippery. Squeeze out excess water gently — do not wring. Roll in a dry towel to remove more moisture, then hang to dry for several hours.
Do not put yoga mats in the washing machine or dryerMachine washing degrades the material and can cause the mat to crumble or delaminate. The dryer’s heat damages rubber and PVC mats permanently. Always air dry flat or hanging.
Removing persistent odourSprinkle baking soda over the mat surface, leave for 30 minutes, then brush or shake off. Follow with the vinegar spray routine. For stubborn odours, leave the mat in direct sunlight for a few hours — UV light kills odour-causing bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick wipe-down after every session. Deep clean (bathtub soak) monthly for regular users, or more frequently if you practice hot yoga or sweat heavily. Signs a deep clean is overdue: visible grime, a persistent smell even after wiping, or a slippery surface from oil and sweat buildup.
Avoid both for regular cleaning. Alcohol dries out rubber and PVC, causing cracking over time. Bleach degrades mat materials rapidly and is too harsh for surfaces that contact skin. Stick to diluted vinegar, mild soap or purpose-made yoga mat cleaners for regular use.