Cleaning the Yoga Mat

[Meaux]

I've started taking yoga, to help with toning, flexibility, and general relaxation. Plus, I've heard it's great for cycling. In any case, I dragged out my old yoga mat and took it to class. When we were doing upward dog, I put my face in the mat and noticed a less than fresh smell. Ewww... Does anyone have any advice as to how to clean a yoga mat without buying a ten dollar bottle of "mat wash"?

[firenze11]

I was told to use tea tree oil and water solution and not harsh detergents because my yoga mat is biodegradable (I was warned to keep it out of the sunlight). High maintenance yoga mat!

Seems like it would be a good bet though since it's is anti-bacterial and all that good stuff.

I've also read that you can put it in the bath tub w/ detergent and scrub it if it is super dirty.

[Flur]

You can use dish soap if you dilute it and make sure every single bit of it is rinsed off (put it in the shower and really hose it down). The important thing with cleaners on the mat is that they do not leave any residue, otherwise you will slip.

[redrhodie]

I've had my yoga mat for about 12 years. I wash it all the time in the washing machine, cold water with a little laundry detergent and some baking soda.

After it comes out, I roll it in a beach towel and stand on it to squeeze out the excess water, then hang it to dry. I put it in the dryer for a couple of minutes on low heat once when I was ready for class, but my mat was still damp. It was fine.

I think all the washing has made it really good and sticky.