Practicing yoga every day is perfectly fine, as long as you remember to keep your yoga mat clean. Yoga mats can harbor sweat, dust, and even bacteria. So, it's crucial to maintain and pay attention to their cleanliness regularly. Imagine, every session, you're in direct contact with a damp, sweat-laden surface.
If left untreated, this condition can become a serious problem. Skin irritation or even an unpleasant odor can occur. So, don't just focus on poses and breathing; mat cleanliness is also part of a healthy yoga ritual. The good news is, cleaning your yoga mat is actually easy if you know how.
Simply wipe it down with a mild cleaning solution or a mixture of water and vinegar, then dry it in a shady place. This simple routine can help your yoga mat last longer, stay odor-free, and remain comfortable to use every day. Remember, a clean mat makes for a calmer, more focused, and more hygienic practice.
Steps to Clean a Yoga Mat
1. Wet the Yoga Mat
The first step in cleaning a yoga mat is to wet the surface . Use a spray bottle filled with warm water to dampen the soiled area without over-wetting it. The goal is to remove dirt and sweat while still drying the mat quickly and preventing it from remaining damp for too long.
Avoid pouring water on or soaking the mattress directly, as this can damage the surface's texture and adhesion. Once the surface is damp, you can proceed to the next cleaning step, such as wiping with a soft cloth or adding a small amount of natural cleaning fluid (such as a mixture of water and white vinegar).
If you don't want to bother, you can use the following SVRG Yoga Mat Spray:
2. Wipe with a soft cloth
After spraying SVRG Yoga Spray over the entire surface of your mat, the next step is to wipe it down with a soft cloth. Use a clean microfiber cloth, as it's soft and effective at removing dirt without damaging the mat's texture.
Wipe the surface in a circular motion to thoroughly remove sweat, dust, and other debris from every corner of the mat. What's even more convenient is that you don't need to rinse it off afterward. The Yoga Spray SVRG formula is designed to be residue-free.
This ensures your mat stays clean, fresh, and non-slippery when reused. As a result, you can resume practicing immediately without worrying about odor, stickiness, or surface damage. It's simple, hygienic, and helps your mat last longer.
3. Dry Properly
Once clean, don't rush to roll up your mattress. Let it dry naturally in a shady, well-ventilated area. This drying process is essential to completely remove moisture from the mattress's surface, preventing odors or mold from forming.
Avoid using a hair dryer or heater, as they can damage the mattress's surface, especially if the material is soft and porous. And one thing that's often overlooked: don't dry it directly in the sun. While it dries quickly, UV rays can cause the mattress's texture to deteriorate and its elasticity to decrease.
Simply let it air dry until it's completely dry, then roll it up and store it away. This way, your yoga mat will last longer, stay clean, and be ready to use whenever you want to practice again.
Tips for Caring for Your Yoga Mat to Make It Last Longer
To keep your yoga mat from wearing out quickly, simple but regular maintenance is crucial. Many people roll it up or store it carelessly, but this can cause the mat to crack or smell quickly. Here are some simple but effective tips to help your mat last longer:
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Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid humid areas, as they can cause mold and slippery surfaces.
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Don't fold it too tightly. Just roll it loosely to keep the mattress's structure elastic and prevent it from cracking easily.
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Use a mattress bag. Besides making it easier to carry, it also helps protect it from dust and dirt when not in use.
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Avoid contact with lotions or body oils. Oils can make the mattress slippery and cause pores to become damaged more quickly.
Treat your yoga mat like the precious exercise equipment it is. Properly cared for, a quality mat can last for years, always ready for your next yoga session.
A Clean Mat Makes Yoga More Comfortable
Believe it or not, the cleanliness of your yoga mat has a huge impact on the quality of your practice. A clean mat allows you to fully focus on your movements and breathing without being distracted by odors, dust, or slippery surfaces.
Plus, a dirty mat can harbor bacteria and fungus, which you definitely don't want to touch every day, right? So, keeping your mat clean means you care about your health and comfort while practicing.
Get into the habit of cleaning your mat after every use, especially if you practice regularly. Simply use a gentle cleaning fluid or natural spray, and let it dry completely before rolling it up.
If you're still unsure about buying an easy-to-clean yoga mat, check out SVRG's collection. The mats are lightweight, comfortable, durable, and designed to support your yoga routine, keeping it fresh every day.
