We’re keeping this one short and sweet this week. Let’s simply talk about the hassle that is washing yoga mats!

Yes, I’ll use the available spray after class has ended, but with my love of hot yoga, a much deeper cleanse is frequently needed.  If you read many sites, you’re supposed to make some vinegar concoction or stare into your washing machine as you put your yoga mat on the delicate cycle.  But, when I found much more realistic instructions that were endorsed by Gaiam, I was hooked!  Read below and enjoy yoga-ing on the cleanest mat in the studio!

You will need:

– Your stinky, dirty yoga mat

– One cup laundry detergent (make sure that it’s safe on your skin and non-allergenic!)

– Wash cloth

– Preferred use with a bath tub

Instructions

1) Toss the dirty yoga mat in the bath tub and scrub, scrub, scrub using the laundry detergent and wash cloth

2) Allow the water to drain and refill tub with cool water.  Leave the mat soaking fully in the bath tub for 30 minutes to make sure all the soap has come out of the mat.

3) If available, hang outside for 30 minutes to an hour.  If it’s cold outside or if you don’t have outdoor space available, then make sure that it can hang somewhere where dripping is okay.  Also, if you do hang it outside, do not leave it out there for a significant period of time.  Mats can become too dry and can start to crumble.

4) Allow to hang back inside to dry for at least 24 hours.

5) Enjoy a clean, great-smelling yoga mat that’s ready to go for your next class!

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

How do you focus on keeping a clean, disinfected yoga mat?  What type of yoga class is your personal favorite?

Create a great life!