If you sweat your asana off in yoga class, this DIY’s for you.

Listen up, lotus flower: you practice yoga regularly, you should clean your mat regularly. Just clean it, especially if you see footprints or detect a funky upward-wafting doggy smell. Yoga mats are an investment and it’s worth it to keep them fresh and clean.

For a deep clean, use water and mild soap. You can stick your mat in the shower and give it a wash or put it on the driveway to hose it down. Be sure to hang it in the shade to dry. Try and do this once a month, depending on the weather and how often you practice. Some mats are even machine washable. Check your mat brand for specific instructions.

But for everyday cleaning you can spray your mat with a mat cleaner and towel it dry. You could purchase a spray cleaner for $10 to $20 or, as I’m about to impart to you, can make your own with just a few ingredients and a spray bottle for way less.

Yoga Mat Cleaner Recipe

1 cup Water

1/4 cup Witch Hazel

1/4 teaspoon Tea Tree Essential Oil (30 drops)

1/4 teaspoon Lavender Essential Oil + 10 drops (40 drops)

Any essential oil will work but it is important to include those with antibacterial properties, such as Tea Tree, Lemon Grass, Lavender, Peppermint and Eucalyptus. Mix two or three together to make a combination that makes you happy.

1. Measure out the essential oils and pour them in the bottle first. The water you add at the end of step 2 will wash all the oils in without wasting a drop.

2. Pour in the Witch Hazel, now add water.

3. Shake it up.

Cleaning Instructions

1. Spray your yoga mat liberally with your new cleaner on both sides.

2. Wipe the mat with a damp cloth and repeat on the other side.

3. Allow your mat to air dry in the shade for 5 to 10 minutes.

This recipe is non toxic so you don’t have to worry about absorbing any nasty chemicals while sweating plus it smells heavenly. Your child’s pose will thank you.

Image: ejmc

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