Yoga is an ancient practice that was originally practiced as a way of achieving inner peace and relaxation. Over time it has grown into a popular fitness regimen that is appealing to both men and women. Some people enjoy the meditative aspect of yoga, while others are looking for an exercise routine. It has also gained popularity in the sports world with athletes including NBA star Lebron James and football player Peyton Hilliard trying it out. With so many different options for fitness trainers and yoga instructors how to clean a yoga mat should not be a problem.
There are basically two types of yoga mats to choose from: open cell mats and closed cell mats. The difference between them is the material they are made out of. Closed cell yoga mats are made out of a material that keeps moisture away from the body. This means if you end up having a mud stain or a sweat spot on your mat, you can simply wipe it off. On the other hand, open-cell mats are made with a porous material that allows moisture to seep through.
For most types of yoga mats, this simple cleaning method should work wonders. However, there are mats that have a slightly more stubborn substance on them. This type of mat is usually coated with vinyl or a similar substance. Vinyl is a sticky substance that can easily leave stains on any type of mat regardless of how meticulously you wipe it clean. If you are worried about getting your mat dirty then you may wish to consider another type of cleaning.
The best cleaning solution to use for these mats is something that is mild. A gentle dish soap is a great option. If soap is not readily available you can use common kitchen cleaning products at a department store. Some of the household products you can use include white vinegar or even baby shampoo. Just be sure to thoroughly rinse off any residue before you put your mat back into use. If you decide to buy a closed-cell foam yoga mat instead of vinyl, be sure to wash it as soon as you get home from class.
One of the best deep-cleaning methods is to take a damp sponge and dip it into some hot water. Allow it to soak for a few minutes so that all the dirt and grime are soaked out. Then it is time to remove the damp sponge and place it in the washer for deep cleaning. It is important to only use a very mild cleaning solution on these mats since they do tend to get quite dirty.
There are also commercial cleaners that can be used on these mats. These specialized cleaners are generally made for heavy duty cleaning. Be sure to test the product on a small section of the mat first before applying it to the entire surface. In addition, since these mats are so heavy, special care should be taken when they are washed. Most people don’t realize that yoga mats can actually be washed in the washing machine, but it is something that should definitely be considered if you want to deep clean your yoga mat regularly. Washing a yoga mat in the washing machine will not damage the material or do any damage to the mat, however you should always check with the manufacturer first.
Another option for deep cleaning of these mats is to use a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner. For the most part these products will work just fine on most types of yoga mats. They will also work best if you have a large mat space, since they may take up a lot of room. However, keep in mind that you do need to give them a full washing once or twice a year in order to keep them looking great. Also keep in mind that they are not good for cleaning vinyl covers since they tend to pull the cover down which can cause a spill.
The final option for cleaning yoga mats is to rent or buy a commercial cleaning machine. These machines come with special pads that react to the oils in the mat, absorbing the moisture and cleaning the mat thoroughly. If you do not have the room to use one of these machines then you may want to look into purchasing a closed cell foam mat. The best thing about these mats is that they are odorless, which means they won’t leave any pungent odor behind. With any of the cleaning methods outlined above, you will find that learning how to clean a yoga mat will be a quick and easy process.
