If the last time you executed a downward dog and got a whiff of yesterdays workout it may be time to consider cleaning and freshening your yoga mat. Because yoga mats are absorbent and spongy, any oils, sweat or bodily fluids may permeate the material. You may be tempted to just toss and start over but before you go that far, make homemade yoga mat deodorizing and cleaning spray.
EditSteps
- Combine three 2 to 3 drops of essential oils with distilled water in a large spray bottle. If you plan to just freshen your mat, consider using the tea tree oil as part of your oil combination to act as a cleaning/drying agent.
- Add white vinegar to the distilled water and oil combination. Mix 1 part warm water with 3 parts white vinegar. Add 8 to 12 drops of your choice of oil(s).
- Shake bottle(s) gently. Once ingredients have been added to the spray bottle add the lid and tip bottle back and forth in order to combine oil, water and vinegar (if using vinegar).
- Remove debris or dust from yoga mat. In order to thoroughly clean the mat, first remove any dirt, debris or dust.
- Spray the mat liberally with homemade spray. Hit the especially stinky or dirty areas with extra spray and allow mat to sit.
- Run your washcloth or sponge over the sprayed areas. Clean and emphasize the areas that are especially dirty/smelly, adding spray if needed. Cleaning the mat with the cloth should also remove not only the odor and dirt but soak up the spray.
- Flip mat over and repeat the process on the other side. Make sure the other side is relatively dry before attacking the other side and you are working on a clean surface (so you don’t re-soil the side you just cleaned).
- Air dry the mat for up to 24 hours and repeat with the spray if necessary.
EditTips
- Use a clean, dry towel to wipe up excess spray if you want to hasten the drying process.
- Keep a small bottle of spray in your gym bag to freshen and reduce the smell or dirt immediately following your class.
EditThings You'll Need
- a variety of essential oils (lemongrass, mint, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and/or tea tree oil)
- distilled water
- white vinegar
- spray bottle
- new, fresh sponge or clean washcloth