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Eliminate bacteria, sweat, and bad odors from your yoga mat with this step-by-step guide
After frequent use, your Lululemon yoga mat can accumulate dirt and grime. Regular cleaning is essential to enhance its longevity and eliminate sweat and dirt, which can harbor bacteria. Lululemon suggests using a damp cloth or natural cleaning agents like dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda to maintain your yoga mat. Keep reading for simple ways to sanitize your mat and keep it in excellent condition!
What’s the best way to clean a Lululemon yoga mat?
Mix a few drops of dish soap into warm water in a bowl. Use a microfiber cloth to dampen with the soapy water and scrub your yoga mat. Alternatively, wipe the mat down with a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 4 parts water.
Instructions
Clean your Lululemon yoga mat with plain water.
After every use, wipe your yoga mat with a damp cloth. Lululemon suggests cleaning your mat using just water. After your session, dampen a microfiber cloth with water, wring it out, and gently wipe down the mat.
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners as they can harm your mat and speed up wear and tear. That's why Lululemon advises using a simple damp cloth for cleaning.
- Some Lululemon mats, like The Mat, come with antimicrobial rubber, naturally resisting bacteria and mold.
- Other mats, such as The Lightweight Mat, feature a closed-cell design, keeping moisture and germs at bay.
Clean your yoga mat with dish soap.
Soak a cloth in dish soap and water and clean your mat. For a more thorough cleaning, Lululemon suggests using a natural cleaner like dish soap after each use. Add a few drops of gentle dish soap to a bowl of warm water, dip a soft microfiber cloth in the soapy water, wring out excess moisture, and wipe down the mat.
- Afterward, wipe your mat with a clean, damp cloth or rinse it under running water to remove any soap residue.
- You can also mix dish soap and water in a spray bottle for easier application.
- For an even deeper clean, fill your bathtub with water, add dish soap, and submerge your mat. Scrub gently with a soft cloth.
- Dish soap is gentle on your rubber mat while effectively removing dirt, grime, and bacteria.
Disinfect your yoga mat with vinegar.
Spray your mat with a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 4 parts water. White vinegar is a natural cleaner that works wonders on removing dirt, bacteria, and odors from your mat. Simply mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution over your mat and use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe and sanitize it.
- This vinegar solution can be used as your go-to cleaner or for deep cleans when needed.
- Optional: Add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree oil or lavender oil to boost cleaning power and mask the vinegar scent.
- If your mat has a slight vinegar smell, don’t worry—it fades as it dries.
- Warning: Excessive use of vinegar and essential oils could harm your mat’s grip and cause faster wear and tear. Use sparingly.
Clean your yoga mat with essential oils.
Mix water, witch hazel, and essential oils in a spray bottle. Combine 1 cup (237 ml) of water with ¼ cup (59 ml) of witch hazel in a spray bottle, then add 5 to 10 drops of tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus essential oils. Lightly mist your yoga mat with the mixture and use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe it down.
- These essential oils—tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus—offer antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits.
- Witch hazel also adds antimicrobial properties, helping fight bacteria on your mat.
- Warning: Use essential oils sparingly, as they can potentially damage your mat over time.
Freshen up your yoga mat with baking soda and lemon.
Spray your mat with a mixture of baking soda, lemon juice, and water. Add 1 tsp (6 g) of baking soda, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1 cup (237 ml) of water to a spray bottle. Shake to mix, then spray your entire mat with the solution. Follow by wiping the mat with a soft microfiber cloth to clean.
- Use this mixture for regular cleaning or to deodorize your mat.
- Baking soda lifts dirt and neutralizes odors, while lemon juice kills bacteria and leaves a fresh scent.
Use a specialized yoga mat cleaner to clean your mat.
After each use, clean your mat with a yoga mat cleaner. Many athletic retailers, including Lululemon, offer their own mat cleaners. Just follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for usage on your mat.
- Typically, using a commercial cleaner involves spraying it on your mat and wiping it off with a soft microfiber cloth.
Let your yoga mat air dry after cleaning.
Allow your yoga mat to dry naturally before rolling it up and storing it. Place your mat on a drying rack, or hang it over a shower curtain rod or chair to dry completely. Be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight, as it can damage the rubber and fade the colors.
- Once dry, roll up your mat and store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
- Storing your mat while still damp can cause mold and bacteria to grow.
- Drying may take several hours.
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Machine washing yoga mats is generally not recommended. Before attempting to wash your Lululemon mat in the machine, consult its care instructions to confirm if it’s safe to do so.
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For storage, roll up your mat and place it in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight.
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Cleaning your yoga mat after every use helps remove sweat, dirt, bacteria, and odors, contributing to its longevity and good condition.
Important Warnings
- Before applying your chosen cleaner to the entire mat, test it on a small, hidden section to ensure it won’t stain the material.
- Using cleaners other than plain water may damage your Lululemon yoga mat, causing the rubber to degrade more quickly and losing its grip.
- Avoid using chemical cleaners, such as disinfecting wipes, as they can harm your mat’s surface.
