How To Clean a Yoga Mat (And How Often You Actually Need To)

Your yoga mat has been through a lot. Sweaty palms, bare feet, dirty shoes, dusty equipment... It can be a bit of a hot spot for bacteria. And if you're stashing it away without cleaning it first, you're leaving any bacteria to grow between workouts. Given how often you touch your face with your hands or your face touches your mat, cleaning your mat after each workout is the best way to go.

Cleaning your yoga mat takes less than five minutes, you probably already have everything you need (and if you don't, it's not expensive), and it'll also genuinely extend the life of your mat.

Why you should clean your yoga mat regularly

Bacteria, fungi and sweat residue build up on yoga mat surfaces faster than you'd think, even if you're not a heavy sweater or think your hands and feet are clean. Leaving it to accumulate, especially when the mat is rolled up and stored in a dark cupboard, creates the perfect conditions for odour, mould and skin infections like staph, ringworm and athlete's foot (or even just breakouts).

Regular cleaning also protects the material itself. Sweat and grime can break down the surface of your mat over time, making it less grippy and less durable. A quick wipe-down after each session is genuinely one of the simplest ways to make your mat last longer and protect your skin.

Before you clean your yoga mat: check the care instructions

Before reaching for the spray bottle or buying new cleaning products, it's worth quickly checking your mat's care label or the brand's website, since some materials have specific cleaning recommendations or things to avoid (certain oils and harsh chemicals can damage some mat surfaces).

It's also helpful to know whether you have an open cell or closed cell mat, because this affects how you deep clean it. More on that below.

How to clean your yoga mat after every workout

After each session, give your mat a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth or sponge and either a multipurpose spray or a dedicated yoga mat cleaner. Work across both sides, let it air out for a few minutes, then roll it up once it's dry.

If you want to make your own cleaning solution, mix equal parts water and white vinegar with a few drops of tea tree oil. It's cheap, effective and smells super fresh.

The key thing is not to roll it up wet or store it immediately. Even a few minutes of air drying makes a real difference.

Another life hack with your yoga mat is to fold it in half over itself before you roll it up from the folded end. This means the clean side stays clean, and the side that touches the floor never gets rolled back onto the freshly cleaned side.

How to deep clean your yoga mat once a month

If you're using your mat regularly (and especially if you use it outside or take it to other studios or gyms), a proper deep clean once a month keeps things fresh and extends its life. The method depends on your mat type.

Closed cell mat (smooth surface, doesn't absorb moisture): You can fully submerge this one. Fill a bath or large sink with warm, soapy water and let the mat soak for about five minutes. Lay it flat and gently scrub both sides with a soft cloth or sponge in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and hang to air-dry somewhere with good airflow, like a chair, towel rail, or clothes rack.

Open cell mat (textured surface, more porous): Don't submerge this one. Because it absorbs moisture, soaking it can damage the material. Instead, use a bucket of warm water with a small amount of dish soap and clean both sides by hand. Follow up with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue, then leave it to air-dry completely before rolling it up.

With both types, drying fully before storage is non-negotiable. A damp rolled-up mat is a mould situation waiting to happen. The whole point here is freshening up your mat, and that'll do the opposite.

Can you put a yoga mat in the washing machine?

Some people do, but it's generally not recommended. The agitation and heat can warp or damage the mat, and depending on the material, it can shed in a way that isn't great for your washing machine either. Hand washing is the better option.

Keeping your mat clean doesn't need to be a whole thing. A spray and a wipe after each session, a proper clean once a month, and letting it dry before you store it. That's it. Keep your cleaning spray wherever you keep your mat so it's always within reach and a nice visual reminder whenever you put your mat away.