How to Clean Your Mat After Hot Yoga?

Cleaning your yoga mat after every hot yoga class is a non-negotiable part of your practice. It's essential for hygiene, preventing the buildup of odor-causing bacteria, and prolonging the life of your mat. The best method is a quick but thorough daily wipe-down. Immediately after class, use a dedicated yoga mat cleaning spray. You can purchase effective, pre-made sprays from most studios or yoga retailers, or you can easily make your own. A simple and effective DIY recipe is to fill a spray bottle with approximately 80% water and 20% white vinegar or witch hazel. Both vinegar and witch hazel have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. To this mixture, you can add a few drops of an essential oil with antimicrobial qualities, such as tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus, which also helps to give it a pleasant, clean scent. Spray the entire surface of your mat liberally and, using a clean cloth (not the sweaty towel you just used for practice), wipe the mat down firmly. Pay attention to the areas where your hands and feet were most often. Flip the mat over and wipe down the bottom as well. Finally, and this is a crucial step, allow your mat to air dry completely before you roll it up. Rolling up a damp mat traps moisture and creates a breeding ground for bacteria.