Sacred Space: Gentle and Effective Yoga Mat Cleaning Methods

A yoga mat is more than just a fitness accessory, it’s a personal sanctuary, a place for mindfulness, movement, and restoration. But regular use, especially during hot yoga or high-intensity sessions, leads to sweat, bacteria, and grime building up on your mat’s surface. Not only does this impact hygiene and odour, but it can also reduce grip and affect your practice.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to clean yoga mats using gentle but effective techniques tailored to different materials. With the help of Bio-D’s naturally derived cleaning range, you’ll learn how to maintain grip, eliminate odours, and keep your mat performing at its best, without introducing harsh chemicals to your body or the planet.

Why Cleaning Your Yoga Mat Matters

Each downward dog, sun salutation or seated twist adds pressure, heat and moisture to your mat. Over time, this creates the perfect environment for:

• Bacteria and fungal growth
• Body oils, dead skin, and sweat accumulation
• Lingering odours
• Degradation of grip and material
• Premature wear and tear

Keeping your yoga mat clean supports a more pleasant and effective practice, especially if you use it regularly or attend group classes.

Know Your Mat: Different Materials and Their Needs

Yoga mats come in a range of materials, each with unique cleaning requirements. Before you clean, identify what your mat is made from:

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – Common and durable but sensitive to harsh chemicals
• TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) – Eco-friendlier and non-toxic, but more delicate
• Natural rubber – Biodegradable and grippy, but easily damaged by oils and too much water
• Cork or jute – Naturally antimicrobial but prone to drying and cracking if over-cleaned
• PU (polyurethane-coated) – High-performance mats that require gentle, non-oily cleaners

Avoid alcohol-based or heavily fragranced commercial sprays, which can break down materials or leave slippery residues. Instead, choose plant-based, biodegradable cleaners like those from Bio-D, kind to both you and your mat.

Regular Maintenance: Quick Cleans After Each Practice

What You Need:

• A clean, damp cloth or soft sponge
• A spray bottle of Bio-D All Purpose Sanitiser (safe for skin contact and effective at neutralising bacteria)

Method:

1. Lightly spray your mat with Bio-D All Purpose Sanitiser
2. Wipe gently with a damp cloth, avoid over saturating.
3. Hang or lay the mat flat in a well-ventilated area to air dry.

This method removes sweat, oils, and odours without compromising your mat’s texture. Bio-D’s All Purpose Sanitiser is ideal for this step, naturally derived, antibacterial, and available in 500ml spray bottles and 5L refills, making it perfect for routine cleaning.

Deep Cleaning: Weekly or Monthly, Depending on Use

If you practise daily or attend hot yoga classes, your mat deserves a deeper clean every 1–2 weeks.

What You’ll Need:

• A bowl of warm water
• A few drops of Bio-D Washing Up Liquid (gentle, fragrance-free and perfect for delicate surfaces)
• A soft cloth or sponge
• Optional: Bio-D Laundry Liquid for soaking yoga towels or cloth mat toppers

Deep Cleaning Steps:

1. Mix a few drops of Bio-D Washing Up Liquid into a bowl of warm water.
2. Dip your cloth or sponge in the solution and wring it out, excess water can damage natural rubber or cork mats.
3. Wipe down both sides of the mat thoroughly.
4. Rinse the cloth in clean water and repeat to remove any soap residue.
5. Lay the mat flat to air dry, never hang over a radiator or direct heat source.

Avoid submerging your mat fully unless the manufacturer confirms it’s safe to do so.

Handling Sweat Marks and Odours Naturally

Persistent odours or visible sweat marks can linger even after wiping. Here’s how to treat them:

• Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the affected area and let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
• Wipe off with a damp cloth and allow to dry.
• Spray with Bio-D All Purpose Sanitiser to finish.

For cotton or microfibre yoga towels, pre-soak in a basin using Bio-D Laundry Liquid or Bio-D Non-Bio Washing Powder, then wash as usual. Both are made using natural ingredients and are suitable for sensitive skin.

Maintaining Grip and Texture

Cleaning too aggressively, or with the wrong products, can wear down the mat’s surface and reduce its grip.

To preserve grip:

• Use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge
• Avoid essential oils directly on natural rubber or PU mats
• Stick to Bio-D’s unscented and non-oily cleaners
• Let the mat dry fully before rolling it up or practising again

Drying Tips to Protect Your Mat

Proper drying prevents mould, odours and material degradation:

• Dry your mat flat or hang it lengthwise over a clothes rack
• Avoid folding when wet
• Keep it out of direct sunlight (especially for rubber or cork mats)
• Never use a tumble dryer

Commercial vs DIY Cleaners: What’s Safer?

While many commercial yoga mat sprays exist, they often contain:

• Synthetic fragrances
• Preservatives like parabens or phenoxyethanol
• Alcohol, which dries out mat materials

In contrast, Bio-D’s cleaners are:

• Plant-based and biodegradable
• Fragrance-free and safe for skin contact
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Available in refillable packaging, including 5L sizes to reduce plastic waste

You can also combine Bio-D All Purpose Sanitiser with water for a low-cost, skin-safe yoga mat spray.

Maintenance Schedule Based on Practice Style

Practice Frequency	Suggested Cleaning Routine
Daily / Hot Yoga	Quick clean after every session + deep clean weekly
3–4 times a week	Quick clean after use + deep clean every 2 weeks
Weekly / Light Use	Deep clean monthly
Outdoor Use / Shared Mats	Sanitise before and after each use

Why Choose Bio-D?

Cleaning products shouldn’t compromise your health or your practice. That’s why Bio-D offers a full range of eco-friendly cleaning products that are:

• Made in the UK
• Ethical Consumer Best Buys
• Suitable for sensitive skin and allergy-prone households
• Available in bulk refills to reduce single-use plastics

Explore the full range at www.biod.co.uk or find your local refill stockist.

A clean yoga mat supports not just hygiene, but your mental and physical wellbeing. By learning how to clean yoga mats safely and sustainably using Bio-D’s natural cleaning range, you’ll protect your mat’s longevity, improve your grip, and reduce your impact on the environment.

Namaste and happy cleaning.