{"id":3664,"date":"2019-12-10T15:38:17","date_gmt":"2019-12-10T21:38:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/?p=3664"},"modified":"2019-12-10T15:38:26","modified_gmt":"2019-12-10T21:38:26","slug":"how-to-keep-your-yoga-mat-clean-and-when-its-time-to-replace-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/how-to-keep-your-yoga-mat-clean-and-when-its-time-to-replace-it","title":{"rendered":"How to Keep Your Yoga Mat Clean (and When it\u2019s Time to Replace it)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Between minding your breath, balancing in tree pose, and avoiding a face plant during crow pose, a yoga practice gives you plenty to think about. So it’s easy to overlook the care and upkeep of your mat.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, reasons to keep your yoga mat clean abound (even if you aren’t a germaphobe). A clean mat is safer and healthier for anyone who uses it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter whether you own a mat or share mats at a studio or gym, read on to learn why it’s important to clean a yoga mat, and discover tips and tricks to do it right. We’ll also cover some of the signs that indicate you should replace your mat.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why It’s Important to Clean Yoga Mats<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It’s not pleasant to think about, but your skin swarms with all sorts of creepy crawlies<\/a> in the form of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and microscopic mites. These microorganisms move from your hands to your yoga mat during your practice. And the same thing goes for the oils, sweat, and tens of thousands of skin cells your body sheds every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s not all: If left unchecked, living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses multiply. And because these microorganisms thrive in humid environments, they\u2019re likely to reproduce in a hot yoga studio or on a sweaty mat.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the most part, even a large amount of bacteria, fungi, and viruses likely won\u2019t cause harm. But for people with broken skin or compromised immune systems, exposure to microorganisms could result in a skin infection, athlete’s foot, plantar warts, or ringworm.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know how dirty human bodies can be, we probably don’t need to spell out why it’s important to clean a yoga mat.\u00a0But here goes: Washing your mat on a regular basis helps limit the buildup of germs and other substances. And the same thing goes for cleaning a shared mat at a yoga studio or gym \u2014 only in this case, you’ll protect yourself from other people’s microorganisms and protect other people from yours.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Clean a Yoga Mat<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know how dirty your yoga mat is, here’s how to clean it right.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Check the mat’s website for instructions<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Different mats are made up of different materials. Check the website for your brand of yoga mat to see if they have specific instructions regarding how to clean your mat. Follow the manufacturer\u2019s tips if you find them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Wipe down your mat after every practice<\/strong>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After every class or practice session, wipe down your mat<\/a>. An antibacterial hand wipe or antibacterial spray will work in a pinch. But in a recent study<\/a>, researchers discovered that the widespread use of antibacterial sanitizers in gyms and yoga studios may be unintentionally contributing<\/a> to an explosion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To stay safer over the long-term, you may be better off using a 50-50 vinegar and water spray and a clean towel instead of antibacterial options. (If this option isn\u2019t available at your gym or studio, consider requesting it.) Make sure any cleaner you use is safe for porous surfaces and human skin. Let the mat completely dry before you roll it up.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Deep clean your mat regularly<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you own a mat, it\u2019s best to deep clean it occasionally. If you practice nearly every day, plan to wash your mat thoroughly at least once a month using one of these strategies.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n