Proper Care for Your Yoga Mat

Caring for your yoga mat can help ensure that your mat can be used for a long time to come. It will also keep your mat clean. A mat that is properly cared for will be an investment with a great return. Mats that are properly cleaned and maintained prevent dirt and debris from building up that can cause illness. They also prevent deterioration or problems that can result in injuries or accidents. Proper care of your yoga mat involves two parts. Storage and cleaning are both the ways that you care for your mat.

When you store your yoga mat, you roll it up and put it away to keep it out of the way. Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to roll up and store your yoga mat. When you are rolling up your yoga mat, you need to make sure that you roll the mat up with the exercise surface on the outside. When you do this, you make it easier on yourself the next time that you use the mat. When you unroll a mat, it will maintain some curl. By rolling your mat up with the exercise surface on the outside, you will have an easier time flattening it out later due to the fact that the curl will be down towards the floor. To lessen the amount of curling in your mat, roll it loosely when you put it away to store it.

Store your mat in a dark, cool place that remains dry. If there is moisture in the storage area, your mat will absorb it. As the moisture continues to be absorbed and build up, your mat will start to become wet and could still be wet the next time that you take it out to use it. A wet mat is very uncomfortable so, you always want to air out your mat before putting it away for storage and always keep it in a dry area. Do not subject your mat to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. The sun can be good for drying a mat and removing unwanted odors. However, if the mat is in the sun for too long, it will damage the rubber. It can become rough and tougher.

Cleaning is the other important part of caring for a yoga mat. This prevents the growth of bacteria and residue. It also helps to prevent stains on the mat. Since most people practice yoga in a class with other people, it is important to keep your mat as clean as possible. You can do regular, light cleaning as often as necessary. You regularly clean the mat using water and a cloth. Spray down the entire surface of the mat with water. Then, rub the mat down with your cloth. Deep cleaning your mat will need to be done about once a month or when the mat has become very soiled. For deep cleaning, you will actually wash the mat. Your mat can be washed with cold water and regular household cleaner, baking soda, or detergent. Use the least amount of soap as possible because if you use too much it will absorb into the mat and make it slippery.

Following these instructions will give you the longest lasting, cleanest mat possible. It is easy to do and does not take much time. The little bit of time that you put into it can make your mat last longer. It can also prevent you from getting sick from bacteria buildup in the mat.