Can You Wash Your Yoga Mat in a Washing Machine?

Can you wash your yoga mat in a washing machine? This is a question that many people have.

The answer, unfortunately, is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the type of yoga mat that you have.

In this blog post, we will discuss the best way to clean your yoga mat and how to determine if it can be washed in a washing machine.

Do Yoga Mats Need To Be Washed?

Can You Wash Your Yoga Mat in a Washing Machine

We all know the feeling of finally mustering up the energy to go to a yoga class. You leave work, change into your comfiest leggings, and head to the studio.

But when you unroll your yoga mat, you realize you forgot to wash it… again. Do yoga mats really need to be washed that often? The answer is a resounding yes! Here’s why:

Bacteria Love Yoga Mats 

While it may not be the most pleasant topic, our yoga mats are teeming with bacteria—even if we can’t see it.

In fact, a study done by researchers at University of California San Diego found that the average yoga mat has over 9,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat! Ew! 

Of course, some bacteria is necessary for good health and immunity, but there are certain types of bacteria that can be harmful, such as Staphylococcus aureus (staph infection) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (athlete’s foot).

These types of infections can be easily passed from person to person through contact with contaminated surfaces like yoga mats. So if you’re someone who is constantly getting sick or suffering from skin infections, not washing your yoga mat may be to blame. 

Yoga Mats Are Difficult To Keep Clean 

Even if we wanted to clean our yoga mats after every single use (which, let’s be honest, very few of us do), it’s not as easy as simply throwing them in the washing machine.

Most yoga mats are made of porous materials like PVC or rubber that can easily become damaged by water or cleaning chemicals. Instead, most manufacturers recommend spot-cleaning with a mild soap and water solution and avoiding harsh cleaners altogether. 

Not only is this method time-consuming, but it’s also difficult to ensure that you’re actually getting rid of all the bacteria on your mat.

In other words, even if you do manage to clean your yoga mat properly after every use, you’re still probably not killing all the germs. However, there is an easy solution to this problem.

How Often Should I Wash My Yoga Mat?

It is generally recommended that you wash your yoga mat once a week.

However, if you practice yoga multiple times a day or have a medical condition that weakens your immune system, you may need to wash your mat more frequently.

The Best Way To Wash Your Yoga Mat 

Now that we’ve answered the question, “Do yoga mats need to be washed?” it’s time to discuss the best way to clean your yoga mat. As we mentioned before, most manufacturers recommend spot-cleaning with a mild soap and water solution.

However, this method can be ineffective in removing all the bacteria from your mat. 

Instead, we recommend using a mat-specific cleaning spray. This gentle, plant-based cleaner is designed specifically for yoga mats and is proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria. It’s also safe to use on all mat types, including PVC, rubber, and natural fiber mats.

To use, spray your mat with the cleaner and wipe it down with a clean cloth. Let the cleaner air-dry on your mat for best results before rolling it up. 

Once you’ve cleansed your mat with our Yoga Mat Cleaner, you can store it in a yoga mat bag to keep it clean and protected between uses.

Can You Wash Your Yoga Mat in a Washing Machine?

is it okay to wash yoga mat in washing machine

In most cases, you can machine-wash your yoga mat. However, it is important to check the instructions from the manufacturer first and use a gentle cycle with cold water. Always air-dry your yoga mat after washing to avoid any residue or slippery surface. If you are unsure about machine-washing your yoga mat, consider handwashing it instead.

Step 1: Check the Care Instructions on Your Mat

Before you do anything, it’s always a good idea to check the care instructions that came with your mat. Some mats are made of delicate material that can’t be machine-washed. If your mat has no specific care instructions, proceed to Step 2. 

Step 2: Remove Any Excess Dirt or Sweat from Your Mat

The next step is to remove any excess dirt or sweat from your mat. The best way to do this is to wipe it down with a damp cloth. If your mat is really dirty, you can also spot-clean it with some mild soap and water. Just make sure you rinse off any soap before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Put Your Mat in the Washing Machine 

Now it’s time to put your mat in the washing machine. Set your machine to the delicate cycle and use cold water. Add a mild detergent and let your mat soak for 5-10 minutes before running the cycle. 

Once the cycle is done, take your mat out of the washer and hang it up to dry. Do not put it in the dryer! Hang drying will help prolong the life of your yoga mat.

Scared to Wash Your Yoga Mat in Washing Machine?

If you ‘re worried about washing your yoga mat in the machine, you can always opt to hand wash it instead. Just fill up a sink or tub with some cold water and mild detergent. Let your mat soak for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off with clean water. Hang dry your mat as described above.

Here is a recipe for homemade yoga mat cleaner.

Conclusion

So, can you wash your yoga mat in a washing machine? In most cases, yes! Just be sure to check the care instructions first and use a gentle cycle with cold water. Always air-dry your mat after washing to avoid any residue or slippery surface.