If you’ve just bought a new yoga mat, you may have noticed an unpleasant smell.
This new yoga mat smell is caused by the materials used in the manufacturing process.
In addition, the smell can linger in your workout clothes and home environment. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to eliminate the smell as much as possible.
There are a few ways to reduce the smell and make your new yoga mat more pleasant to use. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what’s causing the new yoga mat smell and how to get rid of it!
What’s Causing The New Yoga Mat Smell?
If you’ve ever unrolled a new yoga mat, you know the distinct, slightly overwhelming smell that comes with it. But what exactly is causing that intense smell?
The answer lies in the materials used to make yoga mats. The materials used in the manufacturing process can cause a strong smell.
Most are made from PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, which is a type of plastic. PVC contains chemicals called phthalates, which are used to make the material softer and more flexible. Unfortunately, these same chemicals can also cause that strong smell.
If your yoga mat is is made of rubber, it may also contribute to the new yoga mat smell. Rubber mats are often made of natural rubber, which comes from latex.
If your yoga mat is made of jute, a type of plant fiber, it also likely has a smell. Jute is often used in eco-friendly mats because it’s a sustainable material. However, jute can also be quite smelly.
The good news is that the smell shouldn’t last forever. Once the mat has had a chance to air out, the smell should start to fade away.
In the meantime, you can try placing your mat in a well-ventilated area or storing it in a bag with some coffee beans or baking soda to help absorb the odor.
How To Get Rid Of The New Yoga Mat Smell?
1. Baking Soda:
One of the simplest and most effective ways to remove odors is to sprinkle baking soda on your yoga mat and let it sit for at least an hour (preferably longer).
Once the baking soda has had a chance to do its work, simply vacuum it up with a dustbuster or similar device.
Don’t have baking soda on hand? No problem! You can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as substitutes.
2. Vinegar & Water Solution:
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spritz your mat liberally with the solution.
Let it sit for at least an hour, then wipe it down with a clean cloth or sponge. For best results, do this outdoors so that the vinegar smell can dissipate quickly.
3. Sunlight:
Ultraviolet light is nature’s odor eliminator, so take advantage of it! If weather permits, lay your stinky yoga mat out in direct sunlight for several hours (or even overnight).
Not only will the sun help to remove the odor-causing bacteria, but it will also help to disinfect your mat. Win-win!
4. Essential Oils:
This method is not only effective but also pleasantly fragrant. Simply add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water, then spritz your mat liberally with the solution.
Let it sit for at least an hour before wiping it down with a clean cloth or sponge—and enjoy the fresh scent!
5. Air It Out:
Last but not least, sometimes the best way to remove an unpleasant odor is simply to let time do its work.
If you can’t seem to get rid of the new yoga mat smell no matter what you try, set your mat aside for a week or two and see if the problem takes care of itself.
Chances are good that after a little while, the smell will dissipate on its own and you’ll be able to enjoy using your mat again.”
Conclusion
There’s no need to panic if your new yoga mat has an unpleasant odor—there are some simple and effective ways to get rid of that new yoga mat smell!
Try one (or all) of the methods listed above, and you’ll be enjoying your mat in no time.
