When Was the Last Time You Cleaned Your Yoga Mat? Try This Easy DIY Spray!

If you practice yoga, you probably consider your mat a sanctuary—the place where you celebrate joys, work out stress and tight muscles, and set an intention for the day.

But unless you’re coming to class straight from the shower, you could also be transferring lots of germs and grime to your sacred space, too—not to mention all the dirt that’s already on the floor. It’s enough to make you think twice before settling into child’s pose!

Although you don’t have to clean your mat every time you practice, it’s good to get into the habit of doing so regularly. Specialty sprays like this one are formulated to be gentle on your mat, whisking away debris without harsh chemicals. (With all the deep breathing during your practice, you don’t want to be inhaling noxious fumes!) If you prefer to DIY it, we’ve got you covered.

All you need is five ingredients to make your own mat cleanser; witch hazel clears away grime, and eucalyptus essential oil may have antimicrobial properties. The combo of peppermint and lavender leaves behind a calming, fresh scent. Even though you may not have all of them on hand, once you buy them, you’ll be able to make this spray over and over again. That will give you peace of mind the next time you breathe deeply on your mat.

Yoga Mat Cleaner

What you need

3 parts distilled water
1 part witch hazel
5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
Small spray bottle
Small funnel

Instructions

Place the small funnel in the spray bottle. Pour distilled water and witch hazel into the bottle. Add essential oils, then remove the funnel, screw on the spray top, and shake to mix.

To use, give the bottle a quick shake before spraying onto your yoga mat. Wipe down with a damp towel. Let the mat dry before rolling it up. Aim to clean your mat after every practice—or at least once a week.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont