There’s never a time I put my forehead to the mat during Child’s Pose. Ever.
The mild germaphobe in me would rather uncomfortably hover over my yoga mat to avoid coming in contact with something that might break me out. So I was relieved when I stumbled on the blog Small Home Big Start, where Canadian-based beauty, Amanda shares her all-natural recipe for a deep clean. It uses some of my favorite things, essential oils and apple cider vinegar. My yoga mat has never been cleaner or smelled so good! ~Brandee
DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner
by Amanda
When I lived in Toronto, I often went to a yoga studio where they had these great hanging racks for spraying your mat down after class. It was nice to clean it after a sweaty practice (especially hot yoga!) and start off my next class with a fresh mat. Cleaning your mat also restores their soft and sticky texture, which will help you stay in your favourite asana without slipping.
When we moved to our new town, I started going to the great yoga classes at our gym, but they didn’t have anywhere to clean your mat, so I had to make my own system at home. Rather than using expensive store-bought cleaners which contain chemicals, I made a homemade yoga mat cleaner, using natural ingredients. I keep a spray bottle in the front hall, to remind me to clean it on the deck right after class.
Yoga Mat Cleaner
- 3 Parts Filtered Water
- 1 Part White Vinegar
- 10-30 drops Tea Tree Oil
- 10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (you can use any kind of essential oil that has antibacterial properties like peppermint, lavendar, lemongrass and eucalyptus
To use: Place all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until mixed. Spray down one side of your mat and let it sit for a few minutes.Wipe down with a damp cloth and repeat with the other side. Let air dry completely before you roll it up.
Brandee’s Chic Tip: This DIY cleaner can also be used on countertops for an extra green clean. I tried Eucalyptus Oil instead of Peppermint. It’s also a wonderful shower refresher!
For more tips from SHBS (including how to deep clean your mat) click here or follow on Facebook.
