You have sweated, smiled, laughed, cried and sweated some more. With the many adventures you have embarked on with your yoga mat, there reaches a point when your mat needs to be cleaned. How do you clean a yoga mat? Check your mat for instructions first. Otherwise, here are some options for safely cleaning your yoga mat:

Make your own spray:

Create your own cleaning solution with water and white vinegar (equal parts), or water and a couple of drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle. Vinegar and tea tree oil contain antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Spray and wipe down your mat with a soft cloth or paper towel. You can even bring your cleaning solution with you and clean your mat after each use.

Buy a cleaning solution:

Okay, maybe you prefer not to make your own cleaning solution. There are many yoga mat washes available online for purchase. They might even be for sale at your local yoga studio.

Hose it down:

Take your mat outside and hose it down with water. Use a mild soap detergent and sponge to clean your mat. Rinse and allow it to air dry. Getting your mat to completely dry may take up to twenty-four hours (or more, depending on the outside temperature). Plan accordingly, or have a backup mat.