cork yoga mats rolled up

5 Ways to Maintain the Hygiene of Your Studio's Yoga Mats

As a studio owner, it's important to prioritize the cleanliness of the yoga mats that you provide for your students. Not only is a clean mat more pleasant to use, but it can also help to prevent the spread of germs and illness. We'll go over 5 ways to keep your studio's yoga mats clean and hygienic.

First and foremost, it's important to clean yoga mats after every use. This will help to remove sweat, dirt, and bacteria that can build up on the surface of mats over time. It is best to teach your students to take 2 minutes to clean their mats after each class. Not only will this keep your mats clean but it will teach your students good habits for their personal yoga mats as well.

Cork yoga mats are a popular choice for many practitioners due to their sustainability and natural grip. One added benefit of cork is that it is naturally antimicrobial, meaning it is resistant to the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. This can be particularly useful in preventing the spread of germs and illness, particularly when the mat is being shared or used as a rental mat in a studio setting.

Basic Yoga Mat Cleaning 

Wipe down the mat with a solution of water and mild soap. This is a simple and effective way to remove sweat, dirt, and bacteria from the surface of the mat. To do this,

  1. Mix equal parts water and mild soap in a spray bottle and spritz the mat lightly.
  2. Wipe the mat down with a soft cloth or sponge, paying extra attention to areas that are particularly dirty or sweaty.
  3. Rinse the mat thoroughly afterwards to remove any soap residue. 

Deeper Yoga Mat Cleaning

Scrub the mat with a soft-bristled brush and a mixture of water and mild soap. This is a good option for deeper cleaning of rubber or PVC mats. To do this, 

  1. Mix equal parts water and mild soap in a small bowl and dip the brush into the mixture. 
  2. Scrub the mat all over, paying extra attention to areas that are particularly dirty or sweaty. 
  3. Rinse the mat thoroughly afterwards and hang it up to dry completely before using it again. 

*If you have a cork mat, it's important to avoid using a brush as this could damage the surface of the mat. Instead, use a cloth or sponge to gently wipe the mat down.

Alternative Way to Clean Yoga Mats

Wipe the mat down with a mixture of water and vinegar. This can be an effective way to clean and deodorize cork mats, as well as other types of mats. To do this, 

  1. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle (a ratio of about 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water works well). 
  2. Spritz the mat lightly with the mixture and wipe it down with a soft cloth or sponge. 
  3. Be sure to rinse the mat thoroughly afterwards. 
  4. Allow your cork yoga mat to air dry completely before using it again. 

*It's important to note that vinegar can be drying, so it's best to use this method sparingly.

Deep Clean Yoga Mats

Use a mixture of water and baking soda to create a paste and scrub the mat with a soft-bristled brush. This can be an effective way to deep clean and deodorize the mat. To do this, 

  1. Mix equal parts water and baking soda in a small bowl to create a paste. 
  2. Dip the brush into the paste and scrub the mat all over, paying extra attention to areas that are particularly dirty or sweaty. 
  3. Rinse the mat thoroughly afterwards and hang it up to dry.

Commercial Solution to Clean Yoga Mats

Purchase a mat-specific cleaner and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. Many of these cleaners are specifically formulated to remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria from yoga mats and may be more effective than homemade cleaning solutions. Be sure to read the label!

Bonus: Storing Yoga Mats

It's also a good idea to store your mats in a dry, well-ventilated place when they are not in use. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, which can be particularly problematic in damp or humid environments. If you need to store your mats in a bag, be sure to choose a bag that is made from a breathable material and that allows the mat to air out.

By following these simple cleaning and care tips, you can ensure that your studio's yoga mats stay clean and hygienic for your students. This not only helps to create a pleasant and welcoming environment, but it also helps to protect the health and well-being of your community.

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