Over time, we come to form relationships with our yoga mats as they support us through our yoga journeys. It's important to take good care of them in return to insure a long-lasting, durable experience with them. The best way to do this is by keeping them nice and clean.

Whether your yoga mat is brand new or an old, faithful companion, regularly cleaning it is something you should make a habit out of. Each time you use your yoga mat, it gets covered in oils, dirt, and—you guessed it—plenty of sweat. Here are some tips for safely cleaning your mat.

Remember, all yoga mats are made differently, so make sure to check its cleaning instructions and limitations before proceeding with any of these suggestions.

Clean Your Yoga Mat Regularly
You should clean your yoga mat about once a week. However, if you practice daily, outside, or tend to sweat a lot, consider giving your mat a quick wipe-down after each session. This is great for hygiene and ensures a long life for your mat. 

Use a Natural Cleaning Solution
We suggest using an all-natural yoga mat cleaner. This is especially great for eco-friendly yoga mats that are made from natural resources. There are plenty of options available for you to choose from. One of our favorites is the Mind Over Lather Spray Nozzle Yoga Mat Cleaner.

Avoid Using Too Much Water & Soap
It's best to use a small amount of water and minimal soap because submerging your yoga mat could cause it to become waterlogged. Both your mat and Mother Earth will thank you!

How to Break In and Care For Your Yoga Mat

(Photo: Yoga Design Lab)

Cleaning your new yoga mat is also a great way to break it in. It can take a while to get lots of use out of your mat so that it starts to feel more comfortable and less slippery. However, in addition to regularly cleaning your yoga mat, there are a few ways to speed up the break-in process and make it feel like home sooner.

Are you still searching for a new yoga mat? We love the Complete Unity Complete Grip Eco Yoga Mat, which is ethically-made for all forms of movement!

Get Lots of Use Out of It
The best way to break in your yoga mat is simple: use it as much as you can! The more you use it, the more it'll loosen up. If you aren't able to squeeze in a practice every day, that's okay. You can leave it unrolled and walk across it with your bare feet as a you roam around your house. Feel free to get creative and have some fun with how much you use your mat.

If you're looking for a yoga mat that is a perfect blend of traction, durability, and comfort, you'll love the Jade Yoga Harmony Natural Rubber Yoga Mat.

Use a Yoga Mat Towel
If you're finding it tough to get grounded on your mat, try laying a yoga mat towel on top of it. This will help keep you from slipping so you wont feel unstable and held back during your practice. It's a great option to use until you're able to break in your mat. There are a lot of yoga mat towels available that are made specifically for this. A yogi-favorite fun, functional towel is the Everyday Yoga Waffle Grip Mat Towel.

How do you like to clean and care for your yoga mat? Share your tips with us in the comments below!