Cleaning

One way to keep your mat clean is to use a yoga towel on top of the mat. The towel can then be put in the washing machine for cleaning. Keeping your mat clean will keep it free of dirt, sweat, and bacteria. It will also help your mat last longer and keep the grippy texture intact. Before cleaning your mat, always check with your mat's manufacturer for any recommended cleaning instructions. If you can't find any specific instructions from the manufacturer, try a solution of warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Some chemicals can be too harsh for certain mat materials so it's generally best to stay away from rubbing alcohol, bleach cleaners, cleaners with a high concentration of essential oils. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning your mat after every other practice, or for hot yoga, after every practice. It really depends on how frequently you use it, the type of yoga practice, and the location of use. After you've washed your mat, lay it out to dry. It should not be rolled, wrung out, or left in direct sunlight. After you clean or use your mat, storing it in a mat bag will also prevent dust, dirt, and damage. Be sure to check the rolled dimensions of your mat before purchasing a bag and always remember to only store your mat in the bag once it is completely dry.

Cleaning instructions by brand:

Alo

Jade

Manduka

Half Moon

Gaiam

Lululemon - check the care instructions on the listing for your mat

Everyday Yoga - check the care instructions on the listing for your mat

Brentwood Home

Hugger Mugger

Yoloha Yoga

Suga

Replacing

No matter how well we take care of our mat, at some point it will need replacing. Many inexpensive brand mats will be good for 6-12 months with regular use and higher quality or professional brands can last for several years with regular use. It's important to be mindful of any changes in your mat as a worn out or improperly cared for mat can cause serious injury or illness.

Signs it may be time to replace your mat:

• The surface has become slippery or no longer has the same level of grip
• There are small holes in the surface
• You can see the top layer shedding or pilling
• It has a smell you can't get rid of
• It's cracking or if you have a double sided mat if the seam between the two sides is unravelling
• Uneven wear

Recycle and Reuse

• Manduka offers recycling for your old mat when you purchase a new mat through their Live On program.

• Suga offers recycling only for their mats. You can find a drop-off location or send the old mat in through the mail.

• Jade Yoga has great ideas or how to recycle your mat.

• You can recycle your mat using freecycle.org.

• You can also reuse the mats for cushion for your knees while gardening or as a cushion for working under your car during automative repairs.

• If you tried yoga briefly and decided it wasn't for you, you may be able to donate you mat.

Disclaimer: None of the products, services, or information provided by Jennifer Glover-Keller, LLC are to be construed as medical care. It is critical that you speak with your medical provider(s) to determine what is safe and appropriate for you before starting any type of exercise or wellness routine, including yoga.