The Only 2 DIY Yoga Mat Cleaners You’ll Ever Need

My love affair with essential oils continues! From skin care to household cleaners, I put drops of essential oil in everything. I was a bit scared at first because the last thing I wanted my house and my body to smell like was a hippie. No offense, I know some hippies that I absolutely love, but I sure do gag at the smell of patchouli (shout out to Ithaca, NY! i love you guys!).

Anyway, the other day, I was about to start my home yoga routine because I’m like #yogaeverydamnday. I rolled out my mat and was greeted by the ghost of workouts past. My yoga mat smelled like the rankest of gym bags. Horrified, I ran and grabbed my pillow mist from my bedside table and sprayed the yoga mat down. I did my routine, but I knew that I had only masked the odor of sweat and that my poor little, hard-working yoga mat still wasn’t clean.

So, armed with essential oils, white vinegar, and distilled water, I was able to disinfect and freshen up my mat in no time at all! Here are two quick recipes that I alternate between about every two weeks.

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner with Essential Oils

What You Need

• small spray bottle (I’ve been using these glass bottles for all of my green beauty products)
• distilled water
• witch hazel (fun fact: if you don’t have witch hazel, you can use Vodka instead!)
• essential oils (peppermint + lavender +tea tree= what I imagine heaven smells like)

Directions

• fill your bottle about 3/4 of the way with distilled water
• add about 1/8 tsp of witch hazel or vodka
• add anywhere from 5-15 drops of essential oils (I used about 5 drops each of peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil)
• Shake the bottle and spray your mat
• Wipe the mat down with a clean damp dish towel
• Allow your mat to dry before you try to do King Dancer Pose!

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner without Essential Oils

What You Need

• Small spray bottle (I’ve been using these glass bottles for all of my green beauty products)
• distilled water
• white vinegar
• fresh lemon

Directions

• Fill your bottle about 3/4 of the way with distilled water
• Add about 1/8 tsp of white vinegar
• Squeeze a few drops of fresh lemon juice.
• Shake the bottle and spray your mat
• Wipe the mat down with a clean damp dish towel

Store your yoga mat cleaner the right way!

• The mat cleaner containing essential oils can be stored in your gym bag, or any cool dry place.
• The mat cleaner containing fresh lemon should be refrigerated.

Image Credit: Sophie Uliano