Last Updated on July 20, 2022

Curious how to make yoga mat cleaner? If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while, chances are you’ve noticed how dirty a yoga mat can get.  

Yoga mats can attract bacteria, especially if you use them frequently. After all, they’re constantly coming into contact with our skin.

It’s a good idea to learn how to make your own yoga mat cleaner so you can keep germs, mildew and allergens at bay. 

Getting into the habit of sanitizing your yoga mat after every workout is a good idea. Here’s how to make your own DIY yoga mat cleaning spray.  

what do you put in a yoga mat spray? 

There are many different recipes you can follow, but I typically put water, vinegar, tea tree oil, and some essential oils into my DIY yoga mat cleaner spray. I find this is the simplest, most efficient mixture.  

You can also see what the yoga mat brand itself recommends. For example, Scoria (a cork-based yoga mat company) recommends simply wiping the mat with a cloth, a little soap and warm water. Their mats are not machine washable either.  

Keep in mind that a yoga mat spray is good for using after each practice, but a deep cleaning may be in order every so often too.  

Double check with the yoga mat manufacturer to see their cleaning tips. But a general deep cleaning method that works is filling your bathtub with a few inches of warm water, adding in the mat, and scrubbing it clean with a washcloth and a drizzle of natural castile soap.  

Remove the mat from the bathtub and let it air dry on a towel rack, or over your shower curtain bar. Once dry, roll it up and put it away. 

is witch hazel good for yoga mat? 

Yes! Witch hazel is also good for cleaning your yoga mat. You can use it in place of vinegar if you’d like.  

Witch hazel is a distilled herb from the witch hazel tree that has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. This makes it perfect for using in a DIY yoga mat cleaner.  

The most sustainable option is always to use what you have. Check and see what’s already in your home first before going out to buy something new. 

can I use tea tree oil on my yoga mat? 

Yes, you can use tea tree oil on your yoga mat because it has antimicrobial properties. I like to mix it in to the spray with other essential oils because it tends to have a strong scent. You don’t need to add much, just a few drops will do. 

can you use hydrogen peroxide to clean yoga mat? 

Yes, you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean yoga mats if you’re adding it to a spray bottle and diluting it with water. Just make sure to clean off any visible dirt or grime on your mat first with soap and water.  

You can do a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water together in a spray bottle. Then just spray it directly on the mat and let it sit for about five minutes before wiping it with a rag.  This works as a quick disinfectant. 

how to make diy yoga mat cleaner 

This easy DIY yoga mat cleaning spray will come in handy when you simply want to disinfect your mat after use. Spray it on, let it sit for a minute or two, and wipe it off with a rag. If it needs to, let it air dry before rolling it up and storing it for next time.  

This is a DIY yoga mat cleaner without witch hazel, but feel free to sub it in place of the vinegar if you’d like. If you want it to be scent free, omit the tea tree and essential oils. 

Also, be sure to check out these sustainable yoga mat brands if you’re on the market for a new mat! 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup of water 
• ½ cup of white vinegar 
• 3 drops of tea tree oil 
• 1-3 drops of essential oil (citrus, lavender or eucalyptus work well) 

Directions:  

1. In an upcycled spray bottle, combine all the ingredients – I find using a funnel helps reduce mess. Secure the top nozzle, give it a good shake, and it’s ready to use. 

Would you give this DIY yoga mat cleaner a go? Let me know in the comments below!