Green Cleaning: Yoga Mat Cleaner

As it says in my profile, I am a reluctant yogi.  Meaning I do yoga, but I'm not really in to yoga.  It all started because, as a cancer survivor, I needed to take better care of my body. And I knew I wouldn't do it on my own at home (this is true, because I was a four year cancer survivor before I finally said I needed to heed the medical advice and DO SOMETHING).  

Why yoga?  Honestly, because it was the only thing I could find that was early enough in the morning for me to do before my husband had to start work.  I was not interested in evening classes, because I know as the day wore on, so would my resolve.  And as much as I hate dealing with my toddler (now preschooler) at bedtime, I absolutely LOVE being with my son at bedtime and didn't want to miss it too often.  He's only this little once.  

So, yoga it was.  And I don't hate it.  I LOVE the way I feel when I'm done.  It's just that I can't wait for class to be over pretty much from the minute it starts. But I do it, and I've been doing it for over a year and I can honestly say that at 43 (gulp) years old, I am in the best shape of my life.  

My yoga class meets two days a week at 6am.  That was a great time until my son started preschool. Now I'm racing against the clock to get home, shower, and dress while still having a minute for a cup of coffee and a piece of bacon before packing up his back pack and getting out the door by 8 o'clock. 

Before you say anything, skipping the shower is an option, but not a great one. The yoga class is heated, so I am a disgusting sweaty mess when it's over and my moisture wicking yoga clothes are drenched and feel gross.  If I only had to drop him off at the front door, that would be one thing.  But he's three, so I have to bring him in.  And honestly, what's the point of yoga if it's just going to make me feel worse afterwards?

But I digress... Can you tell I have had this argument before?  

As a time saving measure, I have to skip cleaning my sweaty mat at the studio and choose to do it at home.  (My mat can wait for its shower, I cannot.)  Here's a recipe for a DIY green yoga mat cleaner that will help keep your mat clean and in peak condition.


DIY Green Yoga Mat Cleaner

• 1c white vinegar
• 3c water
• 5 drops lemon essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Mix together in a spray bottle.  Spray your mat, and wipe down with a clean towel or rag.


That's it.  Easy peasy.  I suppose you can skip the essential oils, but I believe they may help condition your mat.  Feel free to adjust the combination of oils for a fragrance that better suits you and your practice.  You can also adjust up or down the amount you use, but I would be careful adjusting too far up.  You don't want your mat to be slick.  You need it to be sticky.  

Cleaning your mat is extra important if you practice hot yoga.  All that sweat that drips off your body gets absorbed into your mat and can be a breeding ground for bacteria.  Think about that the next time you are gently resting one cheek on your mat.  Gross.

Happy cleaning!  Namaste!