How to clean the yoga mat better?

Sports equipment generally contains a lot of bacteria, and yoga mats are used to carry the body underneath, and naturally there will be sweat that we sway when we exercise. Sweating is detoxification, so it is easy to retain bacteria.

It is undeniable that yoga is very good for your mind and body, but yoga mats may make you sick? According to Professor Robert Lahita, a professor at the Rutgers University School of Medicine, bacteria, fungi and viruses will lurk on unwashed yoga mats. Although these germs are harmless most of the time, if your immunity is weak, these germs are likely to make you sick.

"If the mat is not cleaned regularly, the mat will slowly accumulate the bacteria that live on people's skin, such as staphylococcus and streptococcus. When these bacteria come into contact with open wounds, they may cause infection or more serious illness. Colds Influenza germs can sometimes also be spread from the nose to the pad. Although these bacteria can only survive on the surface for a few hours, as does the fungus, it can survive for several days.” Amesh Adalja, Infectious Diseases Doctor, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center so.

To sum up, after all, we still live in the world of microorganisms, and prevention is the best policy. So how can we make the mat as "healthy" as yoga? Here is how to share it!

cleaning method:

1

Cultivate the awareness of washing mats. Every few months or less, you should be aware that your yoga mat needs to be cleaned. If you practice yoga every day, regular maintenance of your mat will not only extend the life of the mat, but also prevent the production of bad smells and the growth of bacteria. If you practice yoga regularly, you must keep cleansing at least once a month, especially when the weather is hot. If your yoga mat starts to lose debris, or even the debris gets on your clothes during practice, then you can consider buying a new mat.

2

Soak the yoga mat. Use warm water and a mild detergent such as dish soap to soak the yoga mat and let it soak for a few minutes. This will help remove dirt, oil and any odors. For your yoga mat, two relatively mild detergents, detergent or hypoallergenic detergent, are the choices for cleaning. The amount is probably controlled at 1 gallon (3.7 liters) of warm water, with only 1 tablespoon of washing powder or detergent (15 ml). Avoid using too much detergent in warm water. Because this will reduce the non-slip performance of the mat and increase the difficulty of practicing asanas on the mat. Some places suggest using vinegar to clean your mats. Please be aware that this may leave your cushion with a persistent smell. The vinegar may also affect the quality of the mat, depending on the material of your yoga mat.

3

Soft cloth for washing pads. After soaking the mat for a few minutes, clean the sides of the mat with a soft cloth. Wipe the sides, focusing on the areas where your hands and feet often touch. You can tell it easily because the color of this place may be slightly different from the colors of other areas.

Make sure your movements are gentle, so that you don't damage your mat.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t see the foam coming out, remember that you only need to clean the mat, not make it slippery. Remember, never throw your yoga mat in the washing machine. It will significantly reduce the quality of the mat.

4

Rinse with clean water. Rinse the mat with clean water until you find that the water becomes clear. This will help remove detergent residues and reduce the risk of slippery mats. If the rinsing does not achieve the desired results, you can consider wiping it again with a soft cloth.

5

Remove excess water. Shake off the water on the surface of the mat. Lay the mat flat on a dry towel and roll the two together to bring out the excess water.

Never use screwing! This may cause wrinkling, tearing or deformation. You can roll up the mats and towels with a gentle step, which will allow the residual moisture to be taken out more quickly.

6

Hang the mat. After squeezing out the excess water, unfold your yoga mat and hang it up until it is completely dry.

You can use a hanger to dry the mat, but be aware that this may leave marks. You can also put the yoga mat on a drying rack, which can effectively dry both sides of the mat.

Do not dry the yoga mat in a clothes dryer. Doing so will ruin your cushion and may cause a fire.

Pressing the mat with your fingers can help you feel whether the mat is completely dry.

Maintenance method:

1

Understand the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance. Dirt, grease, and sweat will reduce the quality of your mat. After each use, simple maintenance of the mat can extend its life. If you practice yoga every day or multiple times a week, you should use it every time. After that, properly maintain your mat.

2

Clean your feet and hands before practicing. Your hands and feet will constantly touch the mat. Using the mat with clean hands and feet can not only extend the life of the mat but also prevent the spread of bacteria to a certain extent. Washing hands can also wash off lotions or creams that may cause slippage during practice. If you cannot wash your hands before practicing, consider using a gentle baby wipe to wipe your palms and feet.

3

Wipe the mat. After each practice, wipe it with baby wipes or special yoga mat wipes, or a soft cloth, and then roll it up after it dries. This can help you keep the mat clean.

4

You can try to use a drape. If you are in a high-temperature greenhouse, or you just want to separate yourself from the mat, you can try using a drape. This can help dry the sweat on the mat. You can buy yoga towels at some sports stores and most yoga specialty retailers, or you can buy them online.

5

Spread out the mat occasionally. After each use and washing, most people will roll up the yoga mat and put it in a bag or in a corner of the studio or at home. Ideally, spread out the mat occasionally to help evaporate sweat or moisture and also help evaporate odors. Keep your mat in a cool, dry location and avoid direct sunlight. This will also prevent it from accumulating excessive moisture and inhibit the growth of bacteria or fungi.

Tips:

*Check the manufacturer's specifications carefully to ensure that your yoga mat can be cleaned with the above methods or needs other special care.

*If you are not using the mat, roll it up. Yoga mats can attract dirt and dust.

*When practicing in a yoga studio, consider using your own mat. If you can't do this, look for a clean mat in it.

*If your mat has cracks or stains due to long-term failure to keep it properly or long-term use, you can consider replacing the mat.