Practitioners of yoga may discover that their preferred yoga mat has become too soiled for comfort. Quite often the culprit is dirty feet, especially if there are multiple users over the course of a day. Sweat also collects on yoga mats, which can encourage bacterial and viral development if not disinfected regularly. So what is the best way to clean a yoga mat? The answer may depend on the mat owner's personal preferences when it comes to organic or chemical cleaning techniques.

Most yoga mats are not made from exotic materials, so they can often be cleaned in a conventional washing machine. The manufacturers often include instructions on how to clean a yoga mat using commercial washing machines and cleaning agents. Those who own a standard rubberized or polyvinyl plastic yoga mat should be able to load it into a washing machine, add a very mild detergent formulated for delicates, and allow it to run on the cold water/delicates cycle. Thoroughly rinsing off all of the detergent residue is essential, since it can make the mat very slippery. Allow the mat to air dry on a hanger for 24-48 hours.

Another way to clean a yoga mat is to use special wipes designed specifically for that purpose. Some yoga enthusiasts use over-sized wipes which contain a mixture of a disinfectant and essential oils such as lavender. These mat wipes can be carried in a gym bag for easy access. To clean a yoga mat using wipes, lay the mat flat and begin wiping from one end to the other, either before or after a yoga session. Allow a few minutes for the disinfectant to evaporate, then use or store the mat. A more thorough cleaning may be required periodically, but the wipes should keep the mat sanitary enough for use.

Some people who prefer organic cleaning methods suggest using a spray containing water and tea tree oil to clean a yoga mat after each session. Tea tree oil works as a natural disinfectant, and the water will not damage the surface of the mat as harsher chemicals might over time. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, the yoga mat can be submerged in a tub containing naturally mild detergents and then rinsed several times in clean water. The yoga mat can be dried by placing it on a large terrycloth towel and rolling them together. Standing on the rolled mat should force out more water. When the towel has absorbed most of the excess water, the yoga mat can be hung up to air dry for at least a day.