How to Clean Your Yoga Mat at Home: 11 Steps to Wash Your Yoga Mat and Get Rid of Odors

Many people practice yoga daily but forget that their yoga mat is where the most sweat, bacteria, and dirt accumulate after each session. According to studies on personal fitness equipment hygiene, the mat's surface can harbor many times more bacteria if not cleaned regularly. This is also why mats quickly smell bad, become slippery, and deteriorate after a short period of use.

If you've ever experienced a smelly yoga mat, feeling sticky, difficult to grip the floor, or causing discomfort during practice, then improper cleaning might be the silent culprit shortening your mat's lifespan. Not only does it affect your practice experience, but a dirty mat can also easily cause skin irritation and dampen your enthusiasm every time you step onto it.

In this article, you will learn how to clean your yoga mat simply and effectively at home, and how to store it properly to keep it clean, durable, and non-slip. Whether you use a PVC, TPE, or natural rubber mat, just a few minutes of proper cleaning after each session is enough to help your mat "breathe" longer — just as your body needs recovery after exercise.

Part 1: Tips for thoroughly cleaning your yoga mat at home

Step 1: When should you clean your yoga mat?

Clean your yoga mat regularly to prevent bacteria buildup

A yoga mat comes into direct contact with your hands, feet, sweat, and dirt after each session. If not cleaned regularly, the mat can easily develop odors, mold, and accumulate bacteria, affecting your skin and practice experience.

To keep your mat clean and durable, you should:

• Thoroughly wash your yoga mat about once every 1-2 months.
• Wipe your mat after each session to prevent sweat from settling on the surface.
• Store your yoga mat in a dry, airy place to avoid unpleasant odors.

Practice yoga daily requires more frequent mat cleaning

If you practice yoga daily, especially in hot and humid weather, more sweat and dirt will accumulate on your mat than usual. This causes the mat to deteriorate quickly and become slippery during practice.

In this case, you should:

1. Thoroughly clean your yoga mat about once a month.
2. Use a clean towel to wipe your mat dry after practice.
3. Do not roll up your mat while it's still wet to prevent odors.

Proper cleaning not only extends the life of your yoga mat but also creates a more comfortable and safer practice experience.

Observe signs that your yoga mat needs cleaning

Many people only clean their mats when they smell strongly, but in reality, dirty mats often show clear signs early on. You should check regularly to prevent bacteria from accumulating for too long.

Some easily recognizable signs include:

• The mat surface is sticky or slippery.
• Presence of dirt, black dust, or old sweat stains.
• The mat smells bad even if newly used.
• Feeling difficulty gripping or easily slipping during practice.

The more dirt you see on the surface, the sooner you should clean your yoga mat to avoid affecting the quality of your practice session.

Replace your yoga mat when it shows signs of peeling

Even with proper cleaning, yoga mats have a limited lifespan. When your mat starts to peel or the surface deteriorates, continuing to use it can be unhygienic and reduce safety during practice.

You should consider replacing your mat if:

• The mat is cracked, torn, or peeling in patches.
• Debris sticks to your clothes during practice.
• The surface has lost its elasticity and anti-slip properties.
• The mat has a persistent unpleasant odor despite thorough cleaning.

A clean yoga mat with good grip will help make your practice more stable, just like good shoes help you walk more steadily on a long journey.

Step 2: How to soak and clean a yoga mat

Soak your yoga mat in warm water and mild soap

To effectively clean your yoga mat without damaging its surface, you should start by soaking it in warm water with a mild detergent. This helps loosen dirt, skin oils, sweat, and persistent odors from the mat.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Fill a basin or large tub with warm water.
2. Add mild dish soap or low-chemical laundry detergent.
3. Soak the yoga mat for a few minutes to soften the dirt.
4. Gently wipe the mat's surface with a soft cloth or your hands.

This is a popular method for cleaning yoga mats at home because it's simple and helps maintain the mat's durability longer.

Prioritize mild detergents to protect the mat's surface

Not all soaps are suitable for cleaning yoga mats. Products with harsh chemicals or strong fragrances can easily dry out, peel, or reduce the mat's grip over time.

You should prioritize:

• Mild dish soap.
• Hypoallergenic laundry detergent for sensitive skin.
• Specialized yoga mat cleaner if available.

Choosing the right cleaning product is like skincare: the gentler, the longer it lasts.

Do not use too much soap when cleaning your yoga mat

Many people think that more soap means a cleaner mat, but in reality, this can make the mat's surface slippery and difficult to rinse completely.

A suitable ratio is usually:

• 1 tablespoon of laundry or dish soap.
• Mixed with approximately 3.8 liters of warm water.

Using just enough soap will clean your yoga mat while maintaining the necessary friction for practice.

Limit the use of vinegar to clean your yoga mat

Some yoga mat cleaning tips online suggest using vinegar, but this method is not always suitable. Vinegar can leave a strong, lingering smell on the mat, causing discomfort during practice.

Furthermore, for certain materials like natural rubber or TPE, vinegar can potentially reduce the quality and lifespan of the mat over time.

If you want to deodorize your yoga mat more safely, you should:

• Air dry the mat in a well-ventilated area.
• Wipe off sweat after each practice.
• Clean regularly with a mild solution instead of harsh detergents.

Step 3: How to properly scrub a yoga mat

Use a soft cloth to clean both sides of the yoga mat

After soaking for a few minutes, the dirt and sweat on the mat's surface will have softened. At this point, you should use a soft cloth to wipe the entire mat clean. This is an important step to ensure deep cleaning while preserving the mat's durability and grip.

How to do it:

1. Dampen a soft cloth or clean fabric with soapy water.
2. Thoroughly wipe both sides of the yoga mat.
3. Use gentle motions to avoid scratching or peeling the mat's surface.
4. Focus on thoroughly cleaning the areas where hands and feet are placed during practice.

Proper wiping will help remove skin oils, dirt, and odors accumulated after many yoga sessions.

Prioritize cleaning the most frequently touched areas

During use, areas that frequently come into contact with hands and feet will get dirty faster than other areas. You can easily recognize these areas because their color is usually darker or shows slight oiliness.

Areas to pay attention to include:

• Where hands are placed during planks or push-ups.
• Areas that come into contact with the feet.
• The middle part of the mat often absorbs a lot of sweat.

Thoroughly cleaning these areas helps keep the yoga mat more hygienic and reduces slipperiness during practice.

Do not scrub too hard to avoid damaging the mat

Many people tend to use stiff brushes or scrub vigorously to clean faster. However, this can easily cause the yoga mat to peel, lose elasticity, and significantly reduce its lifespan.

To better preserve your yoga mat:

• Only wipe gently with a soft cloth.
• Do not use steel wool or stiff brushes.
• Avoid pulling hard, which can tear the mat's surface.

A yoga mat is like a supportive cushion for your body in every movement; the better you care for it, the longer it will accompany you.

No need for too much soap lather when cleaning

When wiping the mat, it's perfectly normal if you don't see much soap lather. The main goal is to clean dirt and sweat, not to create a lot of suds.

Using too much detergent can:

• Make the yoga mat slippery after drying.
• Leave soap residue on the surface.
• Reduce grip when performing yoga poses.

Therefore, prioritize cleaning your yoga mat with just enough solution to keep it clean yet safe to use.

Step 4: How to rinse a yoga mat after cleaning

Rinse the yoga mat with clean water to remove soap residue

After scrubbing, the next step is to rinse the yoga mat thoroughly with clean water. This step is often overlooked, but it directly affects the mat's grip and feel during practice.

The simple way to do it:

1. Drain the dirty water from the basin or tub.
2. Rinse both sides of the mat thoroughly with clean water.
3. Gently wipe with your hand or a soft cloth while rinsing to remove any remaining soap residue.

Thorough cleaning helps prevent the yoga mat from feeling sticky or slippery after drying.

Rinse until the water is completely clear

One easy tip to know if your mat is clean is to observe the color of the water when rinsing. If the water is still cloudy or slightly foamy, it means there is still dirt or soap residue on the surface.

You should:

• Continue rinsing until the water is clear.
• Carefully check areas that frequently come into contact with hands and feet.
• Don't overlook the corners or edges of the mat, as these areas tend to accumulate soap.

This step helps prevent the yoga mat from becoming slippery when performing poses that require high grip.

If the mat is still sticky, wipe it again

If the water takes a long time to clear or the mat surface still feels slightly sticky, you should clean it again with a soft cloth instead of using more soap.

Effective handling:

• Wipe the entire mat again with a clean cloth.
• Rinse with clean water one more time.
• Do not use harsh detergents to avoid damaging the mat material.

A properly cleaned mat will feel firm and comfortable during practice, just like a stable floor makes every movement more confident.

Step 5: How to properly dry a yoga mat

Remove excess water from the yoga mat surface

After rinsing, yoga mats often retain a significant amount of water within their surface and layers. If not dried properly, the mat can easily develop odors, mildew, or deteriorate quickly.

First, you should:

1. Pick up the mat and gently shake it to remove excess water from the surface.
2. Lay the mat flat on a clean, dry towel.
3. Avoid folding or wringing the mat immediately after washing.

This step helps reduce the amount of standing water before proceeding with deeper drying.

Use a dry towel to roll with the mat to absorb moisture

One of the most effective ways to dry a Yoga mat is to use a large towel to absorb excess water from inside the mat. This method is both simple and helps the mat dry faster without affecting the material.

How to do it:

• Lay a dry towel on a flat surface.
• Place the Yoga mat on top of the towel.
• Roll the towel and mat together lengthwise.
• Press gently for the towel to absorb moisture from the mat.

This method is especially suitable for thick Yoga mats or mats with high absorbency.

Do not wring the Yoga mat vigorously

Many people have a habit of twisting or wringing their mats like clothes to dry them faster. However, this can cause the mat to deform and significantly reduce its lifespan.

You should avoid:

• Twisting the Yoga mat.
• Folding it too tightly.
• Stretching the mat surface forcefully.

Vigorous wringing can easily cause the mat to wrinkle, tear, or lose its flatness during practice. A warped mat is like a foundation out of alignment; the longer it's used, the less stable the practice experience becomes.

You can use foot pressure for more effective water extraction

After rolling the towel with the mat, you can gently step on the rolled mat to increase the towel's water absorption capacity.

Notes when doing this:

• Use only moderate force.
• Do not bounce or press down for too long.
• Perform on a clean and dry flat surface.

This method helps the Yoga mat dry faster while maintaining its elasticity and original shape.

Step 6: How to properly dry a Yoga mat

Hang the Yoga mat until completely dry

After removing excess water, you should unroll the mat and dry it immediately. This is an important step to prevent odors, mold, and keep the Yoga mat clean after washing.

How to dry the mat correctly:

1. Completely unroll the Yoga mat after rolling it with a towel.
2. Hang the mat in a well-ventilated, clean place.
3. Let the mat air dry naturally until it is no longer damp.

Do not roll or store the mat when it is still wet, as the internal moisture can easily cause unpleasant odors.

You can use hangers or drying racks to dry your Yoga mat

You can utilize existing household items to dry your Yoga mat more conveniently. However, choose an appropriate hanging method to avoid leaving marks or deforming the mat's surface.

Some effective drying methods:

• Use a drying rack to lay the mat flat.
• Hang the mat over a horizontal bar or clean chair.
• Use clothes pegs if you don't have a drying rack.

Among these, a drying rack is a better choice as it allows air to circulate evenly on both sides of the Yoga mat.

Notes when using clothes pegs for Yoga mats

Clothes pegs can be convenient but sometimes leave marks on the mat's surface, especially with soft mats or natural rubber materials.

To minimize this:

• Do not clip too tightly.
• Clip at the outer edges of the mat.
• Change clipping positions if drying for a long time.

These small details help the Yoga mat maintain its flat shape and elasticity longer over time.

Do not put your Yoga mat in a clothes dryer

Many people want to dry their mats quickly and put them in a dryer, but this is a mistake that can damage the mat's structure.

High heat dryers can:

• Cause the Yoga mat to warp or shrink.
• Cause the surface to peel.
• Reduce grip and elasticity.
• Increase the risk of material damage.

Yoga mats need to be air-dried naturally to maintain their durability and stable feel during practice.

Only use when the mat is completely dry

Before reusing, thoroughly check if the mat is still damp. A surface that appears dry may still retain water inside, especially with thick mats.

Simple check methods:

• Gently squeeze the thicker areas of the mat with your hands.
• Touch both sides to feel for moisture.
• If it still feels cool or damp to the touch, continue drying.

A completely dry Yoga mat will make practice more comfortable, and also reduce the return of bacteria and odors after cleaning.

Part 2: How to wipe a Yoga mat to prevent mold and keep it durable

Step 1: The importance of regularly cleaning your Yoga mat

Regular Yoga mat cleaning helps extend its lifespan

During practice, Yoga mats are constantly exposed to sweat, skin oils, and environmental dust. If not cleaned regularly, these factors will quickly degrade the mat's surface, reduce grip, and easily cause unpleasant odors.

Proper maintenance and cleaning helps to:

• Keep the Yoga mat cleaner and more durable.
• Prevent peeling or cracking of the surface.
• Maintain friction during practice.
• Reduce the risk of bacteria accumulating on the mat.

A regularly cared-for mat will retain its soft and firm feel longer, just like a healthy body thanks to daily care.

Sweat and dirt can degrade the quality of your Yoga mat

Many people only pay attention to cleaning their mats when they smell bad, but in reality, dirt and body oils have been subtly affecting the mat's quality much earlier.

When accumulated over time, Yoga mats can:

• Become slippery during practice.
• Develop a greasy film on the surface.
• Easily absorb odors even when newly used.
• Age quickly and lose elasticity.

This is also why many people feel that their Yoga practice is no longer as comfortable as it once was, even if the mat hasn't been used for too long.

Cleaning your Yoga mat after each session is an essential habit

Just a few minutes of cleaning after practice can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and sweat on the mat. This is a simple but very effective way to avoid having to wash your Yoga mat too frequently.

You should maintain the following habits:

1. Wipe the Yoga mat with a clean towel after each session.
2. Let the mat dry completely before rolling it up.
3. Store the mat in a cool, well-ventilated place.
4. Clean thoroughly periodically to eliminate bacteria and odors.

These small steps keep the mat clean and ready for each subsequent practice session.

Frequent Yoga practitioners especially need to maintain their mats correctly

If you practice Yoga daily or multiple times a week, the amount of sweat and pressure on the mat will be greater than normal. In this case, cleaning your Yoga mat is no longer an option but an essential habit to protect your health and practice experience.

To keep your mat clean and durable:

• Wipe the mat immediately after practice.
• Do not leave the mat damp for too long.
• Wash the mat periodically depending on frequency of use.
• Regularly check grip and surface condition.

A clean mat not only helps your body feel more comfortable during practice, but also creates a pleasant feeling every time you unroll it—like starting a new day on a clean and stable surface.

Step 2: Clean hands and feet before practicing Yoga

Wash hands and feet thoroughly before using a Yoga mat

Hands and feet are the areas that come into direct contact with the Yoga mat most during a practice session. If the skin still has dirt, oil, or sweat, the mat's surface will get dirty quickly, easily absorb odors, and lose its grip after only a short period of use.

Cleaning your hands and feet before practice helps to:

• Keep the Yoga mat clean longer.
• Prevent bacteria from adhering to the mat's surface.
• Reduce the risk of slipping when performing poses.
• Help preserve the Yoga mat's durability over time.

This is a small habit but brings great benefits to both the practice experience and the mat's lifespan.

Lotions and oils on the skin can damage Yoga mats

Many people often don't realize that lotions, creams, or oils from the body directly affect the material of a Yoga mat. These oil layers easily penetrate the mat's surface, causing the mat to degrade quickly and become slippery during practice.

To minimize this, you should:

1. Wash your hands and feet before practice.
2. Limit using too much lotion before practicing Yoga.
3. Dry your skin if you sweat a lot.

A clean and dry mat surface will help Yoga poses be more stable, especially for movements that require high hand grip.

You can use gentle wet wipes when washing hands and feet isn't convenient

In cases where you cannot wash your hands and feet before practice, you can quickly clean them with gentle wet wipes. This is a convenient solution for those who often practice Yoga at the gym, office, or while traveling.

When choosing wet wipes, prioritize:

• Types that do not contain strong alcohol.
• Wipes for sensitive skin or babies.
• Unscented products to avoid leaving fragrance on the Yoga mat.

Just wiping your palms and soles before practice can significantly reduce dirt and oil accumulation on the mat.

Keeping your Yoga mat clean starts with small habits

Many people focus on how to clean a Yoga mat but forget that keeping your body clean before practice is the most effective preservation step. By limiting dirt from the start, you won't need to wash your mat too often while still maintaining the necessary cleanliness and durability.

A clean Yoga mat is like a private space for your body and mind. The better you maintain it, starting from the smallest things, the more pleasant and complete your practice experience will become.

Step 3: Wipe your Yoga mat after each practice

Develop the habit of wiping your Yoga mat immediately after use

After each practice session, the Yoga mat's surface often has sweat, skin oils, and dirt that are hard to see with the naked eye. If left uncleaned for too long, the mat can easily develop odors and quickly lose its grip.

A simple but effective habit is:

1. Clean the mat immediately after practice.
2. Wait for the mat to dry completely before rolling it up.
3. Store the mat in a dry, well-ventilated place.

This method of cleaning your Yoga mat helps keep it clean without needing to wash it too frequently.

You can use wet wipes or a soft cloth to clean your Yoga mat

You don't need to do an elaborate cleaning after each practice. Simply wiping the mat's surface with a suitable product is enough to remove most sweat and dirt.

Some popular options include:

• Gentle baby wet wipes.
• Specialized Yoga mat wipes.
• A soft cloth dampened with mild soapy water.

These methods are both convenient and help preserve your yoga mat better in the long run.

Specialized yoga mat cleaning solutions for more effective cleaning

Currently, there are many types of yoga mat wipes and cleaning solutions specifically designed to clean without affecting the mat's material.

These products often offer the following advantages:

• Quickly clean sweat and body oils.
• Reduce unpleasant odors on the yoga mat.
• Leave no slippery residue after wiping.
• Suitable for various materials such as TPE, PVC, or natural rubber.

You can find them at sports stores or specialized yoga shops.

Always let the mat dry before rolling it up

After cleaning, many people habitually roll up their mat immediately to save time. However, residual moisture can cause the mat to develop odors and harbor bacteria.

To properly maintain your yoga mat:

• Let the mat air dry for a few minutes.
• Do not roll it up when the surface is still damp.
• Avoid storing the mat in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area.

A clean and dry mat not only makes practice more comfortable but also maintains a firm feel in every movement, like a solid ground helping the body confidently hold balance.

Step 4: Use a towel over your yoga mat during practice

Place a towel on your yoga mat to absorb sweat better

If you tend to sweat a lot, practice in a hot room, or find your mat slippery during practice, placing a towel over your yoga mat is a very effective solution. This towel layer helps absorb moisture from the surface, thereby increasing grip and creating a firmer feel for your hands and feet when performing poses.

This method is especially suitable for:

• High-intensity yoga practitioners.
• Hot Yoga classes or hot studios.
• People with sweaty palms and feet.

A suitable towel can make the practice experience more stable, like adding a layer of friction to help the body balance better in every movement.

A towel helps prevent the yoga mat from smelling and getting dirty

Sweat soaking directly into the yoga mat for a long time can easily cause odors and reduce the mat's lifespan. By using a towel during practice, the amount of sweat on the mat will be significantly reduced, making yoga mat cleaning simpler.

Obvious benefits:

• Reduces dirt and body oils on the mat.
• Limits bacteria buildup.
• Keeps the mat cleaner for longer.
• Reduces the frequency of washing the yoga mat.

This is a small but very useful tip for those who practice yoga regularly every week.

Regular bath towels can be slippery

Many people use bath towels over their yoga mats, but these towels often shift easily during practice. When performing balance or hand-supported poses, the towel can wrinkle or slide out of its original position.

This can easily:

• Lead to instability during practice.
• Cause discomfort during movement.
• Increase the risk of slipping or losing balance.

Therefore, if you practice regularly, you should choose a more suitable towel instead of using a regular one.

Specialized yoga towels enhance grip effectively

Specialized yoga towels are designed to grip the mat surface firmly and absorb sweat better. Many types also have an anti-slip layer to keep the towel in place throughout the practice session.

Advantages of yoga towels:

1. Quick sweat absorption.
2. Reduces slipping during practice.
3. Easy to clean and quick-drying.
4. Helps preserve the yoga mat better.

You can find yoga towels at sports equipment stores or online yoga specialty shops.

Step 5: How to keep your yoga mat dry and airy

Air out your yoga mat regularly

Many people habitually roll up their yoga mat immediately after practice or cleaning. However, moisture and sweat can still cling to the mat's surface, which over time can cause odors and create an environment for bacteria to grow.

To keep your yoga mat cleaner and more durable, you should:

1. Unroll the mat to air it out regularly.
2. Do not keep the mat rolled up for many consecutive days.
3. Let the mat "breathe" naturally after each practice session.

This simple action helps reduce unpleasant odors and significantly extends the mat's lifespan.

Air both sides of the yoga mat

Even if you only use one side for practice, moisture can still accumulate on both sides of the yoga mat. Therefore, drying both sides evenly is crucial to prevent dampness and mildew.

You can:

• Hang the mat with hooks.
• Lay it flat on a drying rack.
• Lay the mat out in a well-ventilated area.

Ensure that air can reach both sides evenly for the mat to dry completely after use.

Avoid storing your yoga mat in its bag for too long

Yoga mat bags are convenient for transportation, but if you store your mat in the bag for too long after practice, moisture can get trapped inside and easily create unpleasant odors.

To properly maintain your yoga mat:

• Only use the bag when you need to transport it for practice.
• Take the mat out immediately when you get home.
• Let the mat dry completely before putting it away again.

A mat that is "locked away" while still damp is like clothes that aren't quite dry being put into a closet; the longer it's left, the more likely it is to develop an unpleasant smell.

Store your yoga mat in a dry place and avoid direct sunlight

The storage environment greatly affects the durability of your yoga mat. High temperatures or direct sunlight can cause the mat's surface to age quickly, peel, and lose elasticity.

A suitable storage place should be:

• Dry and well-ventilated.
• Away from direct sunlight.
• Not too hot or too humid.

In addition to making your yoga mat more durable, a dry and airy environment also limits the growth of bacteria and mold caused by prolonged moisture accumulation.

Important notes when cleaning and maintaining your Yoga mat

Check manufacturer's instructions before cleaning

Each type of yoga mat has different materials and compositions, such as PVC, TPE, natural rubber, or cork. Therefore, before applying any yoga mat cleaning method, you should carefully read the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the mat's surface.

Some notes to check:

• Whether the mat can be soaked in water.
• What soaps or cleaning solutions can be used.
• Suitable drying time.
• Which cleaning agents to avoid.

Understanding the correct mat material is like caring for each skin type; the more suitable, the longer the mat will last.

Prioritize using a personal yoga mat when going to the studio

Many yoga studios use shared mats for students. However, if the mats are not cleaned regularly, bacteria and skin issues can spread through direct contact.

To ensure better hygiene and safety, you should:

1. Bring your personal yoga mat when going to practice.
2. Ask the studio about their mat cleaning procedures if you have to use a shared mat.
3. Wipe the mat clean before and after use.

This is a simple way to reduce the risk of exposure to bacteria, fungi, or skin diseases.

Replace your yoga mat when it shows signs of deterioration

Even with proper cleaning, yoga mats have a limited lifespan. When the surface starts to get damaged, continuing to use it not only causes discomfort but also affects safety during practice.

You should consider replacing your mat if:

• The mat is permanently stained despite being cleaned.
• Small cracks appear on the surface.
• The mat is peeling or losing its grip.
• It has a persistent unpleasant odor.

An old mat with many cracks is like a dilapidated floor; the longer it's used, the more it reduces the sense of stability in every movement.

Roll up your yoga mat when not in use

Yoga mats can easily collect dust if left out for a long time. Rolling it up neatly after it has completely dried will help keep the surface cleaner and reduce dust from the environment.

To better maintain your yoga mat:

• Only roll up the mat when it is completely dry.
• Store it in a clean and dry place.
• Avoid placing it directly on dusty floors or in damp areas.

Keeping your mat clean every day not only extends its lifespan but also creates a comfortable feeling every time you start a new yoga session.

References

1. American Council on Exercise (ACE). (2021). Yoga Practice Safety and Equipment Maintenance. ACE Fitness Journal.
2. Harvard Medical School. (2020). Yoga for Better Health and Flexibility. Harvard Health Publishing.
3. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022). Healthy Lifestyle: Fitness Equipment Hygiene and Care. Mayo Clinic Health System.
4. Yoga Alliance. (2021). Best Practices for Yoga Mat Care and Studio Hygiene. Yoga Alliance Professional Resources.
5. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (2023). Yoga: What You Need To Know. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
6. Verywell Fit Editorial Team. (2022). How to Clean a Yoga Mat Properly and Safely. Verywell Fit Health Library.
7. Healthline Editorial Team. (2021). The Right Way to Clean and Maintain Your Yoga Mat. Healthline Wellness Resources.
8. Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Germ Prevention and Hygiene Tips for Shared Fitness Equipment. Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.
9. International Journal of Yoga. (2018). Hygiene, Maintenance, and Long-Term Usage of Yoga Accessories in Modern Practice. Medknow Publications.
10. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. (2019). Surface Cleanliness and Bacterial Exposure in Shared Exercise Environments. Human Kinetics Journals.
    

Content edited by: Leigh Kennedy Ly.

Information consulted and verified by expert: Olivia Hayes.