Your yoga mat sees a lot—sweat, skin oils, dirt, and the occasional spilled water bottle. Over time, all of that builds up, and a quick wipe won’t cut it. Regular cleaning keeps your mat in good shape and your practice space feeling clean and comfortable.
At Dr. Bronner’s, we believe that cleaning products should be effective at their job and as gentle on the planet as they are on your skin. Whether you prefer our Pure-Castile Magic Soap or Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner, we’ve got an easy, natural way to keep your yoga mat clean.
Why Use Dr. Bronner’s?
Conventional cleaners often rely on artificial fragrances and detergents that can irritate skin, break down mat materials, or leave behind chemical residue. And what washes down your drain can impact waterways and ecosystems.
Our products are made with biodegradable ingredients that are tough on grime but safe for people and the planet. No synthetic detergents. No artificial fragrances. Just effective, eco-friendly cleaning.
Quick Comparison Guide
Not sure which product to use or how often to clean your mat? Here’s a simple breakdown:
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Mat Material |
Recipe |
Steps |
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Natural Tree Rubber |
No essential oils |
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PVC or TPE |
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Cotton/Hemp Mysore rug |
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Let’s walk through each method.
Light Cleaning with Castile Soap
For regular use, a simple spray with Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Magic Soap is enough to freshen up your mat. This is great for removing surface sweat and dirt between deeper cleanings.
You’ll Need:
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 tsp Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Magic Soap (any scent)
- Spray bottle
- Soft cloth or sponge
Steps:
- Mix the ingredients in the spray bottle.
- Lightly spray the mat—no need to soak it.
- Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Let air dry before rolling it up.
This method works well for most mat materials including PVC, TPE, rubber, and cork. If your mat is made of an open-cell foam (meaning it absorbs water), avoid soaking it.
Moderate Cleaning for Specific Mat Materials
When your mat needs a deeper clean than a quick wipe-down, use Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap as the primary cleaner. Sal Suds can be used for extra cleaning power if needed, but Castile Soap remains the best go-to for regular cleaning.
Natural Tree Rubber Mats
Natural rubber mats are eco-friendly and durable but need careful cleaning to maintain their integrity. Castile Soap is gentle enough for rubber, while Sal Suds can be used for heavy-duty grime removal if necessary.
Recipe (with Castile Soap):
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Recipe (with Sal Suds):
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1 tsp Sal Suds
Steps:
- Combine water, vinegar, and Castile Soap in a spray bottle (use Sal Suds if a stronger cleaner is needed).
- Spray both sides of the mat fully.
- Rub the mat in circular motions with a clean rag to remove dirt and oils.
- Let the mat air dry indoors, away from direct sunlight, which can cause rubber to break down over time.
- The vinegar smell will fade as the mat dries.
PVC or TPE Mats
PVC and TPE mats are durable and moisture-resistant, making them suitable for a stronger cleaning. Castile Soap works well to break down oils and grime, but Sal Suds can be used for deeper cleaning if needed.
Recipe (with Castile Soap):
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
- 4 tbsp sea salt
Recipe (with Sal Suds):
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp Sal Suds
- 4 tbsp sea salt
Steps:
- Mix the water and Castile Soap (or Sal Suds) in a spray bottle.
- Spray the used side of the mat generously.
- Sprinkle sea salt on the mat and scrub in a circular motion with a clean rag to lift oils and dirt.
- Rinse the mat thoroughly with clean water.
- Repeat on the other side if needed.
- Hang to dry indoors or outdoors, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent degradation of the material.
- Deep Cleaning for Specific Mat Materials
For mats that require a deep clean after heavy use, Castile Soap is the best option for a thorough yet gentle clean. Sal Suds can be used for extra scrubbing power, but Castile Soap should remain your primary cleaner.
Cotton/Hemp Mysore Rugs
These natural-fiber mats can handle a bit more moisture and benefit from a deeper clean. Castile Soap is perfect for gentle yet thorough cleaning, while Sal Suds can be used for extra dirt removal.
Recipe (with Castile Soap):
- ⅓ to ½ cup Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
- ½ cup vinegar (for cleaning)
Recipe (with Sal Suds):
- 1 tbsp Sal Suds
- ½ cup vinegar
Steps:
- For hand cleaning: Mix Castile Soap (or Sal Suds) and vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution onto the mat and scrub gently in a circular motion with a rag to lift dirt and oils.
- For machine washing: Add ⅓ to ½ cup of Castile Soap (or 1tbsp of Sal Suds) to the wash cycle, followed by ½ cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle.
- Hang or lay flat to air dry, away from direct sunlight, to preserve the fibers.
By using Castile Soap as the primary cleaner for your yoga mat, you ensure a natural, biodegradable clean that’s gentle on both the mat and the environment. Sal Suds is a great alternative for tougher cleaning jobs. Regular cleaning with these gentle yet effective solutions will keep your mat in great condition and your practice space fresh.
A Note on Essential Oils
Many of our Castile Soap scents already include essential oils, but you can add a few drops of your own to a cleaning spray if you’d like. Just be cautious—some oils can irritate skin or leave a residue if overused. Less is more.
Clean Mat, Clear Mind
Cleaning your mat regularly helps maintain its condition, supports your health, and keeps your practice space feeling good. Whether you’re wiping down after class or deep cleaning once a month, Dr. Bronner’s soaps and Sal Suds make it simple to get the job done.
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