You know those dogs that are so fluffy and cute, but you never want to be around them because their hair gets everywhere? Well, your yoga mat is like that. Sure it looks great at first glance and might even smell nice out of the box—but after a while it's going to start building up on itself. That's why we've put together this easy-to-follow guide on how to keep your yoga mat clean, dry and stored when you're not using it so that it can always look brand new!

Cleaning

There are several ways to clean your yoga mat. The first method, which we recommend and use at all of our studios, is using a yoga mat cleaning spray. This will help keep the dirt, sweat and bacteria off your mat so you can enjoy it for longer.

Another way is by spraying the surface with water, wiping off the excess moisture with a damp cloth and letting it air dry before putting it away in storage. You can also wipe down your mat with a paper towel or other cleaning cloth that has been dipped in water to remove any dirt or stains from previous practice sessions. If you do this regularly then washing every couple months may not be necessary!

You may have also heard that you should use soap on your yoga mats but this isn’t recommended as it will deteriorate the rubber compound over time which reduces its longevity if used often enough over many years (just like how washing jeans too many times makes them shrink). Instead of using soap try using warm water and mild detergent if needed instead since these ingredients won't damage the material as fast as harsher chemicals would do so long-term benefits outweigh short term benefits here.

Drying

Dry your yoga mat after each use. If you’re like me and were taught to never leave your mat wet or damp, then this is probably the first thing that comes to mind when I hear “maintain your yoga mat.” But it’s true: if you want a durable, long-lasting yoga mat, you must dry it after every use. A towel works just fine for this task if there isn’t time for more thorough drying methods (below). Try not to leave your mat in direct sunlight; this can cause damage over time.

Store your mats in a cool place with good air circulation—not too hot or exposed directly to sunlight for extended periods of time.

Storage

Yoga mats are best stored rolled up, not folded, to keep them in good shape. Avoid storing your yoga mat in direct sunlight or in the bathroom. Keep it out of damp places and areas with high humidity or dust—all of which can cause the fabric to wear quicker over time.

Cleaning, drying and storing your yoga mat are the three keys to keeping your mats in great shape.

Clean your mat after every use.

Dry it completely before storing.

Store your mat in a cool, dry place.

Conclusion

If you follow these steps, your yoga mat will be like new!