How To Clean Yoga Mat Lululemon
Short answer
Lululemon mats can be cleaned by hosing them down, lightly scrubbing with a soft cloth, and allowing them to air dry. It is also recommended to wipe the mat after each practice session using a suitable cleaning solution.
Even though I absolutely love my Lululemon yoga mat, the mere thought of a mat riddled with bacteria after a few sweaty Bikram sessions gives me the creeps! Although, I have learned through much trial and error that properly cleaning it can be challenging.
Lululemon mats are crafted from antimicrobial materials, and you only need to hose it down, scrub lightly, and let it air dry. The most effective way to keep a Lululemon yoga mat clean is to wipe it after each practice session using a soft cloth soaked in a suitable cleaning solution.
Cleaning your yoga mat can significantly extend its lifespan, as removing ingrained sweat and dirt will maintain its grippy material. So, if you want to focus on enjoying your morning yoga flow instead of worrying about nasty germs – read on!
Why Your Lululemon Yoga Mat Should Be Cleaned Regularly
Although your yoga mat might look pristine, the truth is that bacteria, fungi, and germs thrive in sweaty environments.
Even if you only practice yoga at home. And there’s a lower chance of being exposed to staph infections, ‘athletes’ foot, ringworm, and plantar warts common in shared yoga studios. Your mat needs to be cleaned regularly.
Cleaning your mat removes dirt, impurities, and germs from your mat’s surface. However, it does not kill germs. So, if you want to clean your mat thoroughly, consider disinfecting it as well as per the
The Best Way To Clean Lululemon Yoga Mats
There’s no doubt that Lululemon mats are fabulous! Although cleaning them is not always easy, and to make matters worse, there’s a lot of conflicting information about the best ways to sanitize them.
Lululemon yoga mats are manufactured with antimicrobial materials to prevent mold and mildew. Therefore, the manufacturers advise using only water to sanitize your mat.
While that might sound like a quick and easy way to sanitize a yoga mat, wiping it with a wet cloth after a vigorous yoga session will not remove all your sweat stains.
Even though some yogis recommend that you use a DIY sanitizing mix of water and vinegar, including antifungal additions like Tee-Tree oil, it’s a surefire way to remove your Lululemon mat’s outstanding gripping texture.
For the best cleaning results, use a bespoke mat cleaner and a towel after every use. For a deep clean, hose your mat off outside or in your shower. And use a soft cloth to spot clean any discolored areas. Then pat it down thoroughly and let it air-dry inside.
The last part is essential whenever you wash or sanitize your mat with a mat cleaner, as bacteria thrive in wet and warm conditions.
Most importantly, please don’t leave it out in the sun. Intense sunlight can destroy bacteria; however, direct sunlight will harm your mat, resulting in a brittle, crumbling surface and shortening its lifespan. Been there, done that!
Cleaning Options For Other Yoga Mat Brands
Before we delve into how to clean other yoga mat brands, it’s essential to point out that they are all manufactured with different materials. Therefore, it is always wise to adhere to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Some may be more porous than others, like thick yoga mats with open-cell materials that soak up a lot of liquid which is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Other thinner variations (like Lululemon mats) are manufactured with closed-cell materials. Therefore, they tend to be water-resistant.
Routine Yoga Mat Cleaning
It is always prudent to clean your yoga mat after each practice session with a cleaning solution and a towel.
You should only spray the cleaner on a towel, wipe the front and back of your yoga mat in a circular direction, and ensure that it is fully dry before you roll it up.
You can either use a yoga mat store-bought cleaner that is recommended by the manufacturer for a thin or thick yoga mat or use your yoga studio’s mat spray bottle solution, which usually works incredibly well.
Another alternative is to create a DIY cleaning solution comprised of water, vinegar, and essential oils. However, some mat care instructions advise against using homemade cleaners, as they can damage the mat’s surface.
Most importantly, avoid using all-purpose cleaners that contain alcohol and bleach. This includes sanitizers, as they may irritate your skin which can also irreversibly damage your yoga mat.
Monthly Deep Cleaning Sessions
Even if you regularly clean your yoga mat, it reaches a point where the ingrained grime and dirt turn into discolored spots and needs to be dealt with, especially if you love Bikram yoga as much as I do!
Although open and closed-cell yoga mats should be cleaned differently, so here are suitable deep-cleaning methods to consider:
Deep Cleaning Thick Open-Cell Yoga Mats
Fill a bathtub or a large sink with lukewarm water (piping hot water should be avoided) and only 1 tablespoon of dish soap per gallon of water.
Just be careful not to use too much soap, as it can accumulate with time and create a slippery film. And avoid going overboard when you scrub your mat, as it can erode its grippy material, which is essential for safety.
Then submerge your mat in the soapy water and let it soak for a little while (5-10 minutes). Next, use a soft cloth to lightly scrub the mat’s front and back ends.
Rinse it thoroughly and ensure that all the soap residue has been removed. Then shake it out, use a towel to pat it down, and let it air-dry properly.
How To Deep Clean Thin Closed-Cell Yoga Mats
Like with Lulumats, cleaning your mat in a shower or outside is far more manageable. To start, mix a few drops of dish soap and lukewarm water in a bowl, but use the soap sparingly and only if your mat’s care instructions recommend it.
Once you are ready, roll your mat out, dip your soft cloth in the soapy solution, and use circular motions to clean the front and back of the mat while focusing on severely dirty spots.
Then wipe the mat with a cloth dipped in clean water, wipe off all the remaining soaping residue, or use a garden hose if it is more convenient. After this, let it air dry for 30 minutes to an hour.
Clean Your Yoga Mat In A Washing Machine
It can be tempting to pop your yoga mat in the washing machine for a quick clean. However, it can severely damage it.
So, please check your mat’s care instructions to see if you may use a front-loading washing machine to sanitize your mat.
The Best Way To Store Your Cleaned Yoga Mat
An essential aspect of prolonging your yoga mat’s longevity is to ensure that it is bone dry before your roll it up.
So, the easiest way to do that is to hang it over a chair or your porch railing (if it is not exposed to direct sunlight).
Importantly, don’t be tempted to pop it into the dryer if you are short on time, as the heat will erode and damage it significantly.
Once your yoga mat is completely dry, roll it up and store it in a well-ventilated area. And roll it out every now and then to allow for air circulation.
All these best practices will ensure that your yoga mat stays in prime condition. Although, when it starts disintegrating (like mine), it’s time to upgrade.
Conclusion
The best way to clean your Lululemon yoga mat is to use a suitable mat cleaner after every practice session. Then, clean it thoroughly by hosing it down and ensuring it is thoroughly air-dried to keep it sanitary. So, all you should focus on is your savasana, not nasty germs!
