How often should you clean a yoga mat?

Wipe after every use. Deep clean weekly to monthly depending on usage.

What kills bacteria on a yoga mat?

Vinegar, tea tree oil, and dish soap together kill most bacteria. Sunlight also helps.

Spray with vinegar and water solution, wipe down, and dry in sunlight. Add tea tree oil for extra freshness.

Most contain chemicals that degrade yoga mats. Stick to natural cleaners like vinegar and dish soap.

Household

A clean yoga mat makes a bigger difference than you'd think. Here's the most effective method, plus the mistakes most people make.

1
Make a cleaning solution
Mix 1 cup water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil for natural antimicrobial properties.
2
Spray the mat
Spray the entire surface of the yoga mat lightly. Don't oversaturate -- yoga mats absorb water.
3
Wipe with a damp cloth
Wipe the entire mat with a damp cloth. Use circular motions to lift sweat and oils.
4
Rinse with water
Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove cleaner residue. Soap residue can make the mat slippery.
5
Air dry flat
Hang or lay flat to air dry completely before rolling. Damp mats grow mildew.

TIPWipe down your mat after every yoga session to prevent sweat buildup.
TIPSome yoga mats are not suitable for water cleaning -- check manufacturer instructions.
TIPDeep clean mats monthly during regular use to prevent bacterial growth.

XSoaking the mat in water, which damages most yoga mats and causes them to deteriorate.
XPutting yoga mats in the washing machine, which can warp them and ruin the texture.
XStoring while damp, which causes mildew and bad smells.

Most cannot. Check your manufacturer's instructions. Hand cleaning is safer for most mats.