DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner Using 4 Simple Ingredients

With many exercise studios closed this year, it saddens me how many of my favorite fitness boutiques may not survive this season. However, working (out) from home is still an option. I used to be skeptical of online workout classes, but am slowly warming up to them. As you focus on your New Year’s fitness goals, here are 4 simple DIY yoga mat cleaner recipes to keep your workout gear in tip-top shape.

In an earlier post, I shared about my ‘3 Favorite Uses of The Laundress’ Scented Vinegar‘. Not to steal their thunder (because I still love this product), I can understand if you are not wanting to spend money on something you can DIY at home. Here are a few simple variations you can recreate in a pinch that save money, reduce waste, and offer you greater creativity over the scent. Added perk: you can still use these recipes to clean and deodorize your clothes!

Ingredients:

Water
Deodorizing/Antibacterial Agent: Vinegar, or Witch Hazel
Fragrance: Essential Oils, or Citrus Peel (e.g. Grapefruit, Orange, Lemon) and Herbs (e.g. Rosemary, Thyme)

Note: You don’t need all of these ingredients. Rather, you can mix and match to create the scent (and concentration you desire). I recommend 1 part vinegar or witch hazel to 3 parts water. Some site recommend 1:1 for a stronger effect.

Disclaimer: I share affiliate links in this post, which means that if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no added cost to you.

YOGA MAT CLEANER: RECIPE 1

1 Part Witch Hazel
3 Parts Water
2-3 Drops Essential Oil

I use Thayer’s Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner, since I already happen to use this product at home. It is also featured in Good Housekeeping’s article on yoga mat cleaning HERE.

Now, I don’t use essential oils too often, so if you are an avid user, you may know better brands than I do. Since I am a loyal Ulta fan (they ship so fast!), I bought their brand of essential oils. You can fully customize to achieve the smell you want (e.g. fruity, herbal).

YOGA MAT CLEANER: RECIPE 2

1 Part Vinegar
3 Parts Water
2-3 Drops Essential Oil

This recipe is exactly the same as the first, except you are using vinegar instead of witch hazel.

YOGA MATT CLEANER: RECIPE 3

1 Part Vinegar
3 Parts Water
Citrus Peel (e.g. Grapefruit, Orange, Lemon)
Herbs (e.g. Rosemary, Thyme)

I find this recipe helpful for those who don’t use or have essential oils handy at home. You can make your own scented vinegar at home by steeping citrus peel and herbs in white vinegar for 5 days.

Ingredients: Orange Peel + Rosemary

All of these recipes can be assembled in a pinch! Add everything into a spray bottle, and give it a good shake.

If you are looking for a related post on shopping for non-toxic yoga mats, I wrote an earlier post which you can read HERE. Thanks so much for reading these recipes for a DIY yoga mat cleaner. Leave a comment below if you found any of these helpful, and wishing everyone an awesome New Year!

Vianna