How do you clean your yoga mat?

Cleaning your yoga mat is simple—just spray your disinfectant and wipe it down with a rag. You can also use a paper towel if necessary. Make sure your mat is thoroughly wiped down, without too much leftover disinfectant after you’ve wiped it off (this will help you avoid residue from whatever cleaner you use).

How often should you clean your yoga mat?

You do not have to clean your yoga mat every time you set it up to practice. The frequency of your cleaning will depend on how much you use your mat (and how sweaty it gets). If you’re doing hot yoga every day, clean your mat every 3 days. If you’re doing traditional (not hot!) yoga a few times a week, aim for once a month. A general rule of thumb: if your yoga mat smells, clean it.

The 8 Best Yoga Mat Cleaners of 2023

Even the most seasoned yogi would admit to letting their yoga mats go a little too long without a cleaning. Whether you’re participating in hot yoga or a cooler flow, your yoga mat stores sweat and whatever germs you’ve picked up pre-practice. Making a habit of wiping down your mat after you’ve used it ensures that it's clean and germ-free when you're ready to practice next.

While you could use whatever all-purpose cleaner you have around the house to wipe your mat down, yoga mat cleaners exist for a reason. Your yoga mat touches your skin, interacting with your sweat and whatever sensitivities you’re currently experiencing. In order to avoid an unwanted breakout, a rash, or simply anything that’s normally reserved for a dirty sink, purchase a safe yoga mat cleaner.

When selecting our top picks, we paid special attention to the ingredients list, effectiveness, scent, and size of the bottle—making sure that the cleaning solution is a good value for the size and won't run out within a week.

Based on our research, here are the best yoga mat cleaners on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Jade Yoga Plant Based Yoga Mat Wash at REI

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Best Budget:

Gaiam Yoga Mat Wash at Amazon

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Best Wipes:

Herban Essentials Assorted Bag at Amazon

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Best Spray:

Manduka Botanical Disinfecting Cleaner at Amazon

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Best Two-Pack:

ASUTRA Natural & Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner at Amazon

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Most Versatile:

Wipex Natural Fitness Wipes at Amazon

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Best Cruelty-Free:

Muse Bath Apothecary Yoga Ritual at Amazon

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Best with Essential Oils:

Mind Over Lather Yoga Mat Cleaner at Swimoutlet.com

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Courtesy of Yoga Studio

View On REI View On Swimoutlet.com View On Yogaoutlet.com

Pros

Eco-friendly
Plant based
Contains antioxidants

Cons

Designed for rubber mats (lacks versatility)
Could be larger

The 8-ounce plant-based yoga mat wash from Jade Yoga is specifically designed to clean and protect natural rubber yoga mats. We love that its ingredient list is easy to pronounce and short—two characteristics that make holistically minded individuals cheer, and one of the reasons we chose it as our top pick. White thyme, oregano, and eucalyptus essential oils full of antioxidants round out the impressively small ingredient list, joined only by water, trisodium citrate, vegetable-based surfactant, and citrus oil-based emulsion.

The product not only wipes your mat clean of dirt and germs, but it goes on to serve a cause; with every bottle of mat wash that’s sold, Jade Yoga and Clean the World provide a bar of soap to a person in need. We love a mat cleaner that makes you feel good about your purchase!

Price at time of publication: $13

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: White thyme, oregano, and eucalyptus oils | Size: 8 ounces | Scent: Fresh (natural essential oils)}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dick's

Pros

Non-toxic
Contains essential oils

Cons

Contains methylparaben
Essential oils may make mat slippery

This 4-ounce non-toxic yoga mat cleaner from Gaiam can be used on any yoga mat, no matter how thin or thick it is. We love that Gaiam strives for sustainable, natural ingredients in each of its products, and this yoga mat cleaner is no expectation. It contains tea tree extract and additional essential oils, giving it that “crisp and fresh” scent without a nauseating chemical hangover.

The ingredient list is free of harsh toxins, but the addition of methylparaben provides a moderate irritant, possibly impacting those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. To appropriately use this cleaner, you’ll need access to paper towels or a reusable rag, as you'll need something to wipe the cleaner across the mat after it’s been sprayed.

Price at time of publication: $10

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Tea tree extract and essential oils (non-toxic) | Size: 4 ounces | Scent: No fragrance, does contain light scent of essential oils}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Thesleepcode.com

Pros

Versatile (works on most gym equipment)
Aromatherapy benefits
Easy to store in gym bag

Cons

Not designed specifically for yoga mats
Packaging is not eco-friendly

Whether you’re doing yoga in the park or taking your mat on the go, cleansing wipes can be the definition of convenient. The essentials assorted bag from Herban includes five different scents, each created with a high-quality blend of essential oils (and no unnecessary chemicals!).

We love that, while you could use these towels to wipe your hands, they work for your yoga mat as well, making them truly versatile. The small, individually packaged towelettes are perfect for stashing in your gym bag to use when your mat gets extra sweaty during a flow.

Price at time of publication: $16

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Essential oils and radish root ferment | Size: 20 towelettes | Scent: Variety (lavender, lemon, peppermint, orange, eucalyptus)}

View On Amazon View On Manduka.com

Pros

Plant based
Cleans and disinfects
Fresh citrus scent

Cons

Not good for polyurethane mats

We love that this disinfecting spray comes in three size options—4-, 8-, and 32-ounces—so you can choose the one that's right for your needs, and even buy one to share with your yogi crew. It has a fresh citrus scent, plant-based ingredients, and can be used for cleaning and disinfecting all in one step. For cleaning, it can be sprayed on and wiped off. For disinfecting, it can be sprayed on and left to dry on its own—no rinsing or wiping required.

This cleaner has no harsh chemicals, perfumes, or dyes so it's non-irritating but still effective against bacteria and germs. Users report that there is no sticky residue left behind when using the spray to disinfect, either.

Price at time of publication: $18

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Essential oils | Size: 4-, 8-, and 32-ounce options | Scent: Citrus}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

No slippery residue
Calming lavender scent
Free cleaning towel included

Cons

Can only be used on waterproof surfaces

If you’ve committed to your yoga practice, chances are high that you’re going to need more than one bottle of mat cleaner. We love that Asutra’s two-pack of natural and organic yoga mat cleaner gives you a great deal for your dollar, so you can stock up at an affordable price.

The formula is water-based with essential oil infusions, bringing the aromatherapy of calming lavender to your prop cleaning process. While the 4-ounce spray bottles are smaller than other options, the smaller size also makes the bottles more portable than other options. Plus, the complimentary cleaning rag ensures you have everything you need to conveniently care for your mat.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Essential oils | Size: 4 ounces | Scent: Lavender}

Amazon

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Pros

Large wipes
Versatile (works on most gym equipment)
Non-toxic

Cons

Contains benzyl alcohol
Packaging is not eco-friendly

If you’re looking for a one-and-done wipe for all your quick cleaning needs, we recommend Wipex’s fitness wipes. With active ingredients of lavender oil and vinegar, you’ll avoid toxic fumes on your yoga mat (or other gym equipment like elliptical machines) while ensuring all germs have been cleared away. Those with sensitive skin should proceed with caution, however, as the addition of benzyl alcohol may prove to be an irritant.

The 75-count wipe bottle can easily be shoved into your locker or gym bag, thanks to a spill-proof seal that won’t allow any leaks. Plus, measuring 7 x 7, the wipes are large enough that you'll only need to use one each time you clean your yoga mat.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Lavender oil and vinegar | Size: 75 wipes | Scent: Lavender and vinegar}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Two-pack
Plant based
Versatile (works on most gym equipment)

Cons

May leave oily residue

The two-pack yoga mat cleaner from Muse Bath Apothecary is made with a natural blend of fragrances (like eucalyptus and mint essential oils) that wipes away germs and deodorizes any mat or gym equipment.

Natural ingredients aren’t the only reason we feel good about this cleaner—made in the USA, it's also vegan, plant-based, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny certified. The essential oil component may leave an oily residue if not wiped down or dried out thoroughly, so stash an extra rag in your gym bag to ensure you can properly clean your mat.

Price at time of publication: $17

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Essential oils (eucalyptus and mint) | Size: 8 ounces | Scent: Eucalyptus mint}

Courtesy of Swim Outlet

View On Swimoutlet.com View On Yogaoutlet.com

Pros

All-natural ingredients
Antibacterial
Alcohol-free

Cons

Witch hazel may be an allergen for some

The Mind Over Lather yoga mat cleaner maintains a pure formula designed to disinfect and refresh your mat. With essential eucalyptus and tea tree oils acting as natural antibacterial and antiviral agents, the cleaner not only removes dirt and germs from the mat’s surface, but it also works to maintain a fresh (not sweaty!) scent to prepare you for your next flow.

Aside from the essential oils, the formula is simple: distilled water and witch hazel. Witch hazel is not commonly an irritant, but if you have sensitive skin you may want to check with your dermatologist before coming into contact with witch hazel if you’re not already familiar.

This spray bottle does not come with a cleaning rag, however, so make sure to bring one if you take it on the go.

Price at time of publication: $10

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Essential oils (eucalyptus and tea tree) | Size: 8 ounces | Scent: Eucalyptus and tea tree}

Final Verdict

For individuals looking for a traditional, rubber mat yoga cleaner, we recommend Jade Yoga’s Plant-Based Yoga Mat Wash for its toxic-free ingredient list that also includes antioxidants.

If you want a more versatile option that'll work on mats of any kind but still has an all-natural ingredient list, we recommend Mind Over Lather’s Mat Cleaner.

How We Selected the Best Yoga Mat Cleaners

We selected the best yoga mat cleaners by reviewing products from a dozen of the best yoga equipment brands and retailers, paying special attention to best-selling products, stellar customer reviews, and high-quality ingredient lists.

When selecting our top yoga mat cleaners, we also focused on the size and price of each product—since frequent yogis are likely to go through yoga mat cleaner quickly, we chose products that last without breaking the bank.

What to Look for in a Yoga Mat Cleaner

Key Ingredients

Many cleaners (yoga mat cleaners included) are quick to hide toxins and additives into products. This can make products more plentiful and cheaper, but it can also cause harm to your immune system, skin, and anything else it comes in contact with (like fabrics in your home). If going green is important to you, stick to cleaners that avoid phthalates, PERC, chlorine, and ammonia.

Size

Purchasing a reliable yoga mat cleaner means you need one that will last for a reasonable amount of time. While this doesn’t mean you need a 64-ounce cleaner, it’s worth understanding how a mid-size or larger bottle may be a better bang for your buck. Or maybe you want to prioritize a smaller option that's more portable.

Scent

Whether or not a cleaner is scented will be clearly marked on the label. If you want to trade in the sweat for something sweeter, a lightly scented cleaner is a great option! But beware of toxins (like phthalates) that can often be hidden in fragrances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean your yoga mat?

Cleaning your yoga mat is simple—just spray your disinfectant and wipe it down with a rag. You can also use a paper towel if necessary. Make sure your mat is thoroughly wiped down, without too much leftover disinfectant after you’ve wiped it off (this will help you avoid residue from whatever cleaner you use).
How often should you clean your yoga mat?

You do not have to clean your yoga mat every time you set it up to practice. The frequency of your cleaning will depend on how much you use your mat (and how sweaty it gets). If you’re doing hot yoga every day, clean your mat every 3 days. If you’re doing traditional (not hot!) yoga a few times a week, aim for once a month. A general rule of thumb: if your yoga mat smells, clean it.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a former fitness coach, long-time wellness enthusiast, and current Verywell Fit health editor, Lily Moe understands the importance of equipment that is made to help you reach your fitness goals, whether outside or in the gym. Most importantly, Lily always looks for research and first-hand reviews when it comes to deciding on a product.