Yoga mats play a significant role in a yogi’s life. While it is not necessary, it makes practicing yoga more comfortable and stable. That’s why yogis spend time and money finding and buying the best yoga mat that suits their practice. That is also why yogis need to store their yoga mats properly.
At the end of this article, you will learn how to store yoga mats and take proper care of them.
Why You Need to Store Your Yoga Mats Properly
Yoga mats don’t come cheap. They can cost up to a hundred dollars or more. That alone makes it a good reason to store your mat correctly. You don’t want to end up repurchasing another pricey mat because the one you have is damaged due to your own doing. Yoga mats can practically last a lifetime if you know how to take care of them properly.
Moreover, it’s essential to store your yoga mat correctly so their grip and stability are preserved.
6 Ways to Store Yoga Mats
Storing your yoga mats when you’re not using them prolongs their life. Here are six ways to keep your yoga mats properly.
Hang the Mat Bag
Do you have a mat bag? If you do, roll your yoga mat, put it inside your bag, and hang it somewhere. It’s the most convenient way to store your yoga mat, as you don’t need to do anything or buy a new accessory.
Storage Bin and Basket
A bin or a basket is an excellent storage container. You don’t need to build this yourself, as you can now find pretty storage bins that match your interior. If you don’t want to buy a new storage basket, you can use a laundry basket. This basket below is multifunctional. You can use it to store towels, laundry, or your yoga mats.
Wall-Mounted Yoga Mat Rack
Do you have more than one yoga mat? Do you have limited space in the studio or home gym? If your answer to these questions is yes, a wall-mounted yoga mat rack is the perfect way to store your mats. Since it is mounted on the wall, you don’t need a lot of space for it. In addition, you can adjust the racks based on the number of yoga mats they can hold.
A wall-mounted yoga mat rack is very practical to use because it is also multifunctional as you can hang other things on the racks. I put my resistance bands and yoga belts there, too.
You can also choose to make your own wall-mounted yoga mat rack if you prefer to do it yourself. But you can now quickly get a mounting rack in stores.
Storage Cart
Another way to store your yoga mat is to use a storage cart. It’s an excellent way to keep your yoga mats, foam rollers, and other yoga gears organized. Since it is a cart, you can easily move it around to transport the mats.
Under-the-bed Storage Bag
An under-bed storage bag is not just for extra beddings. You can also use it for your yoga mats. If you practice yoga at home, especially in your bedroom, storing the mats inside an under-the-bed storage bag is very practical. It doesn’t take up much space because it is under the bed, and you can keep mats tidy and organized.
Multifunctional Furniture
If you have furniture at home or in your yoga studio with extra space, take advantage of them and use them for your mat. A good example is your cabinet. Or, if you have a couch with under-the-bed storage, you can also use that. By doing it this way, you save money and space.
How to Take Care of Your Mats
Storing your mats when you are not using them is just one way of taking care of them. Here are the other ways you can take care of your yoga mats so you can prolong their lives.
Keep Them Clean
Bacteria and viruses can live in your yoga mat because it is usually moist after a sweat session. So, it is crucial to clean and disinfect them regularly.
To clean your yoga mat, you can buy a yoga mat cleaner or make one yourself. If you opt to do it yourself, combine an equal amount of water and vinegar. Some yogis like adding a dash of tea tree oil or any essential oil to their DIY mat cleanser. It’s up to you to add tea tree oil.
Another option for a DIY mat cleaner and disinfectant is a combination of hot water and a few drops of liquid dish soap. If you use this, make sure to rinse the mat by spritzing some water and scrubbing that off.
Now spritz your yoga mat with this concoction, enough to make it damp, and scrub it with a clean microfiber cloth. Remember not to scrub too hard as you may damage the mat, or it might lose its grip.
It would help to your mat at least once a week. If you practice Hot Yoga or sweat a lot on your yoga mat, clean your yoga mat more often.
Once you finish cleaning and disinfecting the mat, let it air-dry, roll it up, and then store it whichever way you prefer.
Keep It Dry
If you don’t have time to clean or disinfect your yoga mat after a yoga class, let it lay flat down and air-dry before rolling it up and storing it. Or you can also wipe it down with a microfiber cloth to get it dry a little. Never roll your yoga mat when it’s still very wet from sweat. Bacteria and germs love that.
Wash Hands and Feet Before Practicing
Before you practice yoga and use your mat, wash your hands and feet first. By doing this, you are sure the mat doesn’t get dirty because of you. Also, it washes away the oils from your hands and feet and will give you a better grip on the mat.
Keep it Away from Direct Sunlight
Even if your yoga mat is very wet, don’t dry it under direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the color of your yoga mat and damage the grip. You should do this, especially if your mat is made of natural rubber.
Use a Yoga Towel
A yoga towel is a towel that’s the same size as most yoga mats. You use it on top of a yoga mat to provide more cushion, support, and improve your grip. If you sweat too much or practice Hot Yoga, it’s best to use a yoga towel on top of your mat so the mat doesn’t get soaking wet.
Know When to Replace It
Some mats can last for many years. But if your mat starts cracking or breaking up to pieces, it’s time to get a new one. Cleaning mats that are already damaged will damage them even worse.
Yoga mats are essential to practice with comfort and stability in yoga. That’s why you need to learn to clean and store your yoga mat properly.
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