ヨガマットのお手入れ方法

How to Clean a Yoga Mat

In the tradition of yoga, "saucha" is a teaching that values cleanliness and purity in all aspects of daily life.
It focuses not only on external cleanliness but also on internal tidiness, leading to a healthy state by purifying the body, mind, and surrounding environment.

This philosophy also applies to yoga mats.
Carefully maintaining your Manduka yoga mat nurtures your practice and brings clear focus to each moment.

How to care for PRO Series mats

PRO yoga mats are designed to develop more surface texture and increased grip over time with use.
Proper daily care will help maintain the best condition for longer.

Daily Care

After each practice, spray Manduka's yoga mat cleaner over the entire mat and gently wipe it with a clean cloth. Make sure it is completely dry before rolling it up or using it.

How to Use

  1. Spray evenly over the entire mat.

  2. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

  3. Roll up or use after drying.

Important Notes

  • Do not soak, shower, or submerge the mat in water.

  • Store in a cool, dry place.

For thorough cleaning

Spray generously until the mat is lightly damp and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
For areas with noticeable dirt or stains, gently wipe with a clean cloth.
Allow it to dry completely before rolling it up or using it.

 

PRO Series Yoga Mats >>>

Yoga Mat Cleaner >>>

How to care for eKO Series mats

eKO 5mm, eKO lite, and eKO SuperLite are all yoga mats made from natural rubber.
They can be easily cleaned and disinfected with the right method, but proper drying is crucial.

Instructions

Do not submerge the mat in water. Instead, liberally spray a rubber-specific yoga mat cleaner over the entire surface.
Pay extra attention to areas with discoloration or stubborn dirt.
Let it sit for 5 minutes, then gently wipe with a clean cloth and allow it to dry completely before rolling it up or using it.

Oxidation, which means changes in color and texture, is a natural byproduct of natural rubber products. You can extend the life of your eKO mat by storing it in a dry environment away from direct sunlight. For optimal care, wipe it down with water before each use and clean it with a rubber-specific yoga mat cleaner as needed.

Important Notes

Avoid the following methods, as they can cause irreparable damage to the mat:

  • Cleaning with a garden hose

  • Using a bathtub, shower, or washing machine

  • Using a vacuum cleaner

  • Exposing to direct sunlight for prolonged periods

  • Using soap or detergents (they will impair performance and durability)

  • Salt wash method (*not suitable for eKO mats)

By continuing proper care, you can enjoy the original grip and comfortable feel of the eKO series for a long time.

eKO Series Yoga Mats >>>

How to care for GRP Series mats

GRP Adapt and GRP Travel are made from a combination of open-cell PU and rubber.
They are designed to absorb moisture and increase grip when wet, making them highly absorbent and requiring special care for cleaning and maintenance.

Usage Precautions

Never use disinfectants on highly absorbent mats like the GRP series.
If liquid is absorbed into the mat, it cannot be fully rinsed out, leading to reduced performance and deterioration.

Daily Care

Use Manduka's Mat Wash Refresh & Restore to clean and condition the surface, preventing dirt buildup and maximizing the mat's original performance and lifespan.

For thorough care

  1. Wet a clean cloth with water and wring it out thoroughly.

  2. Apply the cleaning solution foam to the damp cloth and wipe the mat surface with light pressure.

  3. Use 2-4 pumps of cleaning solution per care session.

  4. Repeat this process until the entire mat has been wiped.

  5. Rinse the cloth thoroughly and wipe the mat surface with clean water.

  6. Absorb excess moisture with a dry cloth.

  7. Hang to dry completely before rolling up and storing.

By continuing proper care, you can maintain the GRP series' high absorbency and grip performance for a long time.

GRP Yoga Mats >>>

How to care for Begin Series mats

The X Series and Begin Series from the FOUNDATION Series are yoga mats made of TPE closed-cell material.
Since moisture is less likely to penetrate inside, the surface can be wiped thoroughly each time, making daily care easy.

Daily Care

After each practice, use Manduka's Mat Wash Refresh & Restore to gently wipe the mat surface.
Keeping it clean will ensure a comfortable experience for a long time.

How to Use

  1. Spray over the entire mat surface.

  2. Wipe dry with a clean cloth before rolling up or using.

Important Notes

  • Do not soak, shower, or submerge the mat in water.

  • Store in a cool, dry place.

    • For thorough cleaning

    Spray generously until the mat is lightly damp and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
    For areas with noticeable dirt or stains, gently wipe with a clean cloth.
    Allow it to dry completely before rolling it up or using it.

    By continuing proper care, you can maintain the comfort and durability of the Foundation Series for longer.

    BEGIN Yoga Mats >>>

    How to care for X Series mats

    To keep your X mat clean and smelling fresh, we recommend using Mat Wash Refresh & Restore.

    Daily Care Instructions

    1. Spray over the entire mat surface.

    2. Wipe with a clean cloth and dry thoroughly before rolling up or using.

    3. If dirt is a concern, apply additional spray as needed.

    4. In all cases, ensure it is completely dry before use or storage.

    Tips for easier use

    The X mat has a textured surface, so wiping it with a lightly dampened clean cloth will make cleaning easier.

    Important Notes

    • Do not soak, shower, or submerge the mat in water.

    • Store in a cool, dry place.

    For thorough cleaning

    Spray generously until the yoga mat is lightly damp and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
    For areas with noticeable dirt or stains, gently wipe with a clean cloth.
    Allow it to dry completely before rolling it up or using it.

    X Series Yoga Mats >>>

     

    ■ Please also refer to this blog post:
    Yoga Mat Care: How to Safely Clean and Maintain Your Mat >>>

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What is the difference between Manduka's Mat Wash Refresh & Restore and a homemade cleaning solution?

    A: The main difference lies in the ingredient formulation and manufacturing process.
    Indeed, Manduka's mat wash is also based on water and essential oils. However, as you know, water and oil do not mix naturally.

    That's why we incorporate a bio-based fragrance solubilizer.
    This creates a stable formula that uniformly disperses cosmetic-grade organic essential oils in purified water, preventing separation or floating on the surface over time.

    Furthermore, these three simple ingredients are thoroughly blended with an industrial mixer operating at approximately 1,700 revolutions per minute.
    (The maximum rotation speed of a household stand mixer is about 280 revolutions.)

    This process ensures that each spray from the bottle delivers a consistently optimal balance of water and essential oils to the mat.

    Q: Why is it important to use purified water?

    A: If you look at the bottled water aisle in a supermarket, you'll see various types of water, such as natural spring water and reverse osmosis water.
    In the manufacturing of cleaning products, many manufacturers use deionized water, which is a simple and low-cost method to remove minerals.

    However, this process cannot remove microscopic organic matter, which can lead to mold growth over time.
    To counter this, many products contain added fungicides.

    At Manduka, we first thoroughly purify water, employing a method that removes not only minerals but also microscopic organic molecules.
    While this incurs higher costs, it eliminates the need to add chemical antimicrobial ingredients to the cleaning agent.

    Q: Won't essential oils make my yoga mat slippery?

    A: Many yoga mats have a closed-cell structure, so they don't absorb liquids internally.
    Therefore, if liquid is applied directly, it may remain on the surface until wiped off, potentially making it slippery.

    Using essential oils directly on a mat can indeed reduce grip.
    However, "Mat Wash Refresh & Restore" is a formula where water and essential oils are perfectly homogenized.
    By spreading a thin, even layer of essential oil and water on the mat surface, you can care for it without compromising its feel.

    While some essential oils can accumulate over time, Manduka uses cosmetic-grade natural essential oils derived from flowers.
    These are less likely to accumulate, minimizing the risk of adverse effects on mat performance.

    Q: How often should I clean my yoga mat?

    A: Every time you use your yoga mat, dead skin cells and sweat from your body accumulate on its surface.
    If these are allowed to build up, bacteria can easily proliferate, leading to odors and dirt.

    Therefore, we recommend lightly wiping your mat with Manduka's Mat Wash Refresh & Restore after every practice.
    Additionally, at least once a week, follow the instructions to use a slightly larger amount of cleaning solution and clean thoroughly, focusing on areas where your hands and feet frequently touch.

    Generally, disinfection of a yoga mat is only necessary if you suspect it may have come into contact with bacteria.
    If you practice alone at home and no one in your household is feeling unwell, frequent disinfection is not required.

    However, if you practice in a studio, it is recommended to disinfect both sides of your yoga mat after each class.

    Q: Why shouldn't I use disinfectant wipes (like Lysol or Clorox) on my yoga mat?

    A: We do not recommend using commercial disinfectant wipes for cleaning yoga mats. There are several reasons for this.

    First, for disinfectants to be effective, the entire surface must remain thoroughly wet for a certain period.
    For Lysol or Clorox wipes, this time is approximately 4-5 minutes.
    It would be practically difficult to meet this condition with a small wipe on a large item like a yoga mat.

    Next, the active ingredients in these disinfectants (the components that inactivate viruses) can damage the mat material and shorten its lifespan.

    Furthermore, even if used, it is essential to rinse with water after the prescribed time has passed to remove as much of the ingredients as possible.
    However, in reality, these chemical disinfectants often remain on the mat surface, leading to allergic reactions from prolonged skin contact.

    In fact, sodium hypochlorite, the active ingredient in Clorox wipes, is classified by the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) as having the highest level of toxicity, potentially causing severe skin and eye damage.
    Similarly, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, the active ingredient in Lysol wipes, is also considered a strong irritant to skin and eyes by the EPA.

    For these reasons, we recommend using a cleaner specifically designed for yoga mats for their care.

    Q: How often should I disinfect my yoga mat? (Separate from regular cleaning)

    A: That's a great question. Basically, it's generally sufficient to disinfect when you feel there's a possibility of bacterial exposure.

    If you practice at home and no one in your household is feeling unwell, frequent disinfection is not necessary.
    However, considering the risk of asymptomatic infection, like with COVID-19, disinfecting about once a week can provide extra peace of mind.

    On the other hand, if you practice at a studio, it's recommended to disinfect both sides of your mat after each class.

    Q: If I use disinfectant on my yoga mat, how long should I let it sit before rinsing?

    A: Disinfectants only become effective after remaining on the surface for a sufficient amount of time.
    Always check the product's usage instructions and adhere to the specified "contact time." In reality, this often requires more time than you might expect.

    Furthermore, after disinfection is complete, it is crucial to rinse the mat thoroughly. Remaining ingredients can lead to skin irritation or mat deterioration.

    Another important point to note is that disinfectants should only be used on non-porous (non-absorbent) surfaces.
    Never use disinfectants on mats designed to absorb moisture, such as those for hot yoga (e.g., GRP series).
    If liquid penetrates the mat, it cannot be completely rinsed out later.

    Q: If I choose a disinfecting cleaner other than Manduka products, what do you recommend?

    A: While we prioritize providing optimal care products for Manduka mat materials, we understand that there may be situations where other brands' products need to be used.
    In such cases, we recommend Seventh Generation's Disinfecting Multi-Surface Spray.

    When using it, it's crucial to let it sit on the yoga mat surface for sufficient time and rinse it thoroughly.
    This product needs to remain on the yoga mat surface for about 5 minutes to be effective. Afterward, rinse off the ingredients as much as possible.

    Insufficient rinsing can lead to skin irritation or respiratory issues.
    Always follow all usage instructions provided on the product packaging.

    *Please note
    This method is only applicable to PRO mats, eKO mats, Manduka X, and Begin mats.
    Do not use disinfectants on absorbent yoga mats (GRP series).
    If liquid penetrates internally, it cannot be completely rinsed out.

    Q: Can I use bleach on my yoga mat?

    A: We do not recommend using bleach.
    Bleach is one of the harshest cleaning agents, both for your mat and for your skin.

    If disinfection is necessary, use an EPA-approved disinfectant as mentioned above, adhere to all usage instructions, and always rinse thoroughly afterward.
    Avoid solvent-based products and harsh chemicals as they can accelerate mat deterioration.

    Q: Can yoga mats be washed in a washing machine?

    A:

    • Shala Yoga Rug: Yes

    • All other yoga mats: No

      • The safest and most effective way to clean your mat is by hand-washing with a soft cloth soaked in an appropriate cleaning solution.
      Using a washing machine can damage your mat and accelerate its deterioration.

      Q: White spots have appeared on my natural rubber mat. Is it no longer usable?

      A: Natural rubber undergoes a natural change called oxidation when exposed to oxygen and light.
      Therefore, we do not recommend leaving your mat in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Excessive sun exposure can cause discoloration and white spots.

      However, rest assured.
      Even in such cases, proper care with Manduka's mat-specific cleaner can restore your mat to its original natural state.

      Q: How should I clean my yoga blocks?

      A: Using Manduka's Mat Wash Refresh & Restore will keep your yoga blocks clean and smelling fresh.

      Q: How do I care for my Yogitoes towel?

      A:

      Tips for use

      • Wash separately before first use.

      • Place the Yogitoes towel on top of your yoga mat or directly on the floor with the dots facing down.

      • Some users prefer to use it dry, while others slightly dampen the areas where their hands and feet will be placed.

      • After practice, do not roll up and store with your mat if it is wet.

      Washing Instructions

      • Machine wash cold (with like colors).
        *Dark colors may need to be washed separately a few times until the dye settles.

      • Tumble dry on low heat or hang to dry.

      • Do not bleach.

      • Do not use dryer sheets, fabric softeners, or detergents with fabric softener.
        These can make the surface slippery.

      *Dye may still run after the initial wash.
      Please be careful when using on light-colored mats or clothing.

      Q: Are Manduka's "Mat Wash & Refresh" and "Natural Yoga Mat Restore" all-natural ingredients?

      A: Yes. All fragrances used are made from 100% aromatic natural raw materials as defined by ISO 9235:2013. This is one of the most stringent and reliable standards in the fragrance industry.

      ISO 9235:2013 defines fragrances as follows:

      ISO 9235 defines "natural aromatic raw materials" as those obtained from plants by physical methods such as distillation, pressing, or extraction.
      Essential oils reconstituted by synthesis, synthetic compounds mimicking natural ingredients, or natural raw materials intentionally subjected to chemical treatment (e.g., acetylation of essential oils) cannot be used in fragrances labeled "natural."

      Furthermore, the Natural Products Association sets even stricter standards.
      It does not permit the use of petrochemical-derived solvents in the extraction process, and concentrates or absolutes produced using hexane are also not recognized as natural raw materials.

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