I love spraying my yoga mat after training, but store-bought spray is often expensive and used up in no time. You can easily make your own gentle yoga mat spray cleaner in just a few minutes, and pick whatever scent you like best.
Just spray your mat generously, wipe it dry with a small towel, let it air out, and enjoy the pleasant scent and the effects of the essential oils during your next practice.
It also makes a lovely homemade present for yoga-loving friends!
Which essential oils work best for a homemade yoga mat cleaner?
Essential oils have different effects. They can reduce stress, boost focus, feel uplifting, or simply be relaxing. I find a use for pretty much all of these in my yoga practice.
You’ll definitely want an antibacterial oil in the mix too, since the point is to clean the mat. Rosemary, tea tree, sage, eucalyptus, thyme, and peppermint all fall into this category, among others.
Personally, I love the combination of orange, lavender, and rosemary, fresh but still calming. Lavender in particular is known for its relaxing effect, perfect for after your practice.
Make sure you use real essential oils, not the scented oils from the candle aisle at the drugstore. Those smell nice too, but they don’t have the same cleaning or caring effect.
What are the ingredients for DIY yoga mat spray?
- Distilled water
- Alcohol
- Essential oils
- spray bottles and a little funnel
I ordered these little 60 ml spray bottles*.
This spray worked very well for our yoga mats, but as there are many different ones made of different materials, it’s best to test the spray first on a corner.
The spray should last a few months.
Yoga Mat Spray
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- distilled water
- vodka
- essential orange oil
- essential rosemary oil
- essential lavender oil
Instructions
- Fill the bottles half with distilled water and half with vodka.
- Add the essential oils. I use 12 drops of orange oil, 3 drops rosemary oil and 3 drops lavender for each 60 ml bottle.
- Shake well.
- Spray the yoga mat generously and wipe dry with a towel.
FAQ
Can I make my own yoga mat cleaner?
Yes, easily: all you need is distilled water, alcohol (like vodka), and a few essential oils of your choice. It comes together in just a couple of minutes and lasts several months.
How often should I clean my yoga mat?
After any more intense practice, a quick spray and wipe-down is worth it. For a deeper clean, once a week is usually enough.
What’s the best essential oil for cleaning a yoga mat?
Antibacterial oils like tea tree, rosemary, sage, or eucalyptus clean particularly well. I like combining them with orange and lavender for a nicer scent.
Is this yoga mat spray safe for all mats?
Most yoga mats handle the spray well, but since there are many different materials out there, it’s best to test it on an inconspicuous spot first before spraying the whole mat.
How long does homemade yoga mat spray last?
Thanks to the alcohol, the yoga mat spray keeps for several months, even without refrigeration. Store it somewhere cool and dark to help the essential oils keep their effect as long as possible.
Looking for more gift ideas for yoga-loving or vegan friends? Check out my Homemade Vegan Gifts for more DIY ideas to give away.
hello!
I just made my yoga spray following this recipe, and it smells amazingly! It cleaned the stains and the mat is super fresh. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for your feedback. So glad you like it. I still use it all the time too 🙂