Yoga is a spiritual and physical discipline. It has been around for more than 5000 years. It uses a combination of controlled breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga poses called Asana. It is a total workout that does not only help improve one’s body and one’s mind. More and more people have turned to yoga in most recent years and used it as a form of exercise.
The poses involved in yoga have evolved throughout the years, and now, there are more than a hundred poses and variations used. These poses vary depending on the level of difficulty. Some poses may require yoga tools like blocks, blankets, exercise balls, straps, trapeze, and yoga mats. These yoga mats are vital for one’s yoga journey. It serves as a marker of personal space during practice, and it also helps in retaining a pose.
The Manduka Yoga Mat
Manduka is one of the most respected brands that offer yoga apparel and props. It has been around for more than 20 years already, and it currently offers products from yoga towels to yoga clothing. Manduka yoga mats are designed by gurus and yoga instructors, prioritizing their use, comfort, and life. These yoga mats are made of environment-friendly materials. These materials are sustainable and biodegradable.
Manduka currently offers two types of yoga mats: PRO Series yoga mats and eKO Series yoga mats. The PRO Series line of yoga mats is made of eco-certified safe PVC, while the eKO Series line of yoga mats is made of natural rubber. The PRO Series line of the Manduka yoga mats has a closed-cell construction, making the yoga mats compacted support while keeping the surface great for movements. The eKO Series line of the Manduka yoga mats are produced without toxic medium, and these yoga mats also have closed-cell construction that provides stability.
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There are a lot of criteria in choosing the right yoga mat, but since the practice of yoga is a total mind and body workout, sweating is inevitable. One of the criteria in selecting the right yoga mat should include cell construction. A yoga mat with closed-cell construction protects the material from soaking the sweat or any moisture, and it also prevents bacteria from seeping into the insides of the mat.
There are a lot of ways to clean a yoga mat. However, one must know what type and what material was used to manufacture the yoga mat to make sure that it is cared for and cleaned properly. Most manufacturers would provide care and cleaning instructions for the yoga mats.
Some yoga mat companies manufacture their own cleaners, which could be a suitable option for cleaning your yoga mat.
How to Clean Manduka Yoga Mat
1. Using vinegar or lemon and water solution
Vinegar is one of the cheapest and most common all-around cleaners that can be found in the comfort of your own home. It is also recommended to be used as a base for cleaning yoga mats made of natural rubber as it helps restore the quality and keep the mat naturally moist. Lemon juice can be used as an alternative to vinegar. Both vinegar and lemon have acids that are great for removing stains and removing guck. They also have antimicrobial, antifungal, antibiotic, and antiseptic properties.
What you need: vinegar or lemon juice, filtered water, spray bottle
Just mix the vinegar or lemon juice with water in a 1 is to 3 proportion. Transfer the solution into a spray bottle. Spray some solution on the mat and wipe it with a piece of cloth.
2. Using tea tree essential oil
The essential tea tree is a good antimicrobial, antifungal, antibiotic, and antiseptic like vinegar and lemon juice. It can also help remove mold built up on the yoga mat, and it is aromatic.
What you need: tea tree essential oil, filtered water, spray bottle
Add two tea tree essential oil drops in a spray bottle with 2 to 4 oz of filtered water and shake. This can be used the same as with the vinegar or lemon juice solution.
3. Using the Manduka yoga mat cleaner
Manduka Mat Cleaner – a natural, cleaning solutions, non-toxic cleaner for all your Manduka® yoga mats.
This is an ideal way of cleaning Manduka yoga mats as it is specially made for these types of yoga mats. The yoga mat manduka cleaner offered by Manduka is an organic product made with eco-friendly ingredients. The antibacterial property of the cleaner keeps the yoga mat clean and free of bacteria. Manduka currently offers two types of yoga mat cleaners:
The All-purpose Mat Wash is best for cleaning the Manduka PRO Series line of yoga mats and other brands. The ingredients are certified organic essential oils, vegetable oil-based surfactant, phosphate-free chelating agent, and water. Three scents are available for this yoga mat wash: Tranquil Lavender, Energizing Gingergrass, and Soothing Citrus.
The Natural Rubber Mat Wash is formulated with vinegar specifically for yoga mats made of natural rubber-like the Manduka eKO Series. The vinegar in the formula helps restore rubber quality while keeping its natural moisture to prevent this kind of yoga mat from breaking down.
To clean a Manduka PRO Series yoga mat, use a washcloth or sponge with Manduka’s All-purpose Mat Wash and gently scrub the yoga mat on both sides. Hang the yoga mat to dry or lay it flat. Cleaning the Manduka eKO Series yoga mat is the same but use the Natural Rubber Mat Wash to clean both sides of the yoga mat with a cloth. In any Manduka yoga mat, prevent cleaning using a hose, submerging in a bathtub, or using a washing machine or vacuum will damage the yoga mat. Exposing or drying the mats in direct sunlight or extreme temperature will also ruin their performance and decrease their life.
While Manduka yoga mats are made to last for a very long time common touch, it is still important that we properly clean them to make sure that the yoga mats are effective clean. This will eliminate and prevent odor-causing bacteria that could make us uncomfortable in using the yoga mats. At the same time, it will help us maximize and enhance our yoga class experience.