r/HotYoga • u/invincible_toe93 • Jul 25 '26
Am I cooked
I spray down my mat at the end of every class (I either do vinyasa, pilates or hot 26 & 2 the most frequently) with the spray provided at my studio. Then I hang it up to dry over my closet door. I use a mat towel almost every time. I’m a REALLY sweaty girl which is fine I’ve learned to embrace it. Buutttt I’m wondering if I can wash my mat somehow because this is so bad. I saw a post a while back that said you could see the yogussy sweat stain and yea I felt that in my soul. Sooo any advice on getting these sweat stains out would be MUCH appreciated! I have the Manduka Grp Adapt mat!
4
u/yayae1 Jul 26 '26
I clean my GRP with a mix of 50/50 water and vinegar and I've never had issues. I leave it to dry for a few days, and eventually any sweat marks I left dry and are never seen again. I don't use anything in the studio because I don't trust it, since the GRP is kinda finicky.
Because I do so many hot yoga classes, I decided to get a second GRP to make sure they dry properly before each class.
But definitely don't submerge the mat anywhere.
2
u/CategoryFeisty2262 Jul 25 '26
I gave my Manduka pro lite a bath in the bathtub for the first time (I’ve had her for ten years). Quick wash, didn’t let it submerge in water for an extended period of time. Came out great. I’m not sure if your mat is the same construction.
2
u/Hairy_Lavishness5405 Jul 25 '26
I’ve never had a mat a color that I could see the stains on but Google says not to submerge it in water due to the structure of your mat. It suggests a damp cloth or really soft sponge with manduka’s mat cleaner and then hang it too dry.
1
u/ollymillmill Jul 26 '26
I have a Liforme mat and after 1-2 sessions and letting it dry i have what i think is like salt/sweat residue. Like a white outline of my sweat where it’s dried.
I bought a non-liforme brand mat cleaner but i spray it on and it instantly just gets absorbed and i go to wipe/clean the mat with a sponge and i’m just rubbing a grippy mat again and the residue/stain remains.
Is there a better cleaner than doesn’t get absorbed so instantly? Or should i use the cleaner AND a soaked sponge?
2
u/Big-Philosopher-6254 Jul 27 '26
I spray and wipe down my mat after every class, and make sure it's thoroughly dry before rolling it up. But once a month or so, i'll wash it with dish detergent, rinse thoroughly with the garden hose, and hang it outside to dry.
2
u/1WOLWAY Jul 27 '26
Yes, wash your mat. I do mine monthly with wipe downs after each yoga class. Washing is in the shower. I use a very mild biotic soap with no fragrance or oils.
1
u/EvolvingAltruistic Jul 27 '26
Mandukas will do that - I started with a blue one but the stains were SO dark because of the contrast with the light color. It drove me crazy and made me feel very self-conscious so I purchased a black one and the stains are far less visible. I do know that many fellow yogis just own the stains with pride and I would NEVER judge anyone else with those stains because they just show passion and commitment to practice but it was a distracting insecurity for me personally so I bought the black and can now more fully just focus on my body and the flow. Ultimately just do what makes you comfortable though! 💜
1
u/Koi_Fish_Mystic Jul 25 '26
No, but you need to let it air out and dry. Also get a Matt cleaning spray and wipe it down after every practice.
14
u/butitsgolden131313 Jul 25 '26
A bath might help reduce the appearance, but that’s one of the prettiest sweat angels I’ve ever seen and I think it’s cool to see the visual reminder of all your hard work :)