Did you know that cork is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial? Studies have shown that your average gym yoga mat can contain more germs and bacteria than a toilet seat yuck! Studies have also shown that after being on cork for 90 minutes, bacteria significantly reduced by 96.93% - making cork the most hygienic option, providing a clean and healthy surface for your practise. Cork is also impermeable to sweat so it won’t absorb bad smells (phew!)
Thanks to the natural antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities of cork, keeping your mat clean is a lot easier than a regular yoga mat. This low maintenance, self-cleaning benefit means that the typical mat cleaning process isn't necessary. In fact, over-cleaning or using abrasive products will wear out the cork faster so the whole ‘less is more’ approach should be applied.
HOW TO CLEAN A CORK YOGA MAT
To clean your mat, simply use cold water on a soft cloth. Gently wipe the mat using either a soft towel or non-abrasive sponge. The natural properties of cork repel water, so the wiping process removes excess water and keeps the design of the mat from fading.Once you've wiped the mat clean, hang it to air dry. When it has dried off, roll it up with the top side (the cork side) on the outside. It’s designed to be rolled this way, as this will ensure your mat rolls out nice and flat each time you use it.
HOW OFTEN A CORK YOGA MAT SHOULD BE CLEANED
Generally, it is recommended to clean your cork yoga mat once a week. However, if you happen to sweat a lot or use the mat daily, you can clean it more frequently.
HOW TO DEEP CLEAN YOUR CORK YOGA MAT
If your cork yoga mat is stained or has racked up a lot of sweaty yoga sessions, you can make your own cork mat cleaning spray to give it a deep clean.
FILL A SPRAY BOTTLE WITH:
- 3 parts water
- 1 part witch hazel or white vinegar
- 5 drops of essential oils: lavender, teatree, eucalyptus or lemongrass. These essential oils are recommended due to their disinfecting qualities.
STEPS TO DEEP CLEAN A CORK YOGA MAT:
- Shake the spray bottle.
- Spray the mat and wipe it clean with a slightly damp, soft cloth.
- Hang the mat to air dry completely.
- Once dry, roll up the mat with the top side (the cork side) facing the outside.
Enjoy practising on your new cork yoga mat! Click here to shop the Chez Vita eco-friendly Cork collection