DIY Yoga Mat Cleaning Spray: 5 Amazing Aromatherapy Blends

Updated at: 10/05/2025

Yoga mats, our trusty companions on the journey to physical and mental well-being, often accumulate sweat, dirt, and lingering odors. While commercial cleaners can be harsh and expensive, a simple DIY solution offers a refreshing and budget-friendly alternative. This article explores the power of aromatherapy by presenting five amazing blends to create your own invigorating and naturally effective yoga mat cleaning spray. Forget harsh chemicals and embrace the calming scents of essential oils while keeping your mat hygienically clean. You'll not only be sanitizing your mat but also creating a tranquil atmosphere for your practice.

From lavender’s soothing properties to the uplifting zest of citrus, we'll guide you through creating personalized sprays tailored to your preferences and needs. Each blend is carefully chosen for its cleansing ability and aromatic benefits, transforming your cleaning routine into a mindful experience. Ready to learn how to whip up these revitalizing sprays? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions for each of these five fantastic aromatherapy blends.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Distilled water
  • Alcohol-free witch hazel
  • Dark glass spray bottle
  • Funnel
  • Essential oils (Sweet Orange, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Bergamot, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Sweet Lime, Lemon, Grapefruit)
  • Glass measuring cup
  • Cotton pads
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Printer
  • Magazines/Flyers
  • Glue stick
  • Clear contact paper
Safety Guidelines
  • Always test your cleaning spray on a small, inconspicuous area of your yoga mat first to ensure it doesn't damage or discolor the material.
  • Avoid using essential oils that are known to be irritating to the skin (like citrus oils on certain mat materials) or that may cause allergic reactions. Do a patch test before full application.
  • Allow the mat to air dry completely after cleaning to prevent mold and mildew growth. Avoid direct sunlight or high heat as this may damage your mat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spray Bottle

    • Fill a spray bottle 3/4 full with distilled water, then top off with alcohol-free witch hazel, leaving room for essential oils.
    Prepare the base: Fill a spray bottle 3/4 full with distilled water, then top off with alcohol-free witch hazel, leaving room for essential oils.
    Prepare the Spray Bottle

  2. Create Aromatherapy Blends

    • Sweet Orange & Peppermint - Add 16 drops of Sweet Orange and 8 drops of Peppermint essential oils.
    • Tea Tree, Lemongrass & Bergamot - Add 9 drops of Tea Tree, 10 drops of Lemongrass, and 6 drops of Bergamot essential oils.
    • Tea Tree & Lavender - Add 12 drops of each Tea Tree and Lavender essential oils.
    • Lavender, Eucalyptus & Bergamot - Add 10 drops of Lavender, 6 drops of Eucalyptus, and 8 drops of Bergamot essential oils.
    Blend 4: Lavender, Eucalyptus & Bergamot - Add 10 drops of Lavender, 6 drops of Eucalyptus, and 8 drops of Bergamot essential oils.Blend 4: Lavender, Eucalyptus & Bergamot - Add 10 drops of Lavender, 6 drops of Eucalyptus, and 8 drops of Bergamot essential oils.Blend 4: Lavender, Eucalyptus & Bergamot - Add 10 drops of Lavender, 6 drops of Eucalyptus, and 8 drops of Bergamot essential oils.Blend 4: Lavender, Eucalyptus & Bergamot - Add 10 drops of Lavender, 6 drops of Eucalyptus, and 8 drops of Bergamot essential oils.
    Create Aromatherapy Blends
    • Sweet Lime, Lemon, Grapefruit & Tea Tree - Add 8 drops of Tea Tree, 6 drops of Sweet Lime, 4 drops of Lemon, and 6 drops of Grapefruit essential oils.
    Blend 5: Sweet Lime, Lemon, Grapefruit & Tea Tree - Add 8 drops of Tea Tree, 6 drops of Sweet Lime, 4 drops of Lemon, and 6 drops of Grapefruit essential oils.
    Create Aromatherapy Blends

  3. Label the Bottles

    • Clean bottles with rubbing alcohol, print labels, decorate with magazine cutouts, and attach with contact paper.
    Create Labels: Clean bottles with rubbing alcohol, print labels, decorate with magazine cutouts, and attach with contact paper.
    Label the Bottles

  4. Clean Your Yoga Mat

    • Shake well, mist generously onto your yoga mat, and wipe clean with a cloth.
    Use the Spray: Shake well, mist generously onto your yoga mat, and wipe clean with a cloth.
    Clean Your Yoga Mat

Read more: Top 6 Travel Yoga Mats for Effortless Yoga On-the-Go

Tips

  • Use a funnel to easily pour ingredients into the spray bottle.
  • Apply after each practice to keep your mat fresh and prevent bacteria buildup.
  • These sprays are gentle and won't damage your mat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Harsh Chemicals

Reason: Strong chemicals can damage your yoga mat's material, causing it to crack or fade, and they can also irritate your skin.
Solution: Stick to natural ingredients like essential oils, vinegar, and water for a safe and effective clean.

2. Over-Saturating the Mat

Reason: Soaking your mat with too much cleaning solution can lead to mold growth and prolonged drying time, potentially damaging the mat’s integrity.
Solution: Spray lightly and evenly, wiping away excess solution immediately.

3. Ignoring Proper Drying

Reason: Leaving your mat damp in a dark, humid place can breed bacteria and cause unpleasant odors.
Solution: Always ensure your mat is completely dry before rolling it up, ideally air-drying it flat in a well-ventilated area.

FAQs

How often should I clean my yoga mat?
Ideally, you should clean your yoga mat after each use, especially if you've sweated a lot. At a minimum, aim to clean it once a week to prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors.
Keeping your yoga mat clean is crucial, especially if you're using an extra-long mat for those taller poses! Proper hygiene is essential whether you've invested in one of the top-rated mats for taller yogis or a standard-sized one. This guide will help you create five amazing aromatherapy blends for your DIY yoga mat cleaning spray, ensuring your mat stays fresh and clean for your next session.