Yoga mat cleaner spray
We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.
- Manduka Yoga Mat Wash and Refresh. Best for: Everyday cleaning on most mat types. See options on Amazon
- Hugger Mugger Eucalyptus Mat Wash. Best for: Rubber, TPE and microfiber mats. See options on Amazon
- Yoga mat cleaner spray, large refill size. Best for: Studios and frequent home practice. See options on Amazon
What a mat cleaner spray does
Mat cleaner sprays are made to remove the sweat, dirt and oils that build up on a mat. Hugger Mugger says its Eucalyptus Mat Wash lifts sweat, dirt and oils while preserving the mat's surface, and that removing buildup supports grip. Manduka says its Yoga Mat Wash and Refresh cleans and freshens in one step and can be used on all types of mats.
These products are cleaners. None of the maker pages here describes its spray as a registered disinfectant, so do not treat a mat spray as a replacement for a disinfectant where one is required. For the full routine, including how often to deep clean, see our yoga mat guide.
Four sprays compared
| Spray | Main ingredients | Sizes | Made for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manduka Wash and Refresh | Purified water, lemongrass or lavender essential oil, solubilizer | 8 oz, 32 oz | All types of mats |
| Manduka Natural Rubber Restore | Water, gingergrass oil, white vinegar, solubilizer | 8 oz | Manduka eKO natural rubber mats |
| Hugger Mugger Eucalyptus Mat Wash | Water, glucoside cleanser, essential oils | 4 oz, 8 oz | Most mats; not cork |
| Hugger Mugger PureMat Gear Wash | Water, water softener, plant-derived cleaner, essential oils | 4 oz, 8 oz, 32 oz | Mats, bolsters, blankets and props |
Ingredient lists and sizes are from each maker's product page.
Match the spray to your mat
- Rubber, TPE and microfiber mats. Hugger Mugger says its Eucalyptus Mat Wash is safe for most yoga mats, including rubber, TPE and microfiber. Manduka says its Wash and Refresh is for all types of mats.
- Cork mats. Hugger Mugger says its Eucalyptus Mat Wash is not recommended for cork mats. Check your cork mat maker's care advice before spraying anything.
- Natural rubber. Manduka makes a separate Natural Rubber Restore for its eKO mats, designed for weekly use, which it says extends life and reverses surface oxidation that causes fading.
- Props. Hugger Mugger's PureMat Gear Wash is made for mats plus bolsters, blankets and other props.
When in doubt, follow your mat's own care label; it overrides any spray's general claims.
How to use a mat spray
After each practice. Manduka says to spray the entire top surface and wipe the mat dry with a clean cloth before rolling or using. Hugger Mugger says to spray liberally and wipe down with a cloth.
Deeper clean. Both makers give the same pattern: spray until the mat is visibly wet or damp, let it sit 1 to 2 minutes, gently scrub areas with dirt or buildup, then wipe or let it dry.
Natural rubber restore. Manduka says to spray its Restore generously, let it absorb for 5 minutes, then wipe dry.
Always dry fully. Hugger Mugger says to let the mat dry completely before rolling or using it.
Reading the ingredient list
- Water base. All four sprays here are mostly water.
- Cleaning agent. Hugger Mugger's Eucalyptus Mat Wash uses capryl/caprylyl glucoside; its PureMat Gear Wash lists a plant-derived cleaning agent and a sodium-based water softener.
- Essential oils for scent. Lemongrass, lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree and others appear across these sprays. If you are sensitive to fragrance, test on a small area and choose a lighter scent.
- Vinegar. Manduka's rubber restore includes natural white vinegar.
Pure essential oil is different from a mixed spray. Manduka explains that most yoga mats are closed cell, so liquids stay on the surface until removed, and that essential oil applied directly to a mat would make it slippery. It says it adds a bio-based solubilizer so its oil stays spread through the water instead of separating and floating to the top, which is the problem with many homemade mixes.
Which size to buy
Small bottles suit a gym bag; large bottles refill them at home. Hugger Mugger sells its Eucalyptus Mat Wash in 4 oz and 8 oz bottles, and its PureMat Gear Wash in 4 oz, 8 oz and 32 oz. Manduka sells its Wash and Refresh in 8 oz and 32 oz. Wipes are another option for travel, but they are a different format from a spray.
Hugger Mugger says to keep its gear wash at room temperature.
What to look for when you buy
Manduka Yoga Mat Wash and Refresh
Best for: Everyday cleaning on most mat types
Manduka lists purified water, essential oil and a solubilizer, for all types of mats, in 8 oz and 32 oz.
Watch out: Scented with lemongrass or lavender oil. Wipe dry before rolling.
See options on AmazonHugger Mugger Eucalyptus Mat Wash
Best for: Rubber, TPE and microfiber mats
Hugger Mugger lists a glucoside cleanser with eucalyptus and other essential oils, in 4 oz and 8 oz.
Watch out: Not recommended for cork mats, per the maker.
See options on AmazonYoga mat cleaner spray, large refill size
Best for: Studios and frequent home practice
Quart and gallon size mat sprays are widely sold for refilling a small spray bottle.
Watch out: Check the ingredient list and confirm it suits your mat material.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Can I use any mat cleaner on a cork yoga mat?
- No. Hugger Mugger says its Eucalyptus Mat Wash is not recommended for cork. Follow your cork mat's own care advice.
- How do I deep clean my yoga mat with a spray?
- Spray until visibly damp, let sit 1 to 2 minutes, gently scrub, then wipe and let it dry fully.
- Do yoga mat sprays disinfect?
- The maker pages here describe them as cleaners, not registered disinfectants.
- Can I put essential oil straight on my mat?
- No. Manduka says essential oil applied directly to a closed-cell mat would make it slippery.
- What about natural rubber mats?
- Manduka makes a separate Natural Rubber Restore for its eKO mats, left on for 5 minutes then wiped dry.
Sources
- Yoga Mat Wash and Refresh (manduka.com), Manduka
- Natural Rubber Yoga Mat Restore (manduka.com), Manduka
- Eucalyptus Mat Wash (huggermugger.com), Hugger Mugger
- PureMat Gear Wash (huggermugger.com), Hugger Mugger
- How To Clean Your Yoga Mat (manduka.com), Manduka