When you switch2bamboo it’s common to wonder if it needs any extra care.
Being made of, or from, bamboo can have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to cleaning.
So, how do you clean a bamboo yoga mat?
How do you clean a bamboo yoga mat?
Bamboo is a great material for making yoga mats.
Its anti-bacterial properties help to keep it clean and sterile but with some extra care, your bamboo yoga mat can last a long time.
Daily cleaning
Use a mix of warm water and dish soap (washing up liquid for our UK readers) to rinse and wipe your yoga mat keeping it clean and hygienic.
Deep cleaning
Add 50ml of white vinegar (a cup) with a litre (a quart) of warm water for a deeper, antibacterial clean.
Alternatively, mix one teaspoon of bleach with one litre (a quart) of water for a suitable disinfecting cleaning solution.
Restoration cleaning
If you’ve been gifted a used yoga mat and want to ensure it’s sparkly clean before you use it a restorative deep clean might help you put your mind at ease.
Dampen a soft cloth with either lukewarm water on its own or a cleaning solution as mentioned above.
Have a bowl of normal table salt and dab your damp cloth into the bowl.
Use the cloth to really lift the grime taking advantage of the abrasive action of the salt.
Leave your mat to air dry naturally and it’s ready to take to your next class.
Switch2bamboo for your yoga mat today
Benefits of Bamboo yoga mats
Bamboo yoga mats have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they offer several benefits over other types of yoga mats. Here are some of the key advantages of using a bamboo yoga mat:
- Eco-friendly: Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, making it a more environmentally friendly option than mats made from non-renewable materials like PVC or rubber.
- Anti-bacterial: Bamboo is naturally resistant to bacteria and germs, which makes it a great choice for a yoga mat. This can be especially important if you practice hot yoga or tend to sweat a lot during your practice.
- Durable: Bamboo is a strong and durable material that can withstand regular use and last for a long time. This can save you money in the long run, as you won’t need to replace your mat as often.
- Comfortable: Bamboo has a natural texture that provides a good grip, making it easier to hold poses without slipping. It also has a slightly cushioned feel, which can provide extra support and comfort for your joints.
- Easy to clean: Bamboo yoga mats are easy to clean and maintain. You can simply wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap, or even toss them in the washing machine if they become really dirty.
Overall, bamboo yoga mats are a great choice for anyone who wants a sustainable, durable, and comfortable yoga mat that is easy to clean and offers antibacterial properties.
How to care for your other bamboo items including bedding and clothing.
The washing and drying of bamboo clothing and bedding, including baby items and towels, can be approached in similar ways.
Manufacturers should say whether their fabric is 100% bamboo viscose or rayon, or if it has a mix of fibres it should state this on the label and packaging.
Other bamboo fabrics, such as Lyocell and bamboo linen, have been mechanically ground, pulped with natural enzymes and spun, and are therefore more eco-friendly and a better choice when switching to bamboo.
Lyocell is a soft, semi-synthetic fabric which uses a closed-loop manufacturing process making it more eco-friendly than its distance cousin, Rayon.
It looks and feels soft and will be marketed as bamboo fabric, sometimes mixed with lycra or spandex in order to maintain its shape.
Bamboo linen has the feel of linen. A little rougher around the edges but this is due to the 100% natural, mechanical and chemical-free way it has been processed.
Washing
Bamboo fabric keeps the strength of the bamboo plant and is incredibly durable, outlasting cotton equivalents when cared for properly.
When washing your bamboo items they should be washed in a gentle detergent just as you would wool or other delicate items, on a gentle, cooler cycle of your washing machine.
Washing at a cool temperature or a cold wash helps to maintain the shape of the fabric and reduce possible shrinkage.
Drying
Good
Using a drier on very low heat is okay, but using too high a heat can damage the bamboo fibres or shrink the fabric.
Better
Drying your bamboo items indoors with artificial heat (radiators and air vents) is better but try not to leave them directly on the heat source.
Best
Drying your socks outside is by far the best method. There’s no risk of over-drying which can damage the fibres, the moisture is carried away rather than collecting in your home and you get the added benefit of having that gorgeous outdoors aroma.
The best cleaning solutions for bamboo furniture, floors and household items.
- Household dish soap and lukewarm water make a perfectly suitable solution to wipe down floors, furniture and utensils. Just don’t leave it to soak in and never use the dishwasher for utensils, cutlery or bamboo straws.
- For a deeper clean, mix 50ml of white vinegar (a cup) with a litre (a quart) of warm water and use as above.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of bleach with 1 litre (a quart) of water for a suitable disinfecting cleaning solution for items such as cutting boards or bathroom flooring.
Using a soft-bristled brush in addition to the solutions listed above will not damage your bamboo items and may improve the result, especially on furniture which has been neglected for a while.
For truly ingrained dirt on bamboo furniture try dabbing some normal table salt onto your damp cleaning cloth (along with one of the solutions above) and use the extra abrasive quality of the salt to really lift the grime out.
