Yoga mats are a part of practice for a large number of people, myself included. More than a tool used just for physical asana, my yoga mat is also a space for meditation, introspection, mantra work and sometimes (if I'm perfectly honest) for collapsing in a heap after a frustrating session of working on new postures (jump backs I'm lookin' at you). Since my mat sees a lot of use, it's really important that I keep it in good shape and that means clean! Think about it; that same surface that you lay or sat your sweaty self on is the same surface you might rest your face on later that day...
My clean routine takes into account that my mat is biodegradable so chemical cleaners are a no-no (besides, remember that part about laying your face on your mat?). While there are natural mat cleaning sprays on the market, my favorite by far is one I make myself using a recipe generously shared by the Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto on their Instagram feed.
I personally enjoy citrus essential oils but you really can use whichever oil or blends of oil you like. While the tea tree is "nature's disinfectant" and has both antiseptic and antiviral properties, the 5-7 drops you choose are really just to add a scent you enjoy and to mask some of the vinegar smell. You can find spray bottles in quite a few stores and the one pictured above is from Healthy Planet.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know how you like it or what oil you added to make it your own. Cheers!
PS: If you have an active asana practice and want to be inspired, have a look at https://www.instagram.com/ashtangatoronto/
Their tutorials are fabulous.