Are Yoga Mats Toxic: We are all well aware of the importance of yoga mats for performing yoga practice daily as it has several benefits, especially gripping, cushioning, and comfort. However, there is a growing concern regarding the equipment that is used to support Yoga.

Understanding the Concern: Are Yoga Mats Toxic?

Most of the yoga mats are still being made with PVC material which raised questions regarding its toxicity. So, let’s take a look in detail at PVC Material.

What is PVC?

PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride. Basically, it is a cost-effective type of plastic polymer with the ability to release toxic chemicals or substances for example dioxins, phthalates, etc.

Phthalate chemicals are used during the formation of plastic in regards to enhance the flexible properties of plastic. These chemicals play a very toxic role in the disturbance of human body parts such as hormones and the respiratory system.

Secondly, dioxin compounds can be released during the manufacturing of PVC which play a role as a continuous environmental polluting agent. So these harmful substances leave multiple adverse effects on the human body just due to their continuous presence in the environment that causes the destruction of the environment as well as human health.

On the other hand, synthetic rubber is also found in Yoga Mats that may consist of some health’s unsafe components like VOCs that may diffuse gas into the air while used for Yoga. These are such health-sensitive things that lead cause of trouble for the public who have a plan to take long-term Yoga exercise.

Here we’re going to let you know about one of the leading brands with having Non toxic Yoga Mats.

Are Gaiam Yoga Mats Non Toxic?

Gaiam is one of the leading brands with almost all essential supplies regarding yoga and wellness including Yoga Mats. The most repeated question that is asked by the consumers is about its material’s toxicity and non toxicity.

Materials Used in Gaiam Yoga Mats

A wide variety of Yoga Mats is found in Gaiam for Yoga consumers which are made up of non toxic and eco-friendly materials, a few of them which are widely used in the preparation of Yoga Mats are as follows:

• PVC:

Though this material is cheap and budget-friendly for Gaiam the fact is that it’s considered toxic and not eco-friendly as mentioned before. As a result, the only controversial material is left just because of its preparation procedure. This makes PVC a non toxic and eco-friendly material and reduces the risk factor to its consumers.

• TPE

(Thermoplastic Elastomer): As It is a type of chemical-free recyclable plastic it’s considered safe and harmless environmentally as well as for human health. It’s also free from PVC and Latex. That’s why it’s considered eco-friendlier than PVC.

• Natural Rubber:

A naturally occurring substance that consists of a sustainable and biodegradable material. It is used in the preparation of premium Yoga Mats, also offered by Gaiam. So these kinds of Yoga Mats are totally toxins free and are a good option for Yoga Mat’s consumers.

The company markets itself as a sustainability maintainer and environmental-friendly lover. So the answer to the question “Are Gaiam yoga mats Non Toxic” is yes.

Are Lululemon Yoga Mats Toxic?

The debates are ongoing concerning “Are Lululemon Yoga Mats Toxic”. Lululemon is also a brand famous among people due to their yoga-related products’ quality including clothes. Lululemon yoga mats have several qualities or features like

• Durability
• Non toxicity
• Eco-friendliness
• Comfort
• Grip & Cushioning

Lululemon Yoga Mats Material

Lululemon uses two different materials, especially for their signature yoga mats, one of them is natural rubber and the second is polyurethane.

Natural Rubber:

As we have already discussed earlier in this article regarding the natural rubber material. So, in simple words, the natural rubber material is sustainable, non toxic, best for gripping and cushioning along with biodegradability.

Polyurethane:

Lululemon uses Polyurethane for the top layers of their yoga mats as this material is synthetic and increases the grip and durability of the mat. Generally, this material is considered safer than PVC, and Lululemon also claims that their yoga mats don’t have harmful chemicals.

Seller Picks Best Non toxic Yoga Mats:

We have compiled a list of a few best non toxic yoga mats built with eco-friendly materials that are the user’s choice.

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat

The yoga mat is built with PVC now the question is how this mat is Non toxic. It is a high-quality PVC material certified OEKO-TEX which means it is a certified non toxic yoga mat but not much eco-friendly. If I talk about its grip and cushioning, it is a recommended choice for yogis.

Read the comparison before decision on Manduka Pro vs Lululemon Yoga Mat.

Features:

• Non Toxic
• Eco-Friendly
• Certification of Non Harmful substances
• Excellent grip and cushioning.

Jade Yoga Harmony Mat

The yoga mat is built with 100% natural rubber which is a Non toxic material. We have already explained natural rubber material earlier in the article. We are going to list down its features only.

Features

• Synthetic
• Biodegradable
• Eco-friendly
• Durable & Sustainable
• Perfect for Bikram or Hot Yoga / sweaty sessions.

Liforme Yoga Mat

Liforme Yoga Mat is built with Non toxic materials such as natural rubber and eco-polyurethane.

Features

• Eco-Friendly
• Sustainable
• Non Toxic
• Biodegradable
• Excellent Grip and Cushioning
• Ideal choice for regular or serious yogis

Conclusion

Health is the most important factor that can’t be ignored. So, always pay attention to your healthy environment while choosing a yoga mat. Make sure the material is non toxic which has been used to build the yoga mat. In this way, you will remain healthy and get the real advantages of yoga means mindfulness. We have discussed the major materials that are used to build the mat.

Hopefully, I have explained the question are yoga mats toxic? Apart from that, I have also tried to share some of the best non toxic yoga mats and their brand options available in the market that usually we use in our studio.

Yoga is well-known for enhancing the muscle’s flexibility, activation, physical wellness, and mental peace. Many new yogis join yoga classes. The first issue that they face is how to choose a yoga mat for beginners. Choosing a yoga mat is essential especially for beginners to increase the support and stability during yoga practice. Several options are available in the market for this but the same mat is not a good fit for all.

In this scenario, it is most important to pay attention while choosing the right yoga mat as per your needs or requirements. Let’s explore how to pick a yoga mat:

Things to Consider While Choosing a Yoga Mat

Consider the key factors while picking a yoga mat. A perfect yoga mat has a good level of comfort, durable, long-lasting, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Let’s start to consider the key points for choosing a yoga mat for beginners.

Thickness

The yoga mat’s weight depends on its thickness. So it is most important to pay attention to thickness level as it plays a major role, especially in comfortability and cushioning. Thickness levels start from 1mm to onwards up to 15mm. Usually, a standard yoga mat is between 3mm to 5mm thick, and for most people, it is considered a perfect choice.

People who are suffering from joint issues will go for a high level of thickness for more support to their joints because a thicker mat can provide extra cushioning. But it can be the reason behind not balancing during yoga. So, that’s why we should pay attention to thickness. We discussed this matter in our blog post Best Yoga Mat Thickness.

Manufacturing Material

Nowadays, various materials are used in manufacturing like PVC, TPE, natural rubber, and cork. You can read the differences between them in detail in our article TPE vs EVA Yoga Mat & NBR vs PVC Yoga Mat.

Each material has its benefits and is used for different purposes. For excellent grip and durability along with budget-friend PVC material is perfect but it is not much eco-friendly. Comparatively, Rubber and TPE materials are eco-friendly but less durable over time. Lastly, cork mats have all these things along with antimicrobial properties but it is not a budget-friendly option.

So, an excellent choice depends on your needs and environment. If you have budget-related issues you should go for PVC or TPE material otherwise move towards natural rubber or cork material.

Grip

The texture of the yoga mat makes it an anti-skid or non-slippery mat. So, the mats having texture on them provide us extra grip that is required for balancing our body during dynamic poses of yoga such as Vinyasa, etc. For gripping cork and natural rubber materials are more effective.

What is the Best Yoga Mat for Beginners?

In simple words, the best yoga mat for beginners is that has all the features and should not be too high in price.

Best Yoga Mat for Beginners UK

Numerous brands are offering such mats that have all the features such as Liforme and Manduka and are not much costly compared to other brands.

Manduka PROLite Yoga Mat

Manduka PROLite yoga mat is a perfect choice for beginners and the reason of its comfortability and durability. Even for those with sensitive joints as it provides enough cushioning. The major reason for its acceptance is its non-toxic material which makes it eco-friendly.

Liforme Yoga Mat

The second better option is the Liforme yoga mat for beginners. It also has all the above features like a good level of grip, eco-friendly with non-toxic material and a good level of thickness for cushioning. Apart from that it also has alignment markers that help a lot to a newbie for alignment.

Best Yoga Mat for Obese Beginners

Now let’s start our conversation regarding yoga mats for obese beginners. As they have a certain condition we need to make little changes in our key factors to choose the best yoga mat for obese beginners.

Extra Thickness & Size

We should choose a little extra thick mat for obese beginners due to extra weight because we require extra cushioning in this case. It reduces the change of strain on sensitive joints. The recommended thickness for an obese beginner is between 6mm to 8mm. This will increase the comfort level during practice and less feel of a hard floor. In the same way, we need a little extra size mat from the standard.

Durability & Grip

A solid grip is very crucial to maintain balance and stability for an obese beginner. That’s why we should choose such a mat that can provide extra gripping along with durability. It is a better thing if a mat has texture on it because it will also provide extra gripping that is required for a newbie to maintain alignment during yoga. Always look for mats that offer strong gripping and can prevent slipping during poses. Usually, rubber or cork yoga mat material is preferable.

Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat:

Gaiam Premium yoga mat is an excellent choice for an obese newbie due to its durability and thickness level. It is 6mm thick having a texture on its surface.

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat:

A perfect choice as per my experience is Manduka PRO yoga mat due to its thickness and material. It offers a high level of thickness from a standard mat with durable and dense surface which is best for extra grip, support and cushioning.

How to Choose / Pick a Good Yoga Mat Based on Your Requirements

I have already shared some best yoga mats for beginners. If you have certain needs, you should choose a mat that can meet your needs. For example, do you have a plan to join a studio for yoga or at home? Do you have a plan for hot yoga or slow-paced yoga? Get the answers from yourself and you are ready to make right decision.

Yoga Style

Which type of yoga pose, you are planning to practice? Are you planning for slower-paced poses like Yin / Hatha Yoga? In this case, you need a little thicker mat that can provide cushioning and comfort. If you are planning for dynamic yoga poses like Vinyasa or Ashtanga, you should choose a well-textured surface mat for better gripping.

Portability

Are you planning to travel with a yoga mat from home to the studio? You should pay attention to its weight so that it can be easy to carry. It should be light in weight and can easily roll up. We already discussed these things how to roll up a mat. You should read it.

Environmental Impact

What kind of environment in which you are going to practice yoga? If your environment is not so good then you should choose an eco-friendly mat option that can be found in these sustainable materials like natural rubber and cork.

Price vs. Quality

If you are searching for a budget-friendly mat, the options will be different and if you are searching for quality then the options will be different depending on your requirement. You can see PVC material for a cost-effective mat and other materials like rubber or cork for extra high quality.

Allergy Considerations

Do you have an allergy to latex? If yes, you need to move towards natural rubber mats instead of other materials like PVC or TPE. Cork mats can also be used in this case.

Size

If you are taller you should choose a large-size mat otherwise standard yoga mat will work for you. Standard yoga mats are 68 inches long and 24 inches.

Picking a Yoga Mat for Special Practices

Lastly, if you are planning for certain poses to practice like Bikram / Hot yoga. In this case, we need such a mat material that can absorb sweat because in hot yoga we sweat a lot and prevent slipping. You can choose from these two options.

Liforme Yoga Mat:

The best option for hot yoga due to its superior grip and better absorption.

Gaiam Sol Dry-Grip Yoga Mat:

The second best option is Gaiam Sol Dry-Grip Yoga Mat as it provides better traction and can absorb more sweat during hot yoga sessions.

Final Words for How to Choose a Yoga Mat for Beginners

We have a huge range of yoga mats available and need to choose a right one that can fulfill our needs. Just finalize your needs and you can easily choose a good fit for you. The few things you need to consider like size, material, thickness, durability, longevity, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Choose as per your needs.

I have also shared some of the best yoga mats concerning how to choose a yoga mat for beginners even for the obese. You can choose any one of them. Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Best Yoga Mat Cleaner: We all know that yoga exercises are just for wellness and body fitness along with inner peace or mental health that can only achieved in a hygienic environment. And a hygienic environment is only possible when we keep our yoga mats clean regularly. Whether you are using a well-known brand mat or any other material mat, cleaning is always necessary to make your mat fresh, safe, and long-lasting.

Several ways are available to clean your mat such as commercial cleaners. This option can be a little bit expensive. On the other hand, we also have a lot of options to make homemade yoga mats cleaner which is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option.

Why We Need to Clean Yoga Mat?

We need to clean our yoga mats due to several reasons such as dirt, dust, and sweating a lot during hot yoga. Several germs or bacteria stick over the mat making the mat dirty.

These reasons become the cause of different allergies and unpleasant odors, and even if we don’t clean our mats they lose their grip. So our mats become slippery and the hygienic environment turns to unhygienic. That’s why it is most necessary to clean our yoga mats regularly to keep save healthy and happy.

Understanding Your Yoga Mat Material

You should also know about your yoga mat material before starting its cleaning process as each material requires a different level of care for its durability.

Cork Yoga Mats:

Along with a number of features Cork material also has antimicrobial property that makes it hygienic the problem is that it absorbs the sweat and dirt that makes the mat filthy. So, that’s why it is necessary to clean the cork yoga mat with a natural cleaner that doesn’t have a bad impact on its long-lasting.

Natural Rubber Yoga Mats:

Natural Rubber material is also a good option for a hygienic environment but it absorbs microbial. So, we can easily clean a natural rubber material yoga mat with a natural cleaner that can preserve its texture and the stickiness.

Manduka Yoga Mats:

Manduka is a big name due to its durability and high-quality mats but cleaning yoga mats is still necessary to maintain their gripping level. In the case of Manduka Yoga Mats, cleaning, you can use the homemade cleaner or the Manduka commercial cleaner to extend their life.

PVC or Synthetic Mats:

These material mats are widely used due to their durability and cost effective but this material mat absorbs bacteria or other types of germs. So in the case of PVC material, we require a deep cleaning to make it hygienic.

Let’s take a look at some of the DIY recipes through which we can clean our mat easily and without any cost.

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner Recipes

Homemade Yoga Mat Cleaner Spray

You can make this homemade recipe easily at your home and it will be a good option if you will use it after every yoga or exercise session to avoid deep cleaning. You can use this homemade yoga mat spray on almost all types of yoga mats and its ingredients are mostly available in all the kitchens.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of water (distilled or filtered) it’s on you
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
• 5-10 drops of any oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint

How to Make it?

Arrange a spray bottle and make the mixture of water and vinegar in it. Now put some drops of any essential oil available at your home. Lavender is a good option due to its natural antibacterial features. Anyways, now shake well the solution and our recipe is ready to use. You can directly apply it to your mat. Wipe your mat with a yoga mat towel.

Make sure, the yoga mat is dry before storing it. This will save the mat from an unpleasant odor.

Keep in mind, the homemade cleaners will work perfectly only if you are cleaning your mat daily but is not recommended for deep cleaning or cleaning after a long duration.

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner Without Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is largely used in cleaners. Some people don’t like its strong odor so let’s explore a new recipe for homemade DIY yoga mat cleaner without Tea Tree Oil.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar that can be white or witch hazel
• 10 drops of lavender and eucalyptus essential oil

How to Make it?

The making process is so simple just get a spray bottle and put the mixture of water and vinegar in it. After that put the essential oil drops in this mixture and shake well. Now your homemade DIY yoga mat cleaning spray is ready. Use this spray with a towel to clean the mat.

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner Without Witch Hazel

Let’s take a look at a new recipe to make the DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner Without Witch Hazel as a few of us have skin sensitivity issues with it.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 5-10 drops of lemon
• 5-10 drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil

How to Make it?
The making process is the same as in the above recipes.

All these recipes can be used to clean all types of yoga mats including cork & natural rubber mats. But keep in mind, that all these will not work well for deep cleaning. They can only help you if you have a habit of cleaning your mat daily after practice.

Top Picks for Best Yoga Mat Cleaners

Manduka Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner

Manduka Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner is a choice of a large amount of people especially those who are using Manduka yoga mats to prolong their life and keep them in new condition. Why do so many people use this cleaner? The simplest reason is this cleaner does not have harmful chemicals as an ingredient. That’s why it works well without causing any allergy or irritation.

Simply put the spray over the mat and use the yoga mat towel to clean it. After the cleaning, wait till the mat becomes dry before storing it.

Pros:

• Specifically designated for yoga mats without any harmful substance.
• Wide range of scents such as Lavender as per taste.

Cons:

• A little bit more expensive than other cleaners.

Gaiam Yoga Mat Cleaner

Gaiam is also offering its yoga mat cleaner. Several people prefer Gaiam products due to their quality and effectiveness. You can easily buy Gaiam Yoga Mat Cleaner spray bottles from their own website or other marketplaces like Amazon or eBay.

It’s made from organic essential oils that not only clean but also leave a refreshing scent.

Pros:

• Gaiam Yoga Mat Cleaner is organic without harmful substances.
• Easy-to-use spray bottle.

Cons:

• Comparatively, expensive than other cleaners.

Tips for Cleaning Your Yoga Mat

The most preferred practice is to clean your mat after its use. Make it a habit. This thing has a lot of advantages, for example, no need to deep clean your mat for a long time, and your mat will be long-lasting durable and environmentally friendly. You can save yourself from a lot of germs, allergies, and a lot more other health issues.

It is recommended to use commercial sprays for deep cleaning and try to use the same brand for cleaning spray as your mat has. Read the instructions carefully before starting the cleaning process. Always try to avoid harsh chemicals for cleaning to stay healthy and enjoy the blessings of life.

Conclusion

If you make a habit of daily yoga mat cleaning, you can easily use homemade yoga mat cleaners. All materials of yoga mats can be easily cleaned with them including cork and rubber material yoga mats. The homemade yoga mat cleaners will not properly clean a full of dust or filthy yoga mats. For this purpose, you should use commercial yoga mat cleaners. In the case of commercial yoga mat cleaners, we have shared a few cleaners that are widely used without harm.

Share your thoughts in our comments section regarding Best Yoga Mat Cleaners.