Cleaning At-Home Exercise Gear

I love doing yoga at home. It’s quiet, there’s no sweaty people next to me, and I can do it whenever I want. As a working mom, I don’t have the time or money for expensive studios, so I make my own in the living room.

But yesterday during my workout, I noticed a few dirty smudges on my mat. Eek! I wondered when was the last time I cleaned my mat…or the rest of my exercise stuff? I couldn’t remember, which means maybe never.

I was kinda grossed out thinking about all the sweat (and maybe some spilled Live It Up because I always drink it after yoga) on my mat.

Turns out, it’s really not that hard to clean your gear. And cleaning it makes it last longer! Here are the simple steps I took to keep my home studio clean and peaceful. 

What You'll Need

For everything:

• Microfiber cloths (a few!)
• A spray bottle
• A HeySunday laundry detergent sheet
• Warm water

Optional:

• White vinegar (for extra disinfecting power)
• Tea tree oil or other essential oils (for a pleasant scent – use sparingly!)

How To Do It

Yoga Mat

1. Prep: If your mat is super dusty or has any visible debris, give it a quick wipe down with a dry cloth or even a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. This is especially helpful if you practice in a shared space in your home.
2. The Wash: In your spray bottle, dissolve 1 HeySunday laundry sheet with warm water. If you want a little extra germ-fighting power, add a splash of white vinegar (about a tablespoon). You can also add a drop or two of tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties and fresh scent.
3. Spray and Wipe: Lightly spray the entire surface of your mat with the cleaning solution. Don’t soak it! Then, using a clean microfiber cloth, wipe it down thoroughly, paying extra attention to areas where your hands and feet usually go.
4. Rinse (Optional but Recommended): For a really deep clean, you can rinse your mat with clean water in the shower or with a hose (if you’re outside). Just make sure to squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
5. Dry Time: The most important step! Lay your mat flat to air dry completely. You can drape it over a few chairs, a drying rack, or even your shower rod. Never put it in the dryer! This can damage the material. Make sure it’s totally dry before rolling it up to prevent mildew, especially important in a home environment.

Hand Weights

1. Spray and Wipe: In your spray bottle, dissolve a HeySunday laundry detergent sheet in warm water. Lightly spray the weights and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth.
2. Detail Work: For textured weights or those with grooves, use a cotton swab or a small brush (like an old toothbrush) to get into those hard-to-reach spots.
3. Dry: Wipe the weights dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Exercise Ball

1. Spray and Wipe: Just like with the weights, dissolve a HeySunday laundry detergent sheet in warm water in your spray bottle. Spray the entire surface of the ball and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth.
2. Dry: Wipe the ball dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Since it’s a larger surface, you might want to let it air dry for a little while longer to ensure it’s completely dry.

Extra Tips

• Frequency: Aim to clean your yoga mat and exercise ball at least once a week, or more often if you use them frequently for your at-home workouts. Hand weights can be wiped down after each use.
• Spot Cleaning: For small stains or marks, you can spot clean with a damp cloth and a little bit of dish soap.
• Storage: Store your equipment in a cool, dry place within your home. Avoid storing your yoga mat in direct sunlight, as this can cause it to deteriorate.

Not too bad, right? I think it’s totally worth it — I deserve to have clean, long-lasting gear for my ‘me’ time, and you do, too.