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The euphoric feeling of knowing that you're about to get your zen on for an awesome yoga session can evaporate quickly when you reach for a stinky, bacteria-ridden mat. And chances are they're all going to be relatively stinky and bacteria-ridden. As necessary as mats are for a comfortable practice, they're also perfect breeding grounds for a number of problematic bacteria, such as the flu virus or even foot fungi.
These risks can be reduced by taking a few simple precautionary measures. First, avoid the communal mats whenever possible. Instead, invest in a personal mat (there are cheap ones out there!) for your use only. When it comes time to go to class, layer a microfibre towel on top of the mat to keep it dry — you can always toss the towel in the wash after, but not so much with your entire mat. Finally, air-dry your mat after a session.
Once you get the basics down, scroll through to discover the best cleaning products to keep your mat (and your practice) squeaky clean!