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How to Wash Hot Yoga Towels – Methods, Tips & Tricks
September 26, 2024
-
By
Sophia Grant
Hot yoga is unique in that it’s performed under hot (and often humid) conditions. Take Bikram yoga, for instance, it involves doing various stretches for 90 minutes in a heated room (typically it’ll be set to 105 F). Due to the heat, your heart rate will go up as you exercise and stretch.
As you can imagine, hot yoga practice is not for everyone. For example, it’s not a good idea if you have heart disease or a history of heat-released illnesses. Even if you have no health concerns, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during and after the session.
Hot Yoga Equipment
For hot yoga, you’ll need a set of comfortable clothes – ones that won’t restrict your movement – as well as a yoga towel and yoga mat.
The former will increase your grip by absorbing your sweat so that you won’t be sliding around on your mat, which can lead to injuries.
Certain exercises may also require other equipment such as yoga blocks.
Keeping Your Yoga Towel Clean
Your towel’s going to be dirty by the time you’re done your hot yoga session. Given that, we highly recommend washing it once you get home. The last thing you want to do is to leave your hot yoga towel in the car; that will only cause it to smell.
Fortunately, yoga towels are not that difficult to clean.
Popular Yoga Gear Brands
There are many brands that make yoga towels. Here are some of the most common ones:
Manduka
Manduka has been around for over two decades. Aside from clothing, they also sell towels, bags, straps, and mats, all of which are eco-friendly. For instance, many of them are made from plant-based materials and organic cotton.
prAna
PrAna is another brand that specializes in environmentally friendly activewear. For one thing, all of their clothes are made from organic cotton, recycled wool, or recycled polyester. Their catalog also includes bags, totes, towels, mats, straps, and more.
Athleta
Athleta is another brand that emphases on eco-friendliness and sustainability. Their clothes, for example, are made from organic and recycled fabrics. They also sell an assortment of yoga gear including blankets, mats, water bottles, and more.
Alo
Alo sells everything that you need for your yoga class. Besides clothing, they also offer mats, bags, shoes, water bottles, towels, and more.
How to Wash Yoga Towels
Yoga towels are typically made of synthetic materials such as polyester, which allows them to dry faster. Not only that but they’re also lightweight, durable, and absorbent. Some also come with silicone dots that provide extra grip.
Putting Your Yoga Towels in the Washing Machine
Hot yoga towels can be put in the washing machine, just like regular towels.
Step 1: Sort Your Laundry
If you’re washing a mixed load, be sure to sort everything first. For example, light-colored yoga towels should be washed with light-colored garments to prevent dye transfer.
Step 2: Put Them in the Machine
Place your towels and garments in the washing machine. If necessary, use a laundry bag to separate the items.
Step 3: Add Detergent
Measure and add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent. Do not use fabric softener; it will leave a coating on your towels that will retain odors.
Step 4: Run a Wash Cycle
Run a wash cycle on a gentle setting. For the best results, use hot water.
Step 5: Tumble Dry
Transfer the towels to the dryer and tumble dry on low.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bags (optional)
Don’t leave your towels in the washing machine after washing – the moisture will breed bacteria and mold.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
The ultimate laundry detergent for yoga towels. Removes sweat, body oils and more!
How to Wash Yoga Towels By Hand
You can also wash your yoga towels by hand in a large sink or bathtub.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Towel (optional)
Step 1:
Fill a sink with warm water and add a bit of ACTIVE Detergent. Using your hands, agitate the water until the powder is completely dissolved.
Step 2:
Place the yoga towel in the sink, gently patting it down until it’s completely saturated with the solution.
Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, longer if your towels are excessively stinky – that will give the detergent time to dissolve and break down the sweat and dirt.
Step 3:
After soaking, rinse the yoga towel with water. Make sure there’s no soap left on the towel before transferring it to a clean surface.
Step 4:
Gently squeeze out the extra water then let it air dry. If necessary, you can use another towel to remove the excess moisture.
Deodorizing Your Yoga Towels
Washing the towel with detergent will do the trick most of the time. Sometimes, however, you’ll need some extra deodorizing power.
Wash With Hot Water and White Vinegar
White vinegar is slightly acidic and can be used to eliminate odor-causing agents.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
Step 1:
Place your yoga towel in the washing machine and pour one cup of white vinegar into the drum. There’s no need to add any detergent, the vinegar will do the job.
Step 2:
Run a wash cycle with hot water.
For extra smelly towels, consider soaking them in a vinegar-water solution for at least 20 minutes before washing.
Wash With Hot Water and Baking Soda
Baking soda is a fantastic deodorizing agent. Similar to vinegar, you can add it to your load to get rid of any unwanted odors. Not only will it make your towels smell fresh but they’ll also look brighter and whiter.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
Step 1:
Measure 1/2 a cup of baking soda and pour it directly into the drum. If you want, you can also use detergent as normal.
Step 2:
Run a wash cycle with hot water.
If necessary, you can also soak your towels in baking soda beforehand.
Best Detergent For Yoga Towels
Yoga towels are typically made of synthetic materials such as polyester, which is why ACTIVE Detergent is the best product to use.
Unlike regular detergents, it is specifically made for polyester and other synthetic materials. For one thing, it contains three kinds of plant-based enzymes that are capable of breaking down sweat and dirt that are trapped within the fibers.
The end result? Fresh-smelling garments. If you want, you can even use it to clean yoga mats as well as other equipment used in your hot yoga class.
What’s more, is that the the formula is all-natural and hypoallergenic. This makes it an ideal choice for those with sensitivities.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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