Yogitoes: Proper Washing, Drying, and Maintenance

How to wash yogitoes?

Properly washing your Yogitoes Skidless Mat Towel involves a gentle machine wash or hand wash with cold water and mild detergent, followed by air drying, to preserve its unique silicone nubs and maintain its grip and hygiene.

Understanding Your Yogitoes Mat Towel

Yogitoes mat towels are renowned for their patented Skidless® Technology, featuring silicone nubs on the underside designed to grip your yoga mat, preventing slippage during practice. This innovative design offers superior stability and hygiene, especially during hot yoga or intense sessions where sweat is prevalent. However, the integrity of these silicone nubs, along with the towel's absorbent fabric, is paramount to its performance and longevity. Regular and correct cleaning is not just about hygiene; it's about preserving the specialized materials that make Yogitoes effective.

Why Proper Cleaning is Crucial

The environment of a yoga studio, combined with the nature of intense physical activity, means your Yogitoes towel accumulates sweat, body oils, skin cells, and environmental dust. Without proper cleaning, this accumulation can lead to:

• Bacterial Growth and Odor: A damp, warm towel is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, leading to unpleasant odors and potential skin irritations.
• Compromised Grip: Residue buildup can diminish the effectiveness of the silicone nubs, causing the towel to slip more on your mat. Fabric softener, in particular, can coat the fibers and reduce absorbency and grip.
• Material Degradation: Harsh chemicals, high temperatures, or aggressive washing methods can damage the silicone nubs, causing them to crack, peel, or lose their adhesive quality. They can also degrade the towel's fabric, affecting its absorbency and feel.
• Reduced Lifespan: Incorrect washing accelerates wear and tear, significantly shortening the useful life of your investment.

The Recommended Washing Method: Machine Washing

For most Yogitoes towels, machine washing is the recommended and most efficient method, provided specific guidelines are followed to protect the silicone nubs and fabric.

• Preparation:

  • Before washing, give your towel a good shake outdoors to remove any loose debris, hair, or surface dust.
  • Do not wash your Yogitoes towel with items that have zippers, hooks, or rough textures that could snag or damage the fabric or silicone nubs. It is best to wash it separately or with other soft, similar items like other yoga towels or delicate laundry.

• Water Temperature:

  • Always use cold water. Hot water can cause the silicone nubs to degrade, potentially detaching them from the fabric, and can also lead to color fading or shrinkage of the towel material.

• Detergent Selection:

  • Opt for a mild, eco-friendly liquid detergent. Avoid powdered detergents, which may not fully dissolve and can leave residue.
  • Crucially, never use bleach or fabric softener. Bleach can damage the fabric and silicone, while fabric softener leaves a coating on the fibers that reduces the towel's absorbency and makes the silicone nubs less effective at gripping.

• Wash Cycle:

  • Select a gentle cycle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. This minimizes agitation, protecting both the fabric and the silicone nubs from excessive stress.

Alternative Washing Method: Hand Washing

Hand washing is an excellent alternative, especially if you prefer a gentler approach or if your washing machine doesn't have a suitable delicate cycle.

• Fill a Basin: Fill a clean basin or tub with cold water.
• Add Detergent: Add a small amount of mild, liquid detergent to the water.
• Submerge and Swish: Submerge the Yogitoes towel completely and gently swish it around. You can lightly agitate the towel by hand, focusing on areas that may be dirtier.
• Soak (Optional): For heavily soiled towels, a short soak (15-30 minutes) can be beneficial, but avoid prolonged soaking to prevent dye bleeding.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and rinse the towel thoroughly under cold, running water until all detergent residue is gone. Squeeze gently to remove excess water.

Drying Your Yogitoes Mat Towel

This is perhaps the most critical step to ensure the longevity of your Yogitoes towel.

• Air Dry ONLY: Never put your Yogitoes towel in a tumble dryer, especially on a heat setting. The heat will severely damage the silicone nubs, causing them to melt, crack, peel, or lose their grip entirely.
• Hanging Method:
  • Hang your towel to air dry. A clothesline, a drying rack, or even draped over a shower rod are suitable options.
  • Ensure there is good air circulation around the towel to facilitate even drying and prevent mildew.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight (Prolonged): While a little sun exposure can be fine, prolonged direct sunlight can cause colors to fade over time. Aim for a shaded, well-ventilated area if possible.
• Ensure Complete Dryness: Before folding and storing, ensure the towel is completely dry. Storing a damp towel can lead to mildew growth and odor.

Tips for Maintaining Your Yogitoes Mat Towel

Beyond the washing process, a few habits can extend the life and performance of your Yogitoes towel:

• Wash Frequency: Wash your towel after every 1-3 uses, depending on the intensity of your practice and how much you sweat. For hot yoga, washing after every use is recommended.
• Spot Cleaning: For small spills or dirt, you can spot clean with a damp cloth and a tiny bit of mild soap, then rinse the area thoroughly and air dry.
• Storage: Once completely dry, roll or fold your Yogitoes towel neatly. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Avoid storing it tightly compressed for long periods, as this can affect the silicone nubs.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep your towel away from harsh cleaning sprays, essential oils (undiluted), or other chemicals that could interact negatively with the silicone or fabric.

Conclusion

Caring for your Yogitoes Skidless Mat Towel is a straightforward process that, when followed correctly, ensures its longevity, maintains its superior grip, and upholds hygiene standards. By committing to cold, gentle washing and, most importantly, air drying, you preserve the innovative design elements that make your Yogitoes towel an essential part of your yoga practice, allowing you to focus on your flow with confidence and stability.