Spring Cleaning for Yogis & Hoopers

Today is the first day of Spring! A little more sunshine and a little rain to wake up outdoor life. I officially started my home spring cleaning two weeks ago... then I lost motivation and stopped about halfway through. Hopefully I'll finish this week. Today I want to cover a little spring cleaning that tends to go overlooked. Sping cleaning for your hoops, mats, yoga accessories, and practice space.

Source: http://visboo.com/smiling-owls.html

Hoop Care:
Reshaping: If your hoop has gotten out of shape, if you can, let it sit in the sun for awhile. At the very least, get it to room temperature. Once warm, push down on your hoop gently to reshape it. Be careful not to press down with your toes by standing on the hoop as you CAN crush it.

Cleaning: A slightly damp sponge or washcloth with a small amount of soap is the best way to get smudges off. Be careful not to use anything abrasive on decorative tapes.
- via YourHoop

Source: http://wins.failblog.org/2011/01/03/epic-win-photos-snowman-cookies-win/

Mat Care:
Even if you regularly wipe it down - give your mat a little extra TLC for spring. Maybe treat it with a nice essential oil cleaner. If you haven't been cleaning it regularly - then please take a day to give it a BIG WASH. Having a clean mat is like slipping into crisp clean sheets at night. For detailed mat care info click here.

It's also the perfect time to assess if your mat or accessories need replacing. If your practice is leaving you covered in bits of mat, your non-slip yoga towels are looking stained and losing their grip, or your strap is looking threadbare - it's time to find new uses for the old items and bring in new (hopefully eco-friendly) gear.

Clearly from Desperate Housewives

Yoga Accessories Care:
Straps: Usually washing machine safe. Throw it in with a load of towels.
Blocks: Give em a good scrub with a damp cloth and essential oil spray just like your yoga mat.
Non-slip Towels: Hopefully you wash these often - make extra sure to do it today.
Blankets: Wash/Dry just like any other blanket.
Bolsters: Most have a removable cover that can be tossed in the washing machine and hung to dry. The inside can usually take a ride in the dryer to freshen. Especially if you have a steam sanitize option.
Eye Pillows: Most have a removable cover that can be washed. Otherwise you can try spot cleaning them with a damp cloth. Careful though - most are filled with something you really don't want to get wet.
Make/Buy: a new bottle of mat cleaner.

Source: http://pinterest.com/

Dedicated Yoga Space at Home:
Take special care when cleaning your sacred space. Put on some kirtan tunes or chant a mantra while you clean it. You've infused everything with good sacred energy - don't throw that away by getting haphazard with your actions today.

Take everything out and give the floors a hardy cleanse. Wipe down altar figures and shelves, cleanse all the ashes from your incense holders, wipe the pictures, freshen the candle supply, and hand wash any delicate altar cloths or curtains. Sweep out your prop closets and make sure your light bulbs and windows aren't grimy. Make sure your prayer flags aren't gathering cobwebs and rinse/wipe your offering bowls. Remove any funky plants and bring in some fresh marigolds or something. Open a window to allow some sunshine and fresh air to circulate through if the weather allows.

Bonus Tip: Asana!
If you've made it this far then you will likely enjoy a little asana detox work. Spring is a great time to incorporate more TWISTS into your sessions.