How to clean a yoga mat without wrecking the grip

Step by step: how to clean a yoga mat without wrecking the grip

Safety first. Natural rubber mats contain latex. If you have a latex allergy, check the material before you buy or handle one, even if it is labeled mostly latex free.

1. 1

   Find out what your mat is made of

   Check the brand’s product page or the tag. PVC and closed-cell mats (like the Manduka PRO) handle more cleaning; natural rubber and open-cell mats with a suede-like or polyurethane top absorb liquid and need gentler care. The method below changes slightly by material.

2. 2

   Wipe down after every practice

   Mist the mat lightly with water or a mat cleaner and wipe it with a microfiber cloth from top to bottom, then flip and do the underside if it touched a dirty floor. Wiping before sweat dries keeps stains and odor from building up.

3. 3

   Mix a gentle deep-clean solution

   For mats whose maker allows soap, add two to four drops of mild dish soap to a spray bottle of warm water. For natural rubber, use plain water or a cleaner made for rubber, since soap can leave the surface slippery and break the rubber down.

4. 4

   Spray the whole mat and let it sit

   Lay the mat flat and spray it evenly until the surface is damp but not dripping. Let it sit for one to two minutes so the cleaner can loosen sweat and skin oils.

5. 5

   Scrub the hand and foot zones

   Wipe the mat in overlapping strokes with a soft cloth, pressing a little harder on the darker areas where your hands and feet land. Avoid scrub pads and stiff brushes, which tear the surface and wear away the grip.

6. 6

   Wipe with clean water

   Rinse the cloth in plain water, wring it out, and wipe the whole mat again to remove any soap residue. Residue is the usual cause of a mat feeling slick after cleaning.

7. 7

   Dry flat or hanging, out of the sun

   Hang the mat over a chair or shower rod, or leave it flat, in a well-ventilated room away from direct sunlight until it is completely dry, usually 30 minutes to a few hours. To speed it up, roll it in a dry towel and press out the moisture first.

8. 8

   Roll it the right way

   Roll the mat only once it is fully dry, top side facing out for closed-cell mats so the corners lie flat. Store it somewhere cool and dry, not in a hot car or a sunny window.

How to clean a yoga mat by material

The material decides what is safe. Manduka’s mat care page gives different instructions for its closed-cell PRO mats, natural rubber eKO mats and open-cell GRP hot yoga mats, and the same split applies to other brands.

JadeYoga warns that alcohol, petroleum-based solvents, soaps and high concentrations of essential oils can dry out natural rubber, discolor it and make it slippery, and recommends a weekly wipe with a damp cloth.

What should you not use on a yoga mat?

Skip bleach, vinegar, alcohol, abrasive pads, the washing machine and the bathtub. Nike’s yoga mat guide recommends warm water with two to four drops of mild dish soap and a soft cloth, warns that bleach, alcohol and vinegar may degrade the mat, and says not to machine wash or submerge it.

• Soaking forces water into the core of the mat, where it stays and turns musty.
• Vinegar and alcohol can dry out rubber and break down surface coatings over time.
• Direct sun oxidizes natural rubber, which turns it pale, brittle and flaky.
• Using a cleaner other than the brand’s own can, for some brands, affect the warranty. Manduka says untested solutions can void its lifetime guarantee on PRO mats.

Do you need to disinfect a yoga mat?

Usually not at home. Manduka’s care guide suggests disinfecting only when the mat has been exposed to germs, such as shared studio mats or after an illness, and regular cleaning the rest of the time.

When you do disinfect a closed-cell mat, follow the product label for how long the surface must stay wet, often about 5 minutes, then rinse it off with a clean damp cloth so no residue is left. Do not use disinfectant on open-cell hot yoga mats, which absorb the liquid. Wash your hands and feet before class too; it keeps the mat cleaner than any spray.

Cleaning the rest of your workout gear? Our guides on cleaning sneakers and cleaning a water bottle cover the other things that go in your gym bag.

Mistakes to avoid

• Rolling the mat up while it is still damp, which traps moisture and smells.
• Soaking the mat in the bathtub or putting it in the washing machine.
• Using vinegar, alcohol or soap on a natural rubber mat.
• Leaving soap residue behind, which makes the surface slippery.
• Drying or storing the mat in direct sunlight or a hot car.
• Spraying disinfectant on an open-cell hot yoga mat.