Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Your Mat Material
- How to Clean the Combo Mat
- Caring for Your Cork Yoga Mat
- Maintaining Your Infinity Mat
- DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes
- Why You Should Never Leave Your Mat in the Sun
- Proper Storage for Longevity
- The Role of Yoga Towels
- Saucha: The Yoga of Cleanliness
- Troubleshooting Common Mat Issues
- Choosing the Right Gear for Your Lifestyle
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
We have all been there: you are settling into a deep Child’s Pose, forehead resting on the mat, and instead of finding your Zen, you find a faint, lingering scent of last Tuesday’s Vinyasa. It is a common moment for any dedicated practitioner, but it is also a sign that your most important piece of gear needs some attention. At Yoga Design Lab, we believe that your mat is more than just a tool; it is a sanctuary that supports your practice, and keeping it clean is an essential part of the ritual.
Knowing how to properly care for your mat is not just about hygiene. It is about honoring the investment you have made in your practice and the planet. Whether you are flowing on a natural rubber base or a recycled microfiber top, each material requires a specific touch to maintain its performance and longevity. This guide will walk you through the best practices for daily maintenance, deep cleaning, and the natural recipes that keep your space fresh. If you are still comparing options, browse our yoga mat collection.
Understanding Your Mat Material
Before you reach for the spray bottle, you must understand what your mat is made of. Not all mats are created equal, and using the wrong cleaning method can actually damage the materials or strip away the grip you rely on during a sweaty session. You can also learn more through our sustainability story.
Most mats fall into two categories: open-cell and closed-cell. Closed-cell mats are non-porous. They do not absorb sweat or moisture, which makes them very durable and easy to wipe clean. However, they can become slippery when you start to sweat. Open-cell mats are porous and designed to absorb moisture, providing excellent grip during hot yoga. Because they act like a sponge, they require more frequent deep cleaning to prevent bacteria from building up inside the mat.
We focus on sustainable materials that balance these needs. Our signature mats often use natural tree rubber, recycled PET microfiber, and renewable cork. Each of these requires a slightly different approach to care to ensure they stay as beautiful as the day you first rolled them out.
How to Clean the Combo Mat
The signature Yoga Design Lab Combo Yoga Mat is a favorite for hot yoga because it bonds a natural tree rubber base to a recycled PET microfiber top. It functions as a mat and towel in one. Because the microfiber top is designed to absorb moisture and activate grip when wet, it needs regular cleaning to stay fresh.
Daily Maintenance
After every practice, especially a sweaty one, give your mat a quick wipe. Use a damp cloth with plain water or a very mild, natural cleaning solution. This removes surface oils and salt from your sweat that can dull the vibrant, water-based prints over time. For a more detailed routine, see how to clean a yoga mat.
Deep Cleaning
One of the best features of this specific construction is that it is machine washable. This is a rare find in the yoga world and makes deep cleaning much simpler.
Step 1: Place your mat in the washing machine alone on a gentle, cold-water cycle.
Step 2: Use a small amount of mild, eco-friendly detergent. Never use bleach or fabric softeners, as these will destroy the microfiber’s grip.
Step 3: To speed up drying, wrap the wet mat in a large towel and squeeze out the excess water.
Step 4: Hang the mat to air dry. Do not put it in the dryer.
Key Takeaway: Machine washing should be reserved for deep cleans only. For everyday use, a light spray and wipe will maintain the microfiber and keep the colors bright.
Caring for Your Cork Yoga Mat
Cork is one of the most sustainable and high-performance materials available. It is naturally antimicrobial, meaning it resists the growth of mold, mildew, and odors. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a low-maintenance, eco-friendly surface, especially on our Cork Yoga Mat.
The Gentle Touch
Because cork is a natural bark, it does not like to be soaked. If you saturate a cork mat, the water can get trapped between the cork layer and the rubber base, potentially causing the layers to separate over time.
Step 1: Use a soft cloth dampened with water and a tiny drop of mild soap.
Step 2: Wipe the entire surface in circular motions.
Step 3: If you have a stubborn spot, use a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar.
Step 4: Always let the mat lay flat to dry completely before rolling it up.
Note: Never use a scrub brush or abrasive sponge on cork. This can scratch the surface and wear down the natural texture that provides your grip.
Maintaining Your Infinity Mat
The Infinity Yoga Mat is designed for ultimate grip and cushion. It features a soft, textured surface that is excellent for all styles of yoga. To keep this surface "sticky" and supportive, you must avoid any cleaners that contain oils.
Oils are the enemy of a high-grip mat. They fill in the tiny textures of the surface, making it slick. Even natural essential oils should be used very sparingly on these types of mats. A simple solution of water with a dash of tea tree oil is usually enough to disinfect without leaving a residue.
Regular Care Routine
- Wipe down the mat after each use with a damp cloth.
- For a deeper clean, use a soft sponge and a mild, oil-free dish soap.
- Rinse with a clean, damp cloth to ensure no soap residue remains.
- Hang to dry out of direct sunlight.
DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes
Many commercial mat cleaners contain harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances that can irritate your skin during practice. Making your own cleaner is better for you, your mat, and the environment. Here are two simple, effective recipes.
The Everyday Refresher
This spray is perfect for all mat types, including natural rubber and microfiber. It is gentle enough for daily use and leaves a light, clean scent.
- 3 parts distilled water
- 1 part white vinegar (to kill bacteria)
- 2 drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil
Mix these in a glass spray bottle. The vinegar smell will dissipate quickly as the mat dries, leaving only a fresh scent behind.
The Deep Clean Scrub
For mats that have seen a lot of use and need a bit more power, try this solution. Use this only on closed-cell mats or for a very careful surface scrub on open-cell mats.
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon of mild, eco-friendly dish soap
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda (to neutralize odors)
Apply with a soft cloth, scrub gently, and always rinse with a fresh damp cloth afterward.
Bottom line: Natural cleaning solutions protect the integrity of eco-friendly materials like natural rubber and recycled PET while keeping your practice space free of synthetic chemicals.
Why You Should Never Leave Your Mat in the Sun
It might be tempting to hang your mat over a balcony railing on a sunny day to dry, but for most high-quality mats, this is a mistake. Natural tree rubber is biodegradable. This is great for the planet, but it also means it is sensitive to UV rays. If you want a deeper comparison of materials, read which yoga mat material is best.
Direct sunlight can cause natural rubber to become brittle, dry out, and eventually "flake" or crack. It can also cause the beautiful, water-based inks we use to fade prematurely. Always dry your mat indoors or in a shaded, well-ventilated area. If you practice outdoors, try to roll your mat up as soon as you are finished to minimize UV exposure.
Proper Storage for Longevity
How you store your mat is just as important as how you clean it. Many yogis make the mistake of rolling up their mat while it is still slightly damp. This creates a dark, moist environment—the perfect breeding ground for the very bacteria you are trying to avoid.
Always ensure your mat is bone-dry before rolling it. When you do roll it, keep the top side (the side you practice on) facing outward. This helps the mat lay flat the next time you unroll it, preventing the corners from curling up and interrupting your flow.
If you have multiple mats or props like a Cork Yoga Wheel or Bolsters, store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid keeping your mat in a hot car for long periods, as the extreme temperature can break down the adhesives and materials.
The Role of Yoga Towels
If you find yourself needing to deep clean your mat every single week, you might want to consider using a yoga towel. Our Yoga Mat Towel is made from recycled plastic bottles and acts as a protective barrier for your mat.
By placing a towel over your mat during a heated Vinyasa (movement linked with breath) session, the towel absorbs the majority of the sweat and skin oils. Towels are much easier to toss into the laundry after every class than a full-size mat. This not only keeps your practice more hygienic but also significantly extends the lifespan of your mat by reducing the frequency of heavy scrubbing.
Saucha: The Yoga of Cleanliness
In yoga philosophy, there is a concept called Saucha. This is one of the Niyamas, or internal observances, and it refers to purity and cleanliness. It applies to our bodies, our minds, and our surroundings.
When you take the time to clean your mat, you are practicing Saucha. You are clearing away the old energy of a previous practice and creating a fresh, inviting space for your next session. A clean mat allows you to focus entirely on your Pranayama (breathwork) and Asana (physical poses) without the distraction of dirt or odors. It is a small act of mindfulness that honors the time you spend on the mat.
Troubleshooting Common Mat Issues
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your mat might run into trouble. Here is how to handle common issues.
My mat has lost its grip.
This is usually caused by a buildup of body oils or soap residue. Give your mat a thorough rinse with plain water and a tiny bit of vinegar. If it is a Combo Mat, a trip through the washing machine often restores the "fuzziness" of the microfiber, which is what provides the grip.
There are white marks on my rubber mat.
This is often a natural process called "blooming." It happens with natural rubber and is not a defect. A light wipe with a damp cloth and a drop of olive oil (only on the rubber base, never the practice surface) can often resolve this, but usually, a simple water wipe is enough.
My mat still smells after cleaning.
If a surface wipe isn't working, it may be time for a deep soak or a machine wash (if the mat allows). For cork mats, ensure you are letting them dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Sometimes, the smell is trapped moisture that hasn't had the chance to evaporate. For a fuller step-by-step, see How Best to Clean Yoga Mat: Easy Steps for a Fresh Practice.
Choosing the Right Gear for Your Lifestyle
If you find that your current mat is too difficult to clean or isn't holding up to your sweat levels, it might be time to look at a different material. Someone who practices gentle Hatha once a week has very different cleaning needs than a daily hot yoga enthusiast.
For those who want the easiest possible cleaning routine, the Travel Combo Yoga Mat is a great choice. It is thin, lightweight, and can be washed frequently in the machine. If you prefer a more "set it and forget it" approach, the naturally antimicrobial properties of our Cork Mat might be the perfect fit. If you aren't sure which material suits your practice best, we recommend taking our Mat Quiz. It is a simple tool designed to help you find the perfect balance of grip, cushion, and care requirements.
Conclusion
A yoga mat is an extension of your practice. It catches your sweat, supports your joints, and provides a stable foundation for growth. By learning how to clean your mat properly, you are ensuring that it remains a beautiful and functional part of your wellness routine for years to come.
At Yoga Design Lab, we are passionate about creating gear that blends high-performance functionality with stunning, artful design. From using recycled plastic bottles to natural tree rubber, every choice we make is rooted in sustainability. We believe that when your gear is beautiful and well-cared for, you are more inspired to show up on the mat every single day.
- Identify your mat material before cleaning.
- Use natural, oil-free solutions for the best results.
- Always air dry completely before rolling.
- Protect your mat from direct sunlight.
"The way you care for your mat reflects the way you care for your practice. Treat your space with respect, and it will support you in return."
If you are ready to find a mat that matches your style and sustainability values, explore our collections or take the Mat Quiz to find your perfect match.
FAQ
Can I put my yoga mat in the washing machine?
You can machine wash the Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat and Travel Combo Mat because they are made with a durable recycled PET microfiber top bonded to natural rubber. Always use a cold, gentle cycle and avoid bleach or fabric softeners. Most other mats, especially cork or PU-based mats like the Infinity Mat, should never be put in a washing machine as it can damage the materials.
How often should I clean my yoga mat?
You should give your mat a quick wipe-down after every single practice to remove surface oils and sweat. A deeper clean should happen once a week if you practice daily, or once a month if you practice less frequently. If you are a hot yoga practitioner, you may need to deep clean your mat more often unless you use a yoga towel as a barrier.
Why does my natural rubber mat smell like a tire?
Natural rubber has a distinct, earthy scent when it is new because it is a natural material harvested from trees. This smell is not harmful and will fade significantly over time with regular use and proper ventilation. To speed up the process, you can leave your mat unrolled in a well-ventilated, shaded room for 24 to 48 hours.
Is it okay to use disinfecting wipes on my yoga mat?
Most standard household disinfecting wipes contain harsh chemicals and alcohols that can dry out natural rubber and degrade the grip of your mat over time. It is much better to use a DIY solution of water and white vinegar or a dedicated, natural yoga mat wash. If you must use a wipe in a gym setting, try to rinse the mat with a damp water-cloth afterward to remove any chemical residue.