Choosing and Caring for your Yoga Mat

Shiva (Neil) Edsall

The purpose of a yoga mat is to provide a no slip surface on which to practice asana and provide slight cushioning (too much cushioning and you’ll find it difficult to ground in standing and balancing poses) when practicing on hard surfaces. Recently yoga mats started coming in several different materials and styles (and a myriad of colors and patterns), however a good majority of mats (sticky mats) are still made of PVC. Other materials include natural rubber blends, foam, cotton, hemp, jute, and even bamboo fiber. Most mats come in a standard length of 68” or “long” up to 72”, and in two basic thicknesses 2mm (1/8”) and 4mm (1/4”), some manufacturers offer thicker and there are a couple thinner styles, one which I refer to as an ashtanga mat which would be used under an ashtanga rug or alone, the other is sold as a travel mat because you can fold it into your suitcase.

All mats wear out eventually, some sooner (much sooner) than others, pretty much you get what you pay for. The pvc, foam, and rubber blends shred or pill away as little pieces of “confetti”. I haven’t tested many natural fiber mats, however I think common sense would say that the fibers would begin to fray or unravel eventually. Aside from price it’s pretty much a matter of personal preference (I prefer to use “eco-friendly mats”, like the Jade Harmony that we sell). I believe a thinner mat provides more stability in standing and balancing postures, however some people like the added cushion of a thicker mat under sore knees or backs (a strategically placed blanket can give the same cushion).

So how do you care for your mat? Start by checking any label or packaging for manufacturer’s care instructions (don’t just throw it out, I know your excited to check out your new mat). What’s that you say, you already threw out the packaging, or you’ve had your mat for a long time, or someone gave you their old mat (ew, yuk, and so on). Don’t worry, as a yoga studio owner I have had to care for many (too many) mats over the years. Most new sticky mats have a slippery, oily film on them (a leftover from the manufacturing process). Start by giving your mat a sponge bath with a white vinegar and water solution to remove the film, and then rinse with water. This type of mat has a consistency like a sponge and will soak up liquid and take a long time to dry, so go easy on the water. Lay out the mat with a dry absorbent towel, roll them together tightly and squeeze out (step on it) excess water then unroll and let the mat dry completely before using.

Light soiling on our mat is easily cured by a damp sponge or spray bottle of water and a couple of drops of dish soap. Rinse and dry, and we’re good to go. Ok, so what do we do when our mat gets really dirty or funky smelling, you know what I mean, like when the dog likes it so much they roll around on it trying to get the smell on them. WASH it. I have actually washed mats in my washing machine with a couple of towels for years and never had a problem, however I did have a student come to me with a mat with a huge gouge in it after I told them to use the washing machine. If that’s too scary (like watching Psycho late at night alone) you can always wash it by hand. Soak it in the bath tub, weighted down by a towel or something, use a mild soap like dish detergent and a sponge and gently scrub. Be sure to rinse out all the soap or the next time you start sweating in class you’ll think you’re floating on a cloud and really it’ll just be a giant soap bubble. Be sure to roll the mat with a towel and squeeze out any excess water before hanging it to dry or you’ll be quite a bit older before it dries (especially the thicker mats).

As a natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial we have made solutions of fresh boiled ginger or tea tree oil and sprayed our mats down with these solutions before rinsing with clear water and drying.

The only thing left is to get on your mat and use it (take two asanas and call me in the morning).