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Care & Cleaning Tips for Yoga Mats

Your yoga mat is your foundation - where you move, breathe, rest, and reset. With simple, consistent care, your Hugger Mugger mat will stay grippy, supportive, and fresh for years of practice.

This guide covers everyday care, deep cleaning, and storage tips for most Hugger Mugger mats.

General Mat Care Guidelines

  • Practice on clean feet & hands: Rinse or wipe before practice to minimize oil and dirt buildup.

  • Avoid lotions before practice: Lotions and body oils can make mats slippery and harder to clean.

  • Wipe down after practice: A quick clean after each session helps prevent sweat and grime from settling in.

  • Roll the mat loosely: Roll it with the top (practice side) facing out to help it lie flat and preserve the surface.

Tip: Always check any specific care notes on your mat’s product page or packaging and follow those instructions first.

Daily & Weekly Cleaning

After Every Practice (Quick Clean)

A fast wipe-down keeps the mat feeling fresh and helps maintain traction:

  1. Use a mat-safe cleaner: Lightly spray our Mat Wash or a mild soap-and-water solution over the surface.

  2. Wipe with a soft cloth: Use a clean, damp cloth to spread and wipe away sweat, oils, and dirt.

  3. Air dry: Hang or lay the mat flat in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated area until completely dry before rolling.

Avoid using alcohol, harsh chemicals, or heavy essential oils directly on the mat, as they can break down the material over time.

Deeper Cleaning

Depending on how often and how intensely you practice, a deeper clean every 1–4 weeks can help reset your mat.

General Deep-Clean Method (Most Mats)

  1. Spray your mat: Lightly mist the surface with our Mat Wash, focusing on areas where your hands and feet land most often.
  2. Wipe with a soft cloth: Use a clean, damp cloth to gently work the cleaner over the surface and lift away sweat, oils, and dirt.
  3. Rinse if needed: If you’ve used a generous amount of spray, follow with a cloth dampened with clean water to remove any extra residue.
  4. Dry thoroughly: Lay the mat flat or over a drying rack, out of direct sunlight, until completely dry on both sides.

Important: Do not put your mat in the washing machine or dryer unless the product’s care instructions explicitly say it’s safe.

Special Notes by Material Type

PVC & PER Mats

  • Respond well to regular wiping with a mild cleaner or mat spray.

  • Avoid very hot water or high heat (no dryers, no leaving in hot cars).

  • Store rolled and flat—don’t fold, as creases can become permanent over time.

Natural Rubber Mats

  • Clean with a mild, non-oily, rubber-safe cleaner or a very gentle soap solution.

  • Keep away from direct sunlight and high heat, which can dry out and degrade rubber.

  • Avoid alcohol, petroleum-based cleaners, or heavy essential oils on the surface.

Cork-Top Mats

  • Cork is naturally antimicrobial and often needs less frequent cleaning.

  • For quick cleans: wipe with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap if needed.

  • Avoid soaking—too much water can seep into the base layer.

  • Allow plenty of time to air dry before rolling.

Odors, Sweat & Heavy Use

After Hot Yoga or Sweaty Sessions

  • Wipe down more thoroughly after each class.

  • Let your mat dry completely before storing - this helps prevent odors and bacteria growth.

  • If the mat feels especially slick or grimy, give it a light deep clean as described above.

Tackling Odors

  • Air out regularly: Hang your mat over a chair, rack, or shower rod in a well-ventilated space to let sweat and moisture evaporate fully.

  • Gentle refresher with Mat Wash: For everyday odor control, lightly spray your mat with our Mat Wash, then wipe it down with a soft cloth and let it air dry completely before rolling.

  • Light scent boost with Refresh Mist: When you want your mat to smell extra fresh, follow cleaning with a light spritz of Refresh Mist. Allow it to dry fully - just a light mist is enough.

What to Avoid

To keep your mat performing at its best:

  • No harsh chemicals or bleach: These can damage the material and shorten the mat’s life.

  • No abrasive scrubbers: Steel wool or rough sponges can wear away the surface texture.

  • No prolonged sunbathing: A few minutes to dry is fine, but long sun exposure can fade and break down materials.

  • No soaking in bathtubs or washing machines (unless specifically allowed)—too much water can cause warping or breakdown, especially for mats with a layered construction.

Storage Tips

How you store your mat makes a difference in how it feels under your hands and feet.

  • Let it dry first: Always roll or store your mat completely dry.

  • Roll, don’t fold: Rolling helps prevent creases and weak spots.

  • Keep it cool and dry: Store in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

  • Use a bag or strap: A mat bag or strap keeps your mat cleaner when you’re on the go and helps protect it from dust and scuffs.

When to Consider Replacing Your Mat

With regular care, your Hugger Mugger mat is built to last. Over time, you may notice signs that it’s ready for retirement:

  • The surface has bald or shiny spots where grip has worn away.

  • There are cracks, peeling, or deep indentations that don’t spring back.

  • You feel the floor more than you used to—cushioning is noticeably reduced.

When that happens, it may be time to treat yourself to a new mat so your practice stays safe, supported, and enjoyable.

Care for Your Mat, Care for Your Practice

A few mindful habits - quick wipe-downs, occasional deep cleans, and thoughtful storage - go a long way toward extending the life of your mat.

If you have questions about caring for a specific Hugger Mugger mat, our team is happy to help - contact us anytime, and we’ll help you find the best care routine for your mat and your practice.