A yoga mat sliding beneath your hands or feet instantly disrupts focus and stability, turning a grounded practice into a frustrating balancing act. This slipperiness stems from two main sources: initial manufacturing residue or the accumulation of sweat and body oils over time. New mats, especially those made from closed-cell materials like PVC, often have a thin release film applied during production to prevent them from sticking. For older mats, the constant deposition of skin cells, sweat, and lotions acts as a contaminant, creating a slick layer that compromises friction. Resolving this problem requires addressing both the mat’s inherent surface condition and the external factors introduced during practice.
Breaking In and Deep Cleaning Your Mat
A new mat often requires a “breaking in” period to remove surface residue and roughen the texture. Simply using the mat for several weeks will naturally wear away the slick coating, but you can accelerate this process. For durable, closed-cell mats, the salt scrub is highly effective. This involves coating the surface with coarse sea salt, misting it with water, letting it sit for up to 24 hours, and then scrubbing the mat with a soft brush or cloth before rinsing thoroughly.
Regular deep cleaning is necessary to address the build-up of organic materials that reduce grip. For most mat materials, a solution of water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap or a diluted white vinegar mixture (a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio of vinegar to water) works well to cut through body oils. Wipe the mat down gently with this solution, avoiding saturation, and then rinse it completely with clean water, as residual soap causes slipperiness. Always air-dry the mat completely by hanging it before rolling it up, since trapped moisture encourages microbial growth that degrades the surface texture.
Utilizing Yoga Towels and Grip Enhancers
Introducing a separate accessory provides an immediate solution to sweat-induced slipperiness. Full-length yoga towels, typically made of highly absorbent microfiber, cover the mat’s entire surface. These towels are especially useful in hot yoga, as microfiber wicks away moisture and often increases its grip once slightly damp.
For maximum stability, look for towels featuring silicone dots, nubs, or a rubberized backing on the underside. This non-slip technology locks the towel to the mat, preventing it from bunching or migrating during dynamic transitions. Smaller hand or foot towels can also be used strategically to target areas prone to heavy perspiration.
External products applied directly to the body manage grip at the source. Liquid chalk, a combination of magnesium carbonate and isopropyl alcohol, dries quickly on the skin to create a thin, antiperspirant membrane that absorbs moisture and enhances friction. Commercial grip sprays are also available, often containing water and essential oils. Some sprays are specifically formulated to enhance the natural grip of cork mats, which benefit from light moisture.
Technique and Environmental Adjustments
Adjusting your physical technique reduces slippage, particularly in weight-bearing poses like Downward Dog. Instead of resting your weight on your hands, actively engage the muscles of your arms and shoulders, and press your knuckles and fingertips into the mat. This muscular engagement redirects the force from a sliding vector to a more downward, stable one.
Before practice, avoid applying heavy lotions, oils, or creams to your hands and feet, as these substances transfer a slick film directly to the mat surface. The environment of your practice space also impacts friction. High humidity, whether from the climate or a heated class, increases the rate of perspiration, making the mat surface slick.
Maintaining a moderate room temperature and using a fan helps manage surface moisture. Natural materials, such as cork, are unique because their grip often improves when damp due to the release of a waxy substance called suberin. For most synthetic mats, reducing excessive moisture and ensuring the mat is stored in a cool, dry place preserves the surface texture necessary for reliable traction.