A yoga mat is an investment in your practice, and proper care directly influences its performance and longevity. Over time, materials can degrade, losing the texture that provides necessary grip and support. Consistent storage practices help maintain the mat’s surface quality and prevent the accumulation of odor-causing bacteria. This ensures the mat continues to offer a safe, stable foundation for movement.
Pre-Storage Preparation
Before putting a mat away, surface cleaning is necessary to remove the sweat and skin oils transferred during a session. A simple post-practice wipe-down with a gentle, non-solvent-based cleaner or diluted water solution removes these contaminants. This action prevents oils from breaking down the mat’s structure, which can cause slipperiness.
The most important step before storage is ensuring the mat is completely dry, which prevents microbial growth. Storing a damp mat, especially one made from natural rubber or closed-cell foam, creates an environment for mildew and mold to thrive. If a deep clean involving thorough rinsing is performed, the mat must be hung or laid flat in a well-ventilated area until all moisture has evaporated.
Daily Storage Techniques
Putting the mat away daily requires attention to prevent surface damage and structural warping. Always roll the mat with the practice side (the surface you stand on) facing outwards. This technique leverages the material’s natural memory to keep the edges flat when the mat is unrolled for the next session.
Rolling the mat too tightly, or using straps that exert excessive compression, can permanently damage the foam or rubber material. Over-compression creates thin spots or indentations, reducing the mat’s cushioning and comfort. Instead, aim for a consistent, loose roll that maintains the mat’s cylindrical shape without squeezing the core.
Folding the mat should be avoided because it introduces sharp creases that weaken the material structure. These bends can lead to cracks and tears, particularly in thinner mats or those made from less flexible materials like PVC. Using a carrying bag is appropriate, provided it is breathable and does not force the mat into an unnatural shape.
Protecting Your Mat From Environmental Damage
Long-term preservation depends on the environment where the mat is kept when not in use. Direct exposure to sunlight is damaging because ultraviolet (UV) radiation accelerates the breakdown of polymer chains in materials like PVC and TPE. This reaction causes colors to fade, leading to drying, brittleness, and eventual cracking of the surface.
High heat is another threat to mat materials, especially closed-cell foams and PVC compounds. Leaving a mat in a hot car trunk, for example, can cause the plasticizers in PVC to leech out, resulting in a sticky, degraded surface texture. High temperatures can also cause permanent deformation of the mat’s shape.
Storage locations should be dry and have consistent temperatures to control moisture exposure. Environments with high humidity, such as damp basements or garages, encourage the growth of mold and mildew, even on a mat that was dry when stored. Keeping the mat indoors, away from exterior walls, provides the best defense against environmental decay.