Yoga Mat Care 101: Storage, Cleaning & Maintenance Guide

We've all done it—rolled up our yoga mat after practice and forgotten about it until the next session.

While yoga mats are designed to support countless hours of movement, sweat, and flow, a little care goes a long way in keeping them clean, grippy, and performing at their best. Whether you're practicing on a PU mat like Pure Essential, Solid Ally, or Fortitude, or a suede mat like Tranquil Flow, each material has slightly different care needs.

This guide covers everything you need to know about storing, cleaning, and maintaining your mat so it can support your practice for years to come.

Why Does Yoga Mat Care Matter?

Your yoga mat comes into contact with sweat, body oils, dust, and moisture every time you practice. Over time, these can build up on the surface and affect both hygiene and performance.

Proper mat care helps:

Maintain grip and traction

Keep your mat fresh and hygienic

Prevent premature wear

Extend the lifespan of your mat

Preserve the look and feel of the material

Think of it the same way you care for your favorite activewear—a little maintenance helps it perform better for longer.

The Golden Rules of Yoga Mat Care

Before we get into material-specific care, there are a few universal habits every yogi should follow.

1. Let Your Mat Dry After Every Practice

Even if your practice wasn't particularly sweaty, it's always a good idea to unroll your mat and allow it to air dry before storing it.

Moisture trapped inside a rolled mat can lead to odors and unnecessary wear over time.

2. Avoid Direct Sunlight & Heat

Fresh air is great. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and heat is not.

Leaving your mat in a hot car, next to a heater, or under direct sun for extended periods may affect its performance and durability.

3. Store It Properly

When not in use, keep your mat in a cool, dry place away from excessive humidity.

Proper storage is one of the easiest ways to help your mat last longer.

PU Yoga Mat Care

Pure Essential • Solid Ally • Fortitude

PU yoga mats are known for their excellent grip and premium feel, but they do require a little extra care to maintain their performance.

Storage

Always store your mat:

Rolled, not folded

In a cool, dry place

With the practice surface facing outward

This helps prevent unnecessary creasing and protects the surface layer.

Cleaning Frequency

For most practitioners, deep cleaning once a month is sufficient.

If you're practicing hot yoga or engaging in more than four sweaty sessions per week, you may choose to clean your mat more frequently.

Remember: more cleaning doesn't always mean better care.

Deep Cleaning Instructions

Option 1: Using Enliven Yoga Mat Cleaner (Recommended)

Spray Enliven Yoga Mat Cleaner onto a microfiber cloth.

Wipe the entire surface thoroughly.

Let it sit for 3–5 minutes.

Wipe again using a clean damp microfiber cloth.

Allow the mat to air dry completely.

Option 2: Mild Soap & Water

Mix mild soap and water in a 1:25 ratio.

Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth.

Wipe the mat thoroughly.

Finish by wiping again with clean water.

Allow the mat to air dry completely.

Drying Instructions

After cleaning:

Hang the mat or leave it unrolled.

Allow it to dry naturally.

Avoid direct sunlight and prolonged heat exposure.

Post-Practice Care

After every practice:

Unroll the mat and allow it to air dry completely.

Wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth lightly sprayed with Enliven Yoga Mat Cleaner or a damp cloth.

Allow the mat to dry before storing.

This simple habit helps remove sweat and oils before they build up on the surface.

Special Note for Fortitude Mats

Fortitude mats feature a printed PU surface and are designed as an accessible everyday practice mat.

To maintain optimal grip, avoid deep cleaning too frequently. Regular post-practice maintenance is often enough, with occasional deep cleaning when necessary.

Tranquil Flow Mat Care

5 mm Regular Mat & 1.5 mm Travel Mat

Unlike PU mats, Tranquil Flow features a soft suede surface that behaves differently during practice and maintenance.

One of the unique characteristics of suede mats is that they become grippier as moisture increases, making them a favorite for hot yoga and sweaty sessions.

Storage

For Tranquil Flow Travel Mat (1.5 mm)

Fold and store inside the pouch provided.

Keep the suede surface facing outward.

For Tranquil Flow Regular Mat (5 mm)

Store rolled.

Keep the suede surface facing outward.

Always store in a cool, dry place.

Cleaning Frequency

Deep cleaning is recommended after approximately 8–10 sweaty practices, or more frequently if you prefer a higher hygiene standard.

Deep Cleaning Instructions

Option 1: Enliven Yoga Mat Cleaner

Lightly mist Enliven Yoga Mat Cleaner directly onto the suede surface.

Wipe with a microfiber cloth.

Allow the mat to air dry completely.

Option 2: Mild Soap & Water

Create a 1:10 mixture of mild soap and water.

Apply the solution to the surface.

Gently brush away dirt or stains using a soft brush.

Allow the mat to air dry completely.

Drying Instructions

After deep cleaning:

Hang the mat or leave it flat to dry.

Ensure it is completely dry before storing.

Avoid prolonged heat exposure.

Post-Practice Care

After practice:

Unroll your mat and allow it to dry completely.

Lightly spray Enliven Yoga Mat Cleaner onto the suede surface or wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.

Allow it to air dry before rolling or folding.

Once dry, you may lightly sanitize the surface to keep it fresh for your next flow.

Common Mistakes That Can Damage Your Yoga Mat

Even the best yoga mats can wear prematurely if they're not cared for properly.

Leaving Your Mat in a Hot Car

Excessive heat can affect both grip and durability.

Using Alcohol-Based Cleaners

Alcohol may dry out and damage PU surfaces over time.

Applying Essential Oils Directly to the Surface

Many essential oils can be too harsh for yoga mat materials and may cause deterioration.

Rolling a Damp Mat

Trapped moisture can lead to odors and shorten your mat's lifespan.

Submerging PU Mats in Water

PU mats should never be soaked or submerged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my yoga mat feel slippery?

A slippery mat is often caused by a buildup of sweat, body oils, dust, or cleaning residue. A proper deep clean can usually restore its performance.

Can I use disinfectant sprays on my mat?

Always check the ingredient list before use. We recommend avoiding products that contain alcohol or essential oils, especially for PU mats.

Can I wash my yoga mat in the shower?

PU mats should never be submerged in water. Tranquil Flow mats can tolerate more intensive cleaning, but prolonged soaking is still not recommended.

How often should I clean my mat?

For most practitioners, regular post-practice care combined with occasional deep cleaning is sufficient.

How do I make my mat last longer?

The best thing you can do is keep it clean, allow it to dry completely before storing, and avoid excessive heat or direct sunlight.

Your yoga mat is more than just a piece of equipment—it's where your practice unfolds, day after day.

With a few simple care habits, you can keep your mat clean, fresh, and performing at its best for years to come. Whether you're flowing on a Pure Essential, building strength on a Solid Ally, exploring movement on a Fortitude, or sweating it out on a Tranquil Flow, a little care goes a long way.

After all, caring for your mat is also part of caring for your practice.

Created consciously. Flow effortlessly

Writer: TMY Journal