December 7, 2025, 5:52 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Anyone who practices yoga regularly quickly realizes: The mat is a silent companion through many intense exercises and often gets quite a workout. Sweat, skin contact, and occasionally even dirt from outdoor use take a toll on the material. However, not every yoga mat can handle the same care. The type of cleaning that is actually beneficial—and which can even be harmful—depends significantly on the material.
Basic Cleaning After Each Yoga Session
Whether used indoors or outdoors, the yoga mat should be cleaned regularly. The DIY Academy in Cologne recommends wiping the mat after each use “with a mild cleaner or a damp cloth.” It should then be completely dried, lying flat in a well-ventilated room. Only then should it be loosely rolled up and stored horizontally in a dry place. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can bleach or deform the material.
Why the Material Determines the Cleaning Method
If a yoga mat is improperly cared for, it can damage its surface, rendering it completely unusable. Which cleaning agents are suitable always depends on the specific material.
In many cases, manufacturers provide instructions for optimal care. Ignoring these is at your own risk. Using cleaning or care methods contrary to the instructions is done at your own risk, warns Bernd Glassl from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW). Therefore, it is advisable to keep the care instructions. If these are no longer available, an overview of the most important materials and their requirements can help.
Polyethylene, TPE, and PVC: Proper Care for Plastic Mats
Yoga mats made of polyethylene can be cleaned with an all-purpose cleaner or dishwashing liquid, ideally diluted with water. For stubborn dirt, the agents can also be used undiluted, according to Glassl.
TPE, or a thermoplastic elastomer, gives the mat elasticity and a certain rubber-like feel. According to the DIY Academy, the material remains intact for a long time if cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Since TPE is sensitive to abrasion, abrasive sponges should be avoided.
Yoga mats made of PVC are often inexpensive and robust models. They can also be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a microfiber cloth, according to the DIY Academy. Thanks to their closed-cell structure, they are water-repellent and thus particularly suitable for outdoor practice. Over time, however, the slightly oily feel may be lost due to repeated cleaning.
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Natural Materials: Special Care for Wool, Cotton, and Cork
Yoga mats made from natural materials are more sensitive. For models made of wool, Glassl recommends using wool detergent. Additionally, one should always pay attention to the textile care symbol, the wash tub, which provides information on the appropriate washing method and temperature.
The symbol is also crucial for cotton mats. An empty triangle means that both chlorine and oxygen bleach are allowed. Two lines in the triangle, however, stand only for oxygen bleach, such as in the form of all-purpose detergents as powder, granules, or tablets, chlorine-free.
According to the DIY Academy, cotton mats are usually machine washable at 30 degrees Celsius. A natural detergent without fabric softener should be used. Important: The mats must not be put in the dryer. Instead, let them air dry, but also without direct sunlight to avoid damaging the rubber coating.
Cork mats also require gentle cleaning. Mats made of cork should be wiped with a damp cloth, recommends Glassl. Diluted all-purpose cleaner or cork floor cleaner is suitable.
Practical Cleaning Tip: How to Achieve Damp Wiping
For the ideal cleaning of cork mats, Glassl offers a practical tip: You can get two damp cloths by wetting one cloth and wringing it out as much as possible. Then place it on an equally sized dry cloth. Roll both cloths together and knead them firmly. This creates an ideal cleaning cloth with the right amount of moisture.
With material from dpa