Introduction
We have all been there. You are in Child’s Pose, resting your forehead on the mat, and you notice a faint, lingering scent of last week’s vigorous Vinyasa session. Or perhaps you see a persistent smudge from your heels that a simple wipe-down did not catch. Naturally, your first instinct is to head to the sink or the bathtub. But before you turn on the faucet, it is essential to ask: can I wash my yoga mat with water?
The short answer is yes, but the method depends entirely on what your mat is made of. At Hugger Mugger, we have been crafting high-quality yoga tools since 1986, and our Care & Cleaning Tips for Yoga Mats page is a helpful place to start. We know that the longevity of your equipment relies on proper care. In this guide, we will break down how to safely use water to clean different types of mats, which materials should never be submerged, and how to ensure your mat stays grippy for years to come.
Quick Answer: Most yoga mats can be cleaned with a damp cloth and water. However, only certain "closed-cell" mats should be fully submerged in water, while "open-cell" natural rubber or PU mats should never be soaked.
Understanding Your Mat Material
Before you apply a drop of water, you must identify your mat’s construction. If you want a fuller comparison of mat styles, thicknesses, and materials, How to Choose the Best Yoga Mat for Your Practice is a helpful companion read. This is the most important step in preventing damage. Yoga mats generally fall into two categories: closed-cell and open-cell.
Closed-Cell Mats
Closed-cell mats have a non-porous surface. This means they do not absorb sweat, bacteria, or moisture. Because the water stays on the surface, these mats are generally easier to clean and more durable when it comes to moisture exposure. Our Tapas® Original yoga mat is a classic example of a closed-cell mat. It is designed to repel moisture, making it a hygienic choice for many practitioners.
Open-Cell Mats
Open-cell mats are porous. They act like a sponge, pulling moisture away from the surface to provide a better grip during sweaty practices. While this is great for traction, it means that any water you use for cleaning can get trapped inside the mat. Our Para Rubber yoga mat has an open-cell structure. While it provides incredible grip, it requires a different approach to cleaning than a standard PVC mat.
The Different Levels of Cleaning
Not every cleaning session needs to be a deep dive. Depending on how often you practice and how much you sweat, you will likely alternate between three types of maintenance.
1. The Post-Practice Wipe
This is for daily maintenance. You use a lightly dampened cloth or a specialized spray like our Refresh Mist to clear away surface oils and dust. Most mats handle a light misting of water perfectly well.
2. The Deep Scrub
This involves using a bit more water and a mild detergent. You might use a soft sponge to work on specific spots where your hands and feet frequently rest.
3. The Full Submersion
This is what most people mean when they ask if they can wash a mat with water. This involves soaking the mat in a bathtub. This method is highly effective for some mats but can be "mat-ending" for others.
Washing PVC Mats with Water
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is one of the most common materials for yoga mats because of its durability. Our Tapas® Series, including the Tapas® Original and the Tapas® Ultra, are built from high-quality PVC.
Because PVC is closed-cell, you can safely wash it with water. For a light clean, a damp cloth is sufficient. If the mat is very dirty, you can submerge it in a bathtub.
How to wash a PVC mat in the tub:
- Fill your bathtub with cool or lukewarm water.
- Add a few drops of mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach.
- Submerge the mat and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Use a soft cloth to gently scrub both sides.
- Rinse the mat thoroughly with clean water until all soap residue is gone.
- Press the mat between two dry towels to remove excess moisture.
Key Takeaway: Closed-cell PVC mats are the most water-tolerant. They can handle a bathtub soak, provided they are rinsed well and dried completely before being rolled.
Can You Wash Natural Rubber Mats with Water?
Natural rubber mats require more delicate handling, and the same careful approach described in The Virtues of a Clean Yoga Mat applies here. Rubber is an open-cell material. If you submerge a rubber mat in water, the porous structure will soak up the liquid like a sponge. This makes the mat extremely heavy and very difficult to dry.
Trapped moisture inside a rubber mat can lead to the growth of mold or mildew. It can also cause the natural rubber to break down faster.
The best way to clean natural rubber:
- Do not submerge: Avoid the bathtub or a garden hose.
- Use a 50/50 solution: Mix water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Wipe, don't soak: Lightly mist the mat and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
- Avoid oils: Essential oils can sometimes break down natural rubber, so stick to a simple water and vinegar mix or a dedicated rubber mat restorer.
Cleaning Eco-Friendly TPE and Jute Mats
Eco-conscious mats often have unique requirements. For example, our Tapas® ECO Mat is made from TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer). TPE is closed-cell and PVC-free. It can handle water well, but it is more sensitive to heat than standard PVC.
If you are washing a TPE mat, always use cool water. Excessive heat can cause the material to warp or lose its shape.
For mats with natural fibers, such as the Sattva Jute Yoga Mat, water should be used sparingly. Jute is a natural plant fiber. If it gets too wet, it can become brittle or take a long time to dry. For these mats, a lightly dampened cloth is always better than a soak.
| Mat Type | Material | Cell Structure | Submersion Safe? | Best Cleaning Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tapas® Original | PVC | Closed-cell | Yes | Bathtub soak or wipe down |
| Para Rubber | Natural Rubber | Open-cell | No | Damp cloth with vinegar/water |
| Tapas® ECO | TPE | Closed-cell | Yes (Cool water) | Wipe down or brief soak |
| Sattva Jute | Jute/Per | Hybrid | No | Lightly dampened cloth |
The Role of Soap and Detergents
When you use water, you are often tempted to add soap. While soap helps break down oils, it can be a double-edged sword for yoga practitioners.
If you do not rinse the soap off completely, it creates a thin film on the surface of the mat. The next time you practice and your hands get slightly damp, that film will become incredibly slippery. This is a common safety hazard.
If you must use soap, choose a very mild, clear dish soap or a dedicated mat wash. Avoid "moisturizing" soaps or those with heavy fragrances, as these often contain oils that leave a residue.
Step-by-Step: Deep Cleaning Your Mat
If your mat is safe for a deeper wash, follow these steps to ensure you do not damage the material or your floor.
Step 1: Preparation Clear a space where the mat can dry undisturbed for at least 24 hours. A shower rod or a sturdy drying rack works well. Avoid hanging a wet mat over a wooden door or a laminate floor, as the dripping water can cause damage.
Step 2: The Wash If your mat is closed-cell (like a Tapas® mat), use the bathtub method described earlier. If your mat is open-cell or a hybrid (like the Sattva Jute), use a spray bottle and a soft cloth to scrub the surface thoroughly without soaking the core.
Step 3: The Rinse This is the most critical part. Use a clean, wet cloth to wipe away any soap. If you used a bathtub, rinse the mat under a showerhead until the water runs clear and no bubbles appear.
Step 4: The Towel Roll Do not wring out your yoga mat. This can stretch the material and cause permanent warping. Instead, lay the wet mat flat on a large, clean towel. Roll the mat and the towel together like a sleeping bag. Step on the roll to squeeze out the excess water.
Step 5: Air Dry Unroll the mat and hang it to dry. Keep it out of direct sunlight. UV rays can cause natural rubber to oxidize and turn brittle, and they can cause PVC mats to fade and lose their grip.
Note: Never put your yoga mat in a tumble dryer. The heat will melt or severely damage almost all yoga mat materials.
Common Myths About Washing Mats
There is a lot of conflicting advice online about mat maintenance. Let’s look at some common misconceptions.
Myth: You can put any yoga mat in the washing machine. Fact: Most high-quality mats will be damaged by the agitation of a washing machine. Even on a gentle cycle, the spinning can tear the material. Additionally, the detergent used in laundry is often too harsh for mat materials.
Myth: Using more water means a cleaner mat. Fact: For open-cell mats, more water often means more trapped bacteria if the mat doesn't dry perfectly. A focused wipe-down is often more hygienic than a deep soak.
Myth: You should dry your mat in the sun to kill bacteria. Fact: While UV light does kill some bacteria, it also destroys the structural integrity of most mats. It is always better to air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
Why Drying is Just as Important as Washing
If you wash your yoga mat with water but do not let it dry completely, you have done more harm than good. A damp mat rolled up and put in a dark closet is the perfect environment for mold.
It can take much longer than you think for a mat to dry, especially natural rubber or extra-thick mats like our Tapas® Ultra. Even if the surface feels dry to the touch, the core might still hold moisture. We recommend leaving your mat to hang for a full 24 hours after a deep clean.
Proactive Habits to Keep Your Mat Clean
You can reduce the number of times you need to wash your mat with water by adopting a few simple habits.
- Wash your feet: Most of the dirt on a mat comes from our feet. A quick rinse or wipe of your feet before you step onto the mat makes a huge difference.
- Use a yoga towel: If you practice hot yoga or sweat heavily, lay a microfiber The Yoga Towel over your mat. The towel will absorb the moisture, and you can simply toss the towel in the washing machine after class.
- Wipe after every use: Don't wait for a smell to develop. A quick mist of water or a mat cleaner after every session keeps oils from building up.
- Let it breathe: After class, don't leave your mat rolled up in a hot car. Unroll it as soon as you get home to let any residual sweat evaporate.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Products
When using water, what you add to it matters. If you prefer a DIY approach, a mixture of three parts water to one part white vinegar is a safe, effective, and inexpensive option for most mats. The vinegar acts as a mild disinfectant and helps cut through body oils.
If you find the smell of vinegar too strong, you can add one or two drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil. However, use caution with oils if you have a natural rubber or PU mat, as they can sometimes affect the grip or cause staining.
For those who prefer a ready-made solution, our Mat Wash collection is formulated to work across our mat care lineup. It provides a consistent clean without the risk of leaving a slippery residue.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Mat?
Sometimes, no amount of washing with water will save a mat. If you notice any of the following, it might be time to browse our yoga mats collection for a fresh start:
- The "Flake" Factor: If your PVC mat is starting to shed small pieces of material during your practice.
- Loss of Grip: If you find yourself sliding in Downward Dog even after a thorough cleaning.
- Thinning Spots: If the areas under your hands or feet have become significantly thinner than the rest of the mat.
- Persistent Odor: If a deep soak and 24 hours of drying don't remove a sour smell, bacteria may be trapped deep within an open-cell mat.
At Hugger Mugger, we design our mats to last for years of dedicated practice. Our Tapas® Original has been a favorite since 1986 precisely because of its legendary durability. When you care for your mat correctly, you are investing in your own practice.
Bottom line: You can wash most mats with water, but always prioritize a "wipe-down" over a "soak" unless you are certain your mat is made of closed-cell PVC.
Conclusion
Taking care of your equipment is an extension of your yoga practice. It is an act of mindfulness that ensures your tools are ready to support you whenever you step onto the floor. Whether you are using a classic Tapas® mat or a premium Para Rubber mat, understanding how water interacts with the material is the key to a clean, safe, and long-lasting mat.
We have spent nearly 40 years refining our products to meet the needs of teachers and students alike. From our Salt Lake City roots to studios around the world, we remain committed to providing practical, high-quality gear. If you want a side-by-side comparison of mat styles and materials, our Yoga Mat Guide can help. By following these cleaning guidelines, you protect your investment and maintain a hygienic space for your daily practice.
If you are still unsure which cleaning method is best for your specific mat, we invite you to take our Yoga Mat Quiz to find the perfect match for your practice style.
FAQ
Can I put my yoga mat in the washing machine?
We generally do not recommend putting your yoga mat in the washing machine. The agitation and spinning can stretch or tear the material, and the heat from some cycles can cause the mat to warp. It is almost always safer to wash your mat by hand using a damp cloth or a bathtub soak for closed-cell mats.
Is it safe to use dish soap on my yoga mat?
Yes, you can use a very small amount of mild, clear dish soap mixed with water. The key is to use it sparingly and rinse the mat thoroughly afterward. Any soap residue left on the surface will become very slippery once you start to sweat during your next practice.
How do I dry my yoga mat after washing it with water?
The best way to dry a mat is to lay it flat on a clean towel, roll the mat and towel together to squeeze out excess moisture, and then hang the mat over a rod in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight and never put your mat in a clothes dryer, as the high heat will damage the materials.
Can I wash a natural rubber mat in the bathtub?
No, you should avoid submerging natural rubber mats in water. Because they have an open-cell structure, they will absorb a significant amount of water, making them extremely heavy and prone to mold. Instead, wipe them down with a mixture of water and white vinegar and let them air dry completely.
