How to Clean a Yoga Mat: Care Guide by Mat Type

Posted in Manduka Mag |
People practice yoga on mats in a studio, with one woman performing a balance pose beside yoga blocks.

After the last pose, it’s easy to roll up your mat and get on with your day. But sweat, skin oils, and a little studio dust can come along with it. A few minutes of care helps keep your mat ready for the next time you unroll it.

The routine can stay simple; it just needs to suit your mat. Natural rubber, closed-cell PVC, and moisture-absorbing PU surfaces each need a different approach. Here’s how to care for yours.

 

Find Your Mat’s Care Routine

Use this guide for a quick reference, then find the details for your mat below.

Yoga Mat Recommended Cleaner Key Consideration
PRO Series Yoga Mat Wash & Refresh or warm water Wipe the closed-cell surface clean
eKO Series

Natural Rubber Yoga Mat Restore

Protect natural rubber from sunlight and heat
GRP Adapt Series Yoga Mat Wash & Refresh Allow the absorbent surface to dry completely
Begin Warm water; Yoga Mat Wash & Refresh for deeper cleaning Avoid soaking & abrasive scrubbing
Manduka X Yoga Mat Wash & Refresh Rinse or hose off as needed, then dry completely
CLOUD Pilates Warm water; Natural Rubber Yoga Mat Restore to freshen & deodorize Avoid soaking & protect from direct sunlight
Manduka yoga mats displayed in Pro, Eko, GRP Adapt, Begin, Manduka X, and Cloud series.

How Often Should You Clean Your Yoga Mat?

A quick wipe-down after each practice helps remove sweat, dirt, and surface residue before it builds up. If you practice frequently, especially in heated classes, follow your mat's cleaning instructions regularly to help maintain performance and hygiene.

 

PRO Series: Wipe Clean After Practice

With PRO, what lands on the mat stays on the surface. Its closed-cell construction keeps sweat and moisture from soaking in, making cleanup straightforward.

Use Yoga Mat Wash & Refresh or warm water, then wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth before rolling or using.

Do not soak, submerge, or use harsh chemicals. For storage, roll with the top surface facing outward and keep it in a cool, dry place. PRO Travel should be stored rolled rather than folded.

 

eKO Series: Care for Natural Rubber

Natural rubber gives eKO its responsive feel. A gentle cleaning routine and a little thought about where you leave it help care for that material over time.

After practice, use Natural Rubber Yoga Mat Restore and a damp cloth to gently clean the surface. Lay flat or hang to air dry completely before rolling.

Do not soak, submerge, or use harsh chemicals. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, hot cars, and other heat sources. Prolonged sun exposure can cause natural rubber to fade or become brittle, so choose a shaded spot when airing it out.

 

GRP Adapt Series: Give Moisture Time to Dry

GRP handles sweat differently. Its open-cell PU surface works like a sponge, drawing moisture in as you practice. That makes drying an essential part of its care routine.

GRP is designed to be practiced on directly. Avoid covering it with a towel during practice, as prolonged contact with trapped moisture may affect the surface's appearance.

Skin oils, lotions, and other substances can also be absorbed into the surface and leave visible marks. While regular cleaning helps maintain performance and hygiene, it may not remove every stain.

After practicing, wipe the surface with Yoga Mat Wash & Refresh. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove sweat and dirt, then allow the mat to air dry completely before rolling or storing. Do not soak, submerge, or use harsh chemicals.

Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat. Check your model's rolling instructions: GRP Adapt and Adapt Lite roll with the practice surface inward; GRP Adapt Travel rolls with it outward.

 

Begin, Manduka X, and CLOUD

From everyday yoga to outdoor training and floor Pilates, these mats have different jobs. Their care routines are easy to follow once you know which one you’re working with.

Begin: Wipe with warm water and a clean cloth. For deeper cleaning, use Yoga Mat Wash & Refresh. Hang or lay flat to dry completely before rolling. Avoid soaking, submerging, harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbing, and machine washing.

Manduka X: Wipe down with Yoga Mat Wash & Refresh. If an outdoor session leaves dirt behind, rinse or hose off as needed, then air dry completely before rolling. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing. This rinse guidance is specific to X.

CLOUD Pilates Mat: Wipe with warm water and a soft cloth after each session. To freshen and deodorize, use Natural Rubber Yoga Mat Restore, then wipe dry before rolling or storing. Avoid soaking or submerging, and store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Three white Manduka lavender yoga mat wash and refresh bottles arranged on a dark blue textured background.

Cleaning and Disinfecting are Different

A freshly wiped mat may look ready to go, but cleaning and disinfecting do different jobs. Routine cleaning removes sweat, dirt, and residue; it does not automatically disinfect a surface.

Before reaching for a household disinfectant, check your mat’s current Use & Care guidance. For shared studio equipment or a specific disinfection need, contact Customer Care for compatible guidance.

 

Before You Roll It Up

The last step is easy to rush, especially when you’re heading out after class, but always give your mat time to dry completely.

Store it in a cool, dry place and follow the rolling instructions for your model. For materials sensitive to sunlight and heat, where you leave your mat matters as much as how you clean it.

Once you know your routine, there’s little to complicate it. The appropriate cleaner, a gentle wipe, and time to dry will have it ready for your next practice.

Explore Mat Care →

 


 

For additional questions, please email us at info@manduka.com or visit our help center.

 

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