Why is proper yoga mat care important?
Marten: With the right care, the mat remains slip-resistant, the material does not wear out so quickly, and the mat always remains hygienically clean. Uncleaned mats lose all their positive properties after just a few months of use.
As a man, I sweat a lot when doing yoga, so taking care of my mat is even more important to me. Sweat is poison for the mat's non-slip properties. Before I roll up the mat after my session, I wipe it down quickly with a damp cloth and then let it dry thoroughly. If I want the mat to be really clean, I use a mat spray.
What can I do wrong when caring for my mat?
Marten: Hm, that's not an easy question, because if you use the wrong care spray - e.g. from the studio - or mix it yourself based on incorrect information from the internet, the material can be damaged and the mat can become brittle or oily. That would make it unusable. I've seen a few mats that have met a premature end like that.
I therefore recommend that you find out in advance how to properly care for your mat. Depending on the material, there are very different requirements. We have summarized the most important information for all types of mat in our care guide.
In general, however, the following always applies:
• Sun salutations do not mean that the mat should be exposed to the sun for days. Sunlight dries out the mat and can cause discoloration. Do not store the mat unrolled for long periods of time and protect it from direct sunlight. The best way to store your mat is in a yoga bag.
• A yoga mat is not a substitute for a towel. Sweat is (sometimes) part of the practice, but not on your yoga mat. After each practice, the mat should be wiped with a damp cloth and dried.
• Do not store damp mats rolled up. Bacteria love moisture and the mat will start to smell.
• Can the mat be put in the washing machine? Not really. That only applies to a few mats, and even these don't really get any better when they're machine washed. But I had to learn that first: years ago, after a vacation, I put a travel mat made of natural rubber in the washing machine - after that, there wasn't much left of the mat.
• “Dishwashing liquid” is not a solution either. It does not always have to be a special cleaning agent. With natural rubber, a simple vinegar-water mixture is enough to clean the mat. Dishwashing liquid should only be used on PVC mats, if at all, and only in very diluted drops. I recently carried out a little self-test and wiped half of my PVC mat after a yoga session with water and the other half with dishwashing liquid, because I wanted to know whether this changed the grip. The next day I noticed that the side with the dishwashing liquid had actually gained grip. However, the mat must be rinsed really thoroughly in the shower after treatment and left to dry for at least a day. With the PRO mats from Manduka, you can improve the grip by treating them with coarse sea salt.
What is your tip as a yoga mat expert?
Marten: It's not just choosing the right mat that's important. It also needs a little love from time to time. The level of care it needs certainly depends on how it's used. I usually go for a run on the beach before yoga, then meditate a little and then do freeletics and yoga. My mat is therefore exposed to a lot of wear and tear and dirt from sand, etc. Cleaning it is therefore part of my routine.