How to Care for Your Yoga Mat
Today, we're giving the floor to Priti, a teacher of traditional Indian yoga. Originally from India, she grew up with cotton yoga mats and considers them true companions on her journey. In this testimonial, she shares her rituals and tips for caring for them, season after season.
Priti:
"I've been practicing yoga since I was very small. In India, we've always used cotton mats. They're travel companions: you fold them, take them everywhere, they support you in your postures, they absorb your energy… and over time, they carry a bit of your history. So for me, caring for it is like caring for a relationship: it takes attention, gentleness, and a bit of know-how.
I notice my mat changes with the seasons, just like me. In spring, for example, after the cold months, my hands are drier and the grip can be a little less good at first. In those moments, I have a little ritual: I lightly mist my hands and feet with water or rose hydrosol before starting. Cotton loves a bit of moisture, it becomes grippier right away.
In summer, it's different. The heat and sweat naturally provide more grip, but they can also wear down the natural dyes. I always avoid leaving my mat in direct sunlight and I let it dry in the shade after my sessions, to preserve the beautiful colors and the energy of the plants that dyed it.
Fall is a calmer season for my mat, just like it is for me. I practice more gently, I clean it less often, only when needed. In winter, on the other hand, I make sure to keep it in a dry, temperate place, because humidity could stiffen it. And if the grip is a bit lacking at first, I go back to my water spray… it works every time.
Over the years, I've learned two little tricks that I always share with my students. The first is to keep a disinfecting spray on hand. It's a simple product, one you can even make yourself, but it keeps the mat fresh between washes, especially when you practice often.
The second is my little bottle of natural latex. I use this product first underneath the mat, so it grips the floor perfectly. But it's also very useful on certain models, like the YAMA, to maintain the grip on the top surface at the fishnet-weave area. And here's my little teacher's secret: you can also apply it to other areas, for example on a SURYA PRO, to increase grip if needed. I often recommend it to shorter people who use the YAMA and can't always fully reach the two ultra-grippy zones designed for that purpose. A few brush strokes, and everything becomes more stable.
Ultimately, caring for your mat is already practicing yoga. It's a gesture of respect, for the object, for yourself, and for all the artisanal work that went into creating it. A well cared-for mat can last for years, and the older it gets with you, the more unique it becomes."
-
Through her words, Priti reminds us that caring for your cotton mat goes well beyond a simple practical gesture: it's a mark of respect toward yourself, your equipment, and the artisanal craftsmanship that brings it to life. An inspiring reminder to extend the life of our mats… and the beauty of our practice.
Discover our mat care instructions.
