Are Yoga Mats Waterproof? That Age Old Question

How to Take Care of Your Yoga Mat so It Lasts Longer

What Is A Yoga Mat?

A yoga mat is a piece of equipment typically used during yoga and other types of exercise. A typical mat is 1/4 inches thick and has an anti-slip surface so it will not slide around on the floor during the exercise. They are made from either rubber or PVC, and can be either sticky or non-sticky. The most common material for yoga mats is rubber which provides better traction than a PVC mat.

Are Yoga Mats Usually Waterproof?

This is a question that many people often ask themselves. Yes, they generally are waterproof! Ones that are made of natural rubber or synthetic materials are waterproof and can easily be cleaned.

Benefits Of Taking Care Of Your Yoga Mat

Yoga is a great way to stay fit and healthy. It strengthens your body, improves your posture, makes you more flexible and energized. The mat is the only piece of equipment that you need for yoga, so it's important to take care of it so that it can last as long as possible. Yoga mats are made of natural materials such as rubber trees or PVC, which decompose over time when they're exposed to the elements. Some mats are also made of synthetic materials which may not decompose at all.

To make sure your yoga mat lasts long enough for you to enjoy it for years to come you should get in healthy habits. Such as returning your mat in the same condition you found it after each session. Wipe your mat with cold water after every use. This will remove sweat and other contaminants that might harm the mat's material;

How Much You Should Wash Your Yoga Mat

The simple answer is: not often.

A yoga mat is not a dirt magnet, and it has a natural ability to repel dirt, so frequent washing does more harm than good. When you're done with your practice, take your mat outside for some fresh air in the sun and give it a shake or two to remove any sweat, hair, and gross grit that's accumulated during your practice. If you're really worried about germs on the mat, then once per month (or less) use an all-natural cleaning spray followed by a thorough shake outdoors. It's rarely advised to put your mat in the washing machine. Usually the mat will come with instructions stating that it is machine washable. Instead if you do wash it, use warm water

Why You Should Dry your Yoga Mat After Washing it

A clean mat which has just been washed is perfect for a workout, but it's not perfect for your health. The bacteria and other microbes that live on the mat after a wash can enter your body by touching it. If you dry the mat before using it again, you can reduce the chance of this happening.

This is why we recommend that you either let the mat air-dry or hang dry it in direct sunlight to get rid of all those microbes and bad bacteria which are still present on your mat after washing. This also prevents mold from growing on the surface.

What Happens If You Don't Clean Your Yoga Mat

Yoga mats are typically made from synthetic rubber, which is not biodegradable. If your mat does not dry properly, it will emit a noxious smell that is hard to get rid of.

Tips For Storing And Transportation

The following tips will help you to store and transport your yoga mat in the most efficient way.

• The most important tip is to keep your mat clean. Cleaning it regularly will not only prolong its life, but also make it more pleasant to use.
• Roll your mat up from the end furthest from the handle so that it rolls up neatly.
• It is preferable to store your mat on a flat surface, rather than in a pile or on its side. As this can cause creasing and damage.
• Roll up your mat tightly and place it at the bottom of a bag. This way it doesn't take up too much space or get dirty while being transported from one place to another.

Different Types Of Yoga Mats

Mats have different thicknesses and textures. There is no one mat that is best for everyone, so it's important to find the mat that meets your individual needs.

There are many mats on the market, but it can be difficult to know which one will work best for you. The type of yoga you do will determine what type of mat should be used as well as what materials it should be made out of. Check out our yoga mat buyers guide.

How Are Fabric And Rubber Mats Different From Each Other?

There are two main types of yoga mats: the rubber and the fabric. The main difference between them is that the rubber type is made of a synthetic material (usually PVC) while the fabric type uses natural fibers. The rubber yoga mat is more durable and provides a good grip, but it tends to be heavier than a fabric mat. On the other hand, a fabric yoga mat will wear out faster because it absorbs sweat.