Can You Wash a Yoga Mat? What You Should—and Shouldn't—Do

After weeks of regular practice, it's natural to wonder whether wiping down your yoga mat is really enough.

Can you give it a proper wash? Put it in the shower? Soak it in the bath? Or even throw it in the washing machine?

The short answer is: most yoga mats can be cleaned, but that doesn't necessarily mean they should be "washed" in the traditional sense.

The safest method depends on what your yoga mat is made from. Natural rubber, cork, jute, PVC and TPE can all respond differently to water, detergents and cleaning products.

Before you reach for the washing machine, here's what you need to know.

Can You Wash a Yoga Mat?

Yes—but for most yoga mats, gentle surface cleaning is preferable to soaking or machine washing.

Regular cleaning removes sweat, body oils, dust and dirt without unnecessarily saturating the materials.

For many mats, all you need is:

• A soft damp cloth.
• A small amount of mild soap when required.
• Clean water to remove any residue.
• Plenty of time to air dry.

Always check the manufacturer's care instructions first, because the correct cleaning method depends on the materials used in your mat.

If you're looking for everyday cleaning instructions rather than a deep wash, see our How to Clean and Care for Your Yoga Mat guide.

Can You Put a Yoga Mat in the Washing Machine?

Generally, no.

Unless the manufacturer specifically states that your mat is machine washable, we'd avoid putting a yoga mat in the washing machine.

A washing machine exposes your mat to:

• Large amounts of water.
• Detergent.
• Agitation.
• Spinning.
• Repeated bending and folding.

Depending on the material and construction, this could damage the surface, affect its shape or shorten the life of the mat.

Natural rubber yoga mats in particular are better cleaned gently by hand rather than subjected to a full washing-machine cycle.

When in doubt, keep your yoga mat out of the washing machine.

Can You Soak a Yoga Mat in the Bath?

Again, we'd generally avoid it.

It can be tempting to put a particularly dirty yoga mat into a bathtub and give it a thorough soak, but completely saturating a mat isn't usually necessary.

Some materials can retain moisture, and a saturated mat may take a long time to dry completely.

There's also little benefit in soaking the entire mat when most sweat, body oils and dirt are concentrated on the practice surface.

A thorough surface clean is usually all that's required.

Can You Wash a Yoga Mat in the Shower?

You may see advice online suggesting that you rinse your yoga mat in the shower.

While some mat manufacturers may permit this, it isn't something we'd recommend universally.

The amount of water involved can make drying difficult, and not every yoga mat material responds well to being completely saturated.

Unless your mat's manufacturer specifically recommends rinsing it in the shower, a damp-cloth clean is the safer option.

How Should You Wash a Natural Rubber Yoga Mat?

Natural rubber is durable, supportive and naturally grippy, but it benefits from gentle care.

For a natural rubber yoga mat:

1. Wipe the surface with a clean, damp cloth.
2. If necessary, use a small amount of mild soap diluted in water.
3. Wipe again with clean water to remove any soap residue.
4. Allow the mat to air dry completely.
5. Keep it away from prolonged direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Avoid soaking natural rubber or using harsh chemical cleaners.

Natural rubber is one of the reasons premium mats can feel so different from inexpensive synthetic foam mats. You can learn more in Why Natural Rubber Yoga Mats Feel Different to Foam Mats.

How Should You Clean a Jute and Natural Rubber Yoga Mat?

Our 2E Connected Eco Yoga Mat combines biodegradable natural tree rubber with woven jute embedded throughout the mat.

Because the jute forms part of the practice surface, gentle cleaning is important.

For regular care, wipe the mat with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely before rolling it up.

For a more thorough clean, use a small amount of mild soap diluted in water rather than soaking the mat.

Avoid:

• Washing machines.
• Soaking.
• Harsh chemical cleaners.
• Bleach.
• Prolonged direct sunlight.
• Excessive heat.

Looking after a quality natural rubber mat properly helps maintain its grip and extend its useful life.

→ Shop the 2E Connected Eco Yoga Mat

Can You Wash a Cork Yoga Mat?

Cork yoga mats also require relatively simple care.

Cork is naturally antimicrobial, so you don't need aggressive cleaning products to keep the surface fresh.

For our 2E Affinity Cork Yoga Mat, we recommend wiping the cork surface with a damp cloth after practice when required and allowing it to dry completely before storing.

For a deeper clean, a small amount of mild soap diluted in water can be used.

Avoid saturating the mat or scrubbing the cork aggressively.

One of the advantages of cork is that its natural surface is easy to maintain while also providing excellent grip that increases as moisture builds.

→ Explore the 2E Affinity Cork Yoga Mat

If you're comparing natural yoga mat materials, our Cork vs Jute Yoga Mats: Which One Should You Choose? guide explains the differences.

What Cleaning Products Should You Avoid?

More cleaning product doesn't necessarily mean a cleaner yoga mat.

Harsh chemicals can affect the surface of some yoga mats and potentially reduce their grip or shorten their lifespan.

Unless specifically recommended by your mat's manufacturer, we'd avoid:

• Bleach.
• Strong household disinfectants.
• Harsh detergents.
• Solvents.
• Abrasive cleaners.
• Large amounts of essential oils.

Essential oils are particularly worth mentioning because they're frequently included in homemade yoga mat cleaner recipes.

While they may smell pleasant, oils can leave residue on some surfaces—and oil and good yoga mat grip aren't a particularly helpful combination.

A simple, gentle cleaning routine is usually all your mat needs.

How Often Should You Wash Your Yoga Mat?

There's no single rule.

How often your yoga mat needs cleaning depends on:

• How frequently you practice.
• How much you perspire.
• Whether you practise hot yoga.
• Whether you use your mat indoors or outdoors.
• Whether other people use the mat.
• How you store it between practices.

If you practice occasionally and don't perspire heavily, a regular wipe may be sufficient.

If you practice every day or attend hot yoga classes, you'll probably want to clean your mat more frequently.

The important thing is not to wait until your mat visibly looks dirty or develops an odour.

Does Cleaning Your Yoga Mat Improve Grip?

Sometimes.

Sweat, body oils, moisturisers, dust and even cleaning-product residue can accumulate on the surface of a mat.

Over time, that build-up can affect traction.

If your mat has suddenly started feeling more slippery, cleaning it properly is one of the first things to try.

If sweaty hands are a recurring problem even on a clean mat, our Best Yoga Mat for Sweaty Hands (2026 Guide) explains how different yoga mat materials perform when grip is your priority.

And if an older mat remains noticeably slippery even after a thorough clean, it may simply be wearing out.

Our How Often Should You Replace Your Yoga Mat? guide explains the signs to look for.

The Most Important Step: Let Your Mat Dry Properly

Cleaning is only half the process.

Your yoga mat should be completely dry before you roll it up.

Rolling a damp mat can trap moisture inside and may contribute to unwanted odours.

After cleaning:

• Lay the mat flat or hang it somewhere well ventilated.
• Keep natural rubber away from prolonged direct sunlight.
• Avoid heaters and other sources of excessive heat.
• Wait until both sides are completely dry before rolling.

Then store your mat somewhere cool and dry.

Our How to Store Your Yoga Mat Properly (So It Lasts Longer) guide has more advice on protecting your mat between practices.

What If Your Yoga Mat Still Smells After Cleaning?

First, make sure it has dried completely.

Trapped moisture can contribute to unwanted odours, particularly if a damp mat has been rolled up.

It's also important to distinguish between an unclean mat and the natural smell of its materials.

Natural tree rubber has a characteristic rubber scent, particularly when it's new. This is a natural property of the material rather than an indication that the mat is dirty.

The scent generally becomes less noticeable as the mat airs and ages.

Avoid trying to mask it with perfume or harsh cleaners. Simply allow the mat to air naturally in a well-ventilated space away from prolonged direct sunlight.

How Can You Keep Your Yoga Mat Cleaner for Longer?

A few simple habits can reduce the need for frequent deep cleaning:

• Wash your hands and feet before practicing when possible.
• Avoid applying moisturiser immediately before yoga.
• Wipe away excessive sweat after practice.
• Don't walk across your mat wearing outdoor shoes.
• Let your mat air before rolling it up.
• Store it somewhere clean and dry.

If you practice outside, give the underside a wipe as well before bringing the mat indoors.

Final Thoughts

So, can you wash a yoga mat?

Yes—but for most mats, washing should mean gentle hand cleaning rather than putting the entire mat through the washing machine or soaking it in water.

The safest method depends on the material, so always follow the manufacturer's care instructions.

For natural rubber, cork and jute yoga mats, a damp cloth, a little mild soap when required and proper air drying are generally all that's needed.

Keeping things simple protects the surface, maintains grip and can help your yoga mat perform at its best for longer.

And that's ultimately the goal: clean your mat enough to look after it, without cleaning it so aggressively that you shorten its life.

Mini FAQs

Can I put my yoga mat in the washing machine?

Unless the manufacturer specifically says your mat is machine washable, it's best not to. Machine washing can expose a yoga mat to excessive water, detergent, agitation and spinning that may damage some materials.

Can I wash my yoga mat with soap and water?

Many yoga mats can be cleaned using a small amount of mild soap diluted in water and a soft cloth. Avoid saturating the mat and always check the manufacturer's care instructions first.

Can I soak my yoga mat in water?

We generally wouldn't recommend soaking a yoga mat unless its manufacturer specifically says it's safe. A thorough surface clean is usually sufficient and makes it much easier to dry the mat completely.

Can I use disinfectant on my yoga mat?

It depends on the mat. Strong household disinfectants can be too harsh for some yoga mat materials, particularly natural surfaces. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions rather than assuming a household cleaner is suitable.

How do I wash a natural rubber yoga mat?

Gently wipe the surface with a damp cloth. For a deeper clean, use a small amount of mild soap diluted in water, wipe away any residue and allow the mat to air dry completely away from prolonged direct sunlight or excessive heat.

How do I clean a cork yoga mat?

Cork generally requires very little maintenance. Wipe the surface gently with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely. A small amount of diluted mild soap can be used when a deeper clean is needed.

How often should I clean my yoga mat?

It depends on how often you practice and how much you perspire. Someone practicing hot yoga several times a week will generally need to clean their mat more frequently than someone doing a gentle home practice once or twice a week.