Caring for your gear
Keep your mat and tools grippy, fresh and long-lasting.
Good gear lasts for years if you look after it. A quick wipe-down and the right cleaning method keep your mat grippy, your tools hygienic, and everything smelling fresh. Here is how to care for each material in our range - plus fixes for the two most common questions: a slippery mat and a new-mat smell.
Which material needs which care?
| Material | Found in | Care in short |
|---|---|---|
| Natural rubber | premium mats, mat bases | Wipe with a damp cloth; avoid soaking and direct sun |
| Natural cork | cork mats, blocks | Wipe with mild soap and water; air dry |
| Closed-cell EVA / TPE foam | foam rollers, mini rollers, balance pad | Wipe with mild soap and water; wipe dry |
| Cotton / linen covers | acupressure set, bolster | Remove cover, hand wash, keep the inner foam dry |
| Natural latex | resistance bands, assist band | Keep dry, store away from heat and direct sun |
How to clean it
- Mats (rubber / cork): wipe down after use with a damp cloth. For a deeper clean, use a little mild soap and water, then air dry flat - not in direct sun or on a radiator.
- Foam tools (rollers, balls, pad): wipe with mild soap and water and dry with a towel. They do not need soaking.
- Fabric covers (acupressure, bolster): unzip and hand wash the cover; let the inner foam stay dry and air out separately.
- Bands and straps: keep them dry, wipe occasionally, and store loosely out of the sun.
"My mat slips"
Usually one of three things:
- It is new. Many mats have a thin factory film at first. Wipe it a few times over the first sessions and it settles in.
- Moisture. A little sweat changes grip - some surfaces (like cork) actually grip better slightly damp, others prefer dry. A quick wipe usually fixes it.
- Dust. A clean surface grips best. Wipe before practice if your floor is dusty.
"My mat smells"
A natural-rubber mat can have a mild rubber scent when new. It fades. To speed it up: unroll the mat and let it air in a well-ventilated room (not in direct sun) for a day or two, and wipe it down once. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can damage the surface.
Quick care FAQ
- Why does care matter? It keeps grip and hygiene, and it makes your gear last far longer.
- What is the most common mistake? Over-wetting and direct sun. Both can shorten a mat's life. Wipe, do not soak; air dry in the shade.
- Can I put my mat in the washing machine? No. Wipe-clean only. Machine washing can damage the material and the grip.
- How do I dry it? Lay it flat or hang it loosely in a ventilated spot, away from heat and direct sun.
- Any home remedies? A little mild soap and water is enough for almost everything. Skip strong solvents.
Setting up a routine? See Getting started with recovery.