How Frequently Should Your Yoga Mat Be Replaced? Signs You Need A New Yoga Mat

Let’s find out ‘How Frequently Should Your Yoga Mat Be Replaced?’ Although yoga is a moderate form of exercise, the mat you use will nevertheless sustain damage. Whether you’ve been practicing yoga for a short while or have been doing it for a while, you might not be aware of when to replace your yoga mat. the positive news You’ll learn from your mat.

Find out how to care for your current yoga mat to make it last longer, the telltale signals that you need a new one, and what to look for when purchasing a new one.

When Should You Replace Your Yoga Mat?

The durability of a yoga mat is greatly influenced by its quality and frequency of use. A mat should typically last you around a year.

According to Molly Dilg, senior area leader for CorePower Yoga in the Pacific Northwest, this is dependent on the type of mat being used as well as the practice pace and personal style of the person utilizing it.

Signs You Need A New Yoga Mat

It’s preferable to pay attention to the warning indications that your mat is ready to retire rather than relying on the calendar because a yoga mat’s shelf-life can vary. It’s time to replace your mat if any of these four warning flags appear.

Your Mat Is Getting Thin

Dilg advises replacing your mat as it begins to wear thin, usually around your hands and feet in plank or down dog. This will improve your balance and position you to appreciate another beloved mat and the routines it supports, the author claims.

You Begin To Notice Wear And Tear

According to Marije Paternotte, a yoga and mindfulness meditation instructor with studio BE mindfulness, it’s time to invest in a new mat if you see that the top layer is beginning to fall off. The same is true for “bald spots” or mat holes, which frequently appear where your hands and feet are placed.

You’re Slipping All Over The Place

A high-quality mat will stop you from slipping (even when you’re sweating!) and keep you from stumbling around. It might be time to change your mat if you notice your hands slipping or your feet moving.

Your Mat Stinks

It’s time to choose a replacement if your mat still smells bad after regular cleaning and maintenance. Even the most resilient carpets might get boring after spending so much time in touch with sweaty feet.

How Clean Is Your Yoga Mat, Really? 

According to Dilg, if you’re the only person doing postures, your yoga mat is probably about as clean as the person using it. However, the cleaning issue becomes a little questionable if the mat is used frequently. The germiness of your mat is also influenced by where you exercise.

If you exclusively use your yoga mat at home, Paternotte asserts, it will likely be much cleaner than if you bring it to a studio, go around there in bare feet, and then get on your mat.

Whatever the case, yoga mats and other workout surfaces are a breeding ground for dirt, germs, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and more, whether you practice alone or with a partner. 1 Because of this, you must be careful to clean it well after each usage. (It’s a good idea to sanitize a communal mat at a studio before and after each lesson.)

How To Make Your Yoga Mat Last Longer

Giving a yoga mat a little additional care can make a big difference in how long it lasts. Before applying any materials to the mat, read the care and cleaning directions that come with every mat.

After each use, it’s a good idea to clean or wipe off your mat. Cleaning after each use is crucial if you’re using a shared mat at a studio or gym, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2

These suggestions, according to Dilg, will assist your mat’s ability to last longer:

• Practice with clean hands and feet.
• Spray and wipe down your mat between practices with some essential oil diluted in water or a mat wash product. Many studios clean mats with a mixture of distilled water, white vinegar, and an essential oil like tea tree oil.
• Keep your mat out of direct sunlight and let it hang to dry after a deep sweat.
• Pair your mat with a mat-towel to protect the surface of the mat. Towels can also boost thickness and grip and are easy to clean after an especially sweaty practice.

What To Look For In A New Yoga Mat

There are a few aspects to consider when buying a new yoga mat if your old one has seen better days.

Support And Thickness

The lifespan of a yoga mat is greatly influenced by its thickness. According to Paternotte, a mat will generally be more sturdy and durable if it is heavier or thicker.

If you have sensitive knees, ankles, wrists, or elbows or if your joints are prone to pain, you might want to think about using a thicker mat. A travel-friendly mat might be as thin as 1/16 inches thick or as thick as 1/2 inches.

Slip Resistance

The last thing you want to happen when performing Half Moon Pose or Eagle Pose in a hot studio is for your feet to move out from under you. Because of this, the best mat to use is one that is sticky and has excellent traction to prevent slipping—especially if you do hot yoga.

Portability

Paternotte advises purchasing a lightweight mat (less than 5 mm thick) that is portable and easily fits in most baggage if you frequently travel with your mat.

Eco-Friendly

Paternotte advises yogis to purchase an eco-friendly mat because the practice of yoga extends beyond the mat. PVC or vinyl, which is the material used to make the majority of yoga mats, is not the greenest option. Consider purchasing a mat made from jute or all-natural rubber when looking for a mat produced from sustainable materials.

Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell

For better sweat absorption and simpler cleaning, hot yoga enthusiasts should choose an open-celled mat and mat towel. Open-celled mats typically offer improved grip and perspiration absorption. Consider using a closed-cell mat for light yoga sessions as they are grittier, more durable, and water-resistant.