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The decision to become a yogi can be an exciting one that begins with a quest for the perfect yoga mat. After all, there’s a wealth of options that have littered the market ranging from those with extra padding and various designs to mats made of organic materials. One common issue you might encounter with your new yoga mat, especially during hot yoga, is learning how to make a yoga mat less slippery.
Before you check out our excellent tricks and tips to avoid sliding around while getting the ideal yoga pose, it’s essential to choose the side of the mat in which you want to break. Failure to do so means you might be in a position where it’ll take you twice as long to make your mat less slippery for daily use.
1. Conduct an Apple Cider Cleanse
Unless you choose a yoga mat that’s made of organic materials, it’ll likely have a synthetic layer that boosts its resilience during packing and shipping. While you may not realize it, the layer causes a slippery sensation when you start using the mat. Fortunately, Apple Cider vinegar is your holy grail. It’s a phenomenal astringent that allows you to slice through the synthetic layer.
You’ll have direct contact with the initial material of the mat. Ideally, you’ll want to clean the mat with castile soap and rinse it, before you perform a second cleanse with Apple Cider vinegar dabbed on a cloth. Once you complete the process, hang the mat outside to air dry.
2. Combine a Non-Slippery Mat with a PVC Mat
If you’ve used castile soap and Apple Cider vinegar on your mat and it’s still overly glazed for your needs, combining two mats might do the trick. Particular yoga mats are designed to deliver optimum friction. Therefore, when you sew these mats to the bottom of your PVC mat, you can reap the perks of both. For starters, you’ll receive the resilience and padding of the PVC. Secondly, you’ll have the traction you require to complete a boatload of poses with little effort.
3. Invest in a Reversible Yoga Mat
As we mentioned earlier, yoga mats come in a myriad of designs. While some are designed with beginners in mind, others are best suited for those with limited balance, for instance, reversible mats. If you prefer to avoid the hassle of sewing two mats together, consider buying a reversible yoga mat. It’s a breeze to use as it allows you to decide on the better side for the type of floor you’ll use it on.
For instance, the non-slippery side is ideal for hard floors such as tile and wood. Contrarily, the slippery side might come in handy in doing yoga on plusher surfaces. Another perk of a reversible yoga mat is that you can easily determine the side you want to break in without the need to mark it.
4. Use a Microfiber Cloth to Create a Barrier
If there’s one thing that’s true about a microfiber cloth, it’s that it’s impressively comfortable and soft to the touch. Furthermore, it can be an excellent material to use if you want to make your yoga mat less slippery. You’ll be pleasantly surprised that the cloth barrier only requires you to spare a few seconds when you’re ready to start stretching.
To get started, put the cloth below your yoga mat. Ideally, you want to get a microfiber towel that can accommodate the full length of your mat. Alternatively, using two smaller microfiber towels at the bottom and top of your mat will get the job done for optimal friction.
5. Work off the Smooth Sheen
After a while, your yoga mat will begin adapting to the way you exercise. Similar to a new pair of jogging pants or sneakers, you’ll need to work the materials in for optimum comfort. The same applies to a yoga mat whereby the more you use it, the less slippery it becomes.
Proper maintenance calls for frequent cleaning of the mat, which will, in turn, work off the sheen. Furthermore, your consistent movements and sweat will help in getting rid of extra synthetic materials that are the longest but easiest way to learn how to make a yoga mat less slippery.
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6. Non-Slip Workout Clothes
When all else fails, you can purchase specialized workout clothes that have better grip to prevent you from slipping irrespective of the mat you’re using. Non-slip workout clothes are perfect for those who use organic mats that can be naturally slippery on particular surfaces. They eliminate most of the work required to get rid of a slippery sheen that might be on your synthetic mat. That allows you to dive right into your workout.
Non-slips clothes range from yoga socks to unique yoga pants. They usually have a type of comfortable tread on them that allows you to maintain an ideal posture with each movement, regardless of how off-balance you might be. You’ll typically find this type of workout gear in the same department as your yoga mat, allowing you to purchase everything at once.
FAQ
Let’s discuss the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about making yoga mats less slippery.
1. Why do you sprinkle salt on a yoga mat?
Doing so gives your new mat an ‘exfoliation’ that breaks down the initial layer and helps you find stability. In warm weather, you can leave your mat out in the sun to help break in it as well.
2. How do you wash your mat?
Through wear and time, the stickiness of yoga mats diminishes. One of the best remedies you can try out is using baking soda or baby powder to absorb the water and oils while getting rid of the slipperiness. Once you sprinkle baking soda or baby powder on your mat and use a dry, clean cloth to spread it evenly, you’re good to go.
3. Should you use Clorox wipes on yoga mats?
If you disinfect your mat with Clorox wipes, remember to after 30 to 45 minutes, once the chemicals have killed germs. After this period has elapsed, you’ll need to rinse your mat and wipe it to get rid of as much of the Clorox as possible.
4. Why are Manduka mats slippery?
These mats are constructed from a closed-cell material that doesn’t absorb liquids or moisture. Lotions, perspiration, and oils will lead to the formation of a slippery layer on your mat, causing slipperiness. A yoga towel will absorb the moisture produced and allow you to exercise more confidently and safely.
5. How frequently should you clean your yoga mat?
Wipe down your mat briefly after each yoga practice using a homemade cleaning solution or store-bought cleaner. Depending on the frequency of use, deep clean your mat every month to eliminate the grime that accumulates over time.
Conclusion
Whether it’s your first time doing a yoga session or you’re a Bikram pro, dealing with a slippery yoga mat can snuff out the fun. Fortunately, these tips prepare you for any type of movement on the floor, from downward dog to vinyasa flow. So make sure to get the right type of mat and bring a large towel to your next yoga class – your yoga instructor and friends will thank you for it.
