How to Make Yoga Mat Less Slippery, Tips and Tricks!

Have you been trying desperately to work out how to make yoga mat less slippery?

Your yoga session will be horribly interrupted if you’re hands and feet are slipping around on your yoga mat.

Not to mention, it can actually be dangerous too, because some of the poses we do are relying on our mat being grippy enough to keep us in position.

So, if this is a problem you’ve been having never fear we will help you get it fixed quick smart.

Why Yoga Mats Can Be Slippery

Brand new mat

If you’ve just bought a new yoga mat, it might need to be broken in. The main mats that are slippery when they’re brand new are PVC mats, even the premium ones like the Manduka yoga mat. Given a bit of time and wear and tear they do tend to get more grippy.

Type of material

The material you chose when you pick out your yoga mat can affect the slipperiness. Some mats don’t come with that original slipperiness like those made from TPE, Polyurethane or Natural Rubber. So, this is a big plus for mats made out of these materials from the get-go.

Lotion and natural oils

Our body produces natural oils and some of us are just more oily than others. Also if you’re doing yoga after putting on moisturizer its possible that once you heat up its causing you to slip.

Sweat

If you sweat during your yoga sessions this can definitely be a factor in making your mat like a slip ‘n’ slide. If you do Hot Yoga or any high intensity workout just remember that moisture can make it a challenge to stay in your poses.

Wear and tear

As yoga mats age, sometimes the can lose their grip.

Over time, the texture of the mat can wear down, this reduces the friction and can increase the chance of slipping.

If your yoga mat shows any of these signs of aging it might be time to think about a new one.

Mat condition

Is your mat clean? Sometimes left over sweat, body oils and anything else that comes out in your sweat can make it much more slippery. It’s always a good idea to give your mat a clean, especially after a session where you’ve sweated lots.

Poses

Some poses are tricky to stabilize, so it could be that the pose is making the mat seem less sticky. If you slip out of a pose your mat will often slip too.

How to Make A Yoga Mat Less Slippery

Buy the right mat

Start by choosing the right mat that can cater for your yoga practice.

That often means buying a mat that’s made with open-cell surfaces or TPE as these are well known for being more grippy mats in general.

Then and again if you are dealing with a mat you’ve had for ages and it’s still slippery, it might be time to treat yourself and buy a more suitable mat.

It really can make or break your yoga sessions.

Use your mat regularly!

If you’ve bought a mat and it’s PVC or a mat that just happens to be really shiny and slippery just keep using it.

The more you use it the more the surface will gain texture and it will eventually lose its slipperiness.

Wash your mat

To speed up the process of making your mat more grippy give it a wash with water.

If it’s a thin mat or a foldable one you can even put it through the washing machine on the gentle cycle.

I don’t suggest putting it through the dryer to get it dry though – here’s why.

Use a yoga towel

One very easy solution is to put a yoga towel on top of your mat. This absorbs all the sweat and give you an extra layer of grip, making you much less likely to slip.

Salt scrub

For a natural solution you can get a bag of sea salt, then sprinkle a small amount all over your mat and scrub it around with a damp cloth.

This DIY option helps to create friction by removing buildup that might be causing it to be slippery.

Use a yoga mat spray

There are yoga mat sprays that you can by that will clean off the build-up of oil and sweat that can make your mat slick.

Some of the sprays are made with a non-slip grip element in them.

That way you could give your mat a light spray before each yoga session and keep yourself safe and sound.

Put on a grip enhancer

There’s quite a few grip enhancing sprays and powders on the market that are specifically made to deal with this issue.

It might be worth giving them a go. Use them sparingly to prevent too much build up on your mat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Can I use any cleaning product on my yoga mat?

No, it’s really important to avoid harsh chemicals, remember your skin is going on this mat and you don’t want to be putting toxic chemicals on your skin.

Use mild or natural solutions like just a sprinkle of water before using it or even a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water and spray it on.

Can I put my yoga mat in the washing machine?

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before you do this but yes, some mats can go into the washing machine.

It’s normally pretty safe to put a thin PVC mat in or foldable mats are also fine.

How often should I clean my yoga mat?

The opinion on this varies, some people say after every yoga session, I would say after every 2 or 3 sessions give it a wipe over.

If you’re doing a really intense session maybe clean it every time but if you’re not seating much just every few times is plenty.

Is it normal for a new yoga mat to be slippery?

Many new yoga mats are slippery when you first get them, even the ones that are the grippiest.

These mats just need to be broken in – meaning, put it out in the sunshine for a couple of hours, use the mat and maybe give it a salt scrub to minimise that slippery feeling.

Are there any yoga poses that make your mat more slippery?

Some poses involve a lot of movement, like Vinyasa flows and this can increase the slipperiness.

Just be aware and use some of our solutions above to prevent any issues.

Can I use a yoga mat if I have allergies to certain materials?

Most people with allergies need to buy mats that are made from the hypoallergenic materials like natural rubber or TPE.

it’s best to find out exactly what a mat is made from and if it will trigger your allergies before making that purchase.

Conclusion

A yoga mat that doesn’t slip is not only essential for your safety but also so that you can do your yoga in tranquillity.

By working out the exact reason for your yoga mat slipping you are more likely to be able to solve the problem.

Do your best to choose the right mat, along with our other tips you can improve your entire experience doing yoga.

It might mean buying a yoga towel or a spray but whatever it is at the end of it you have taken back your power and can enjoy doing yoga again.