How to Clean and Care for a Large Exercise Mat
A one-minute wipe after workouts, a simple soap-and-water deep clean, what never to use, and how to store your mat so it lasts.
Short answer: wipe your mat with a damp cloth after every workout. Once a week, or whenever it needs it, wash it with a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water, wipe it clean, and let it air-dry flat. Make sure both sides are completely dry before you roll it up. Skip bleach, Clorox wipes, harsh chemicals, and abrasive scrubbers.
Key takeaways
- After every workout: damp cloth wipe-down.
- Deep clean: mild dish soap and warm water, soft cloth or brush, air-dry flat.
- Dry both sides fully before rolling up.
- Never bleach, Clorox wipes, harsh chemicals, or abrasive scrubbers.
What you need
- A soft cloth or the microfiber towel that comes with your mat
- A bucket or spray bottle of warm water
- A few drops of mild dish soap
- A soft brush for textured spots (optional)
After every workout (1 minute)
- Wipe sweat off the top with a damp cloth.
- Let it air out for a few minutes before rolling it up, or leave it out.
Deep clean (10 minutes, plus drying)
- Clear the mat and shake or vacuum off dust, pet hair, and grit.
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bucket of warm water.
- Scrub gently with a soft cloth or brush, working section by section.
- Wipe clean with plain water to remove soap.
- Air-dry flat. Make sure both sides are completely dry before rolling up.
“I've been vacuuming it like I would vacuum carpet. That seems to clean the dog fur and dirt off of it the easiest.”
Verified buyer · 5 stars · Large Exercise Mat
Don't use these
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Bleach and Clorox wipes | Break down the mat over time |
| Harsh chemical cleaners | Break down the mat over time |
| Abrasive scrubbers and scouring pads | Wear the top surface |
| Hoses and pressure washers on a soaked mat | Hard to dry fully before storage |
New mat a little slippery?
Brand-new mats can feel slightly slippery at first. That is normal and gets better quickly with use. Speed it up by wiping the surface with a small amount of mild dish soap and warm water, or by laying the mat out in a high-traffic area for a few days.
Storage
- Roll it with the top surface facing out and secure it with the two straps.
- Store it in the carry bag in a closet, under a bed, or against a wall.
- Keep it out of direct sun and heat. Sun and heat damage aren't covered by the warranty.
- Or just leave it out. Many customers keep their mat down full-time.
“Durable and easy to clean and move around”
Verified buyer · 5 stars · Large Exercise Mat
A mat built to stay clean and last
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Shop Exercise MatsSee the Size GuideRelated guides: Why Your Workout Mat Slides, Bunches or Curls (and How to Stop It) · Working Out Outdoors: Using an Exercise Mat on a Patio, Deck or Backyard · Exercise Mats You Can Wear Shoes On: What to Look For
FAQ
Can I use disinfecting wipes?
Avoid bleach and Clorox wipes; they break the mat down over time. Mild dish soap and warm water are all you need.
How often should I deep clean?
Wipe after every workout and deep clean whenever the mat looks or feels like it needs it. Weekly works well for daily use.
How do I get pet hair off?
Vacuum it or wipe it with a damp microfiber cloth.
Can I clean the yoga mat the same way?
Yes. Same care for both: damp cloth after use, mild dish soap and warm water for a deeper clean, air-dry flat.
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