How to Fix a Slippery Yoga Mat? Possible Solutions

For a proper output of Yoga, we require focus, stability and a strong and smooth connection with the floor or ground. Most yogis whether they are new or experienced use the yoga mats for practice. However, If I talk about the problem that we normally face in yoga mats is its slipperiness. Today we will discuss How to Fix a Slippery Yoga Mat along with How do I stop my yoga mat from being slippery.

We can’t maintain focus and stability on a slippery mat and sometimes it leads to injuries. Almost all of us have faced this especially when you have a newer mat or made with a certain material. I have already written an article regarding yoga mat material you should read it before buying a new one.

In this guide, we will discuss all the possible solutions for how to fix a slippery yoga mat. We will also try to discuss the reasons behind it or why is my yoga mat slippery.

Why Is My Yoga Mat Slippery?

Let’s take a look at the reason behind Why Is My Yoga Mat Slippery before the solution. Several factors can cause the slipperiness of a yoga mat:

Brand New Mats:

A brand new yoga mat has slipperiness due to the factory coating on its surface. Normally a factory uses this coating to save the mat during shipment as well as storage, this coating makes the mat slippery until we remove it.

Material:

Certain types of materials like PVC or rubber are naturally slick. A few people also prefer the texture over the mat to increase durability these types of mats normally take a certain time and usage to become grippy.

Sweat and Moisture:

Sweat and moisture are also the most common reasons behind the slipperiness of yoga mats and we normally face this situation during hot yoga practice or other heavy sessions. So, we face traction because some of the yoga mats are not designed to tackle the large amounts of moisture or sweat.

Lack of Texture:

The yoga mats without texture or a smooth surface are also less grippy. Texture creates a bit amount of friction between your hands and feet that reduces the slipperiness.

Oils and Lotions:

The use of different oils and lotions during yoga sessions can also cause of yoga mat slipperiness with time.

Now let’s move to the next step How to Fix a Slippery Yoga Mat

How to Fix a Slippery Yoga Mat

Various effective methods are being used to fix a slippery mat:

1. Break in Your Mat

Usually, a brand-new yoga mat requires a certain time before reaching the optimal grip. So, let’s take a look at how we can reach the yoga mats optimal time manually:

Use it Frequently:

The first and foremost thing is to use the yoga mat regularly the more you use it, the faster it fixes. After a certain time, the outer layer of the yoga mats wears off, and a grippy surface comes out underneath.

Practice at Home:

It is a better option to use a new mat at home first to reduce its slipperiness. You can simply walk on the mat without shoes.

Scrub the Mat:

You can also scrub the mat to speed up the breaking-in process. Just make a solution of water & a high-quality detergent and scrub your mat with it. After that use a soft cloth or yoga mat towel to dry it. In this way, you can easily remove the factory slick from its surface and your mat will start tipping.

2. Wash Your Mat

Regular use of a yoga mat makes it a bit dirty due to the dust oils and sweat that makes the mat slippery. You can regularly clean your mat to restore its grip.
You can read here in detail about how to clean a yoga mat. I already discussed a few methods to wash the yoga mats.

Use a Mat Cleaner:

If you are using a specific brand’s mat, you can also buy its cleaner from the company. Invest a small amount of money to clean your mat.

3. Use a Yoga Towel

It is recommended to use a yoga towel during practice if you sweat a lot or going to practice something like hot yoga. Yoga towels can absorb moisture easily. In this way, you can save your mat become slippery due to moisture.

Place the Towel on Your Mat:

Another option is to place a towel on the yoga mat which increases the friction and grip between your hands and feet.

4. Apply a Salt Scrub

If you mat is built with PVC or rubber material then apply a salt scrub on it to restore its gripping. It is a well-known method for breaking in, especially for a new yoga mat.

5. Try Grip Enhancing Products

You can also use grip-enhancing products available in the market:

Grip Sprays:

Different sprays such as “Grip Enhancer” can be used for quick results. These sprays are built to make your mat tackier.

Chalk or Powder:

Chalk or powder can also be used to reduce slipperiness as this material is used in gymnasts. But keep in mind, this thing can make your mat dirty.

6. Switch to a Non-Slip Yoga Mat

The last option is to move towards such yoga mat material which is high in quality and non-slip.

Best Non-Slip Materials for Yoga Mats

This is most important to choose the right material before buying a brand-new yoga mat. Let’s try to discuss briefly about the materials:

1. Natural Rubber

These material mats are well known due to their excellent grip. Rubber’s texture offers an extra layer of friction, which increases the gripping during practice. Apart from that natural rubber mats are eco-friendly as well as biodegradable.

2. Polyurethane

These mats are also a good option due to their non-slipping feature. These mats have incredible ability to absorb moisture so these mats are the perfect option for hot yoga or for those who sweat a lot. Polyurethane mats have a double-layer construction, the upper layer designated concerning grip and the other one for cushioning.

3. Cork

Cork yoga mats are gaining popularity among people due to their features such as sustainability durability and grip. These mats are easy to clean but only the worst thing is to store and transportation for this mat as the cork mats are a bit stiffer.

You can read here in detail about Cork vs Rubber Yoga Mats

4. TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) is well-known among people due to its durability and grip. It’s a blend of rubber material and plastic polymers.

You can read here in detail about TPE vs EVA vs NBR yoga mats

5. Jute

Jute material is also a mixture of natural jute fibers. These mats are eco-friendly and sustainable and provide the best gipping due to their texture.

Conclusion

You can’t put your focus during yoga with a slippery yoga and this thing is irritating, so, if you are facing this issue. You can fix it by using the above methods. I have shared all the possible solutions for how to fix a slippery yoga mat.

Always stay happy, healthy and connected to enjoy your yoga journey!