Wipe the cork with a damp cloth after each practice and let the mat dry flat. For a deeper clean, use water with a little mild soap or white vinegar. Never soak it, put it in the washing machine or dry it in the sun.
After every practice
Wipe the cork with a soft, damp cloth. If the rubber base has picked up dust, wipe that too, because a dusty base slides on the floor. Then let the mat dry flat, out of direct sun, before you roll it.
Deep clean
Every few weeks, or after a very sweaty class, mix a few drops of mild soap or a splash of white vinegar into a bowl of water. A natural mat spray works too. Diluted essential oils, or a cleaner that contains them, are fine, but never put oil straight onto the mat. Mist or wipe the cork lightly without drenching it, wipe it again with a clean damp cloth, and let it dry flat.
What to avoid
Do not soak the mat. The rubber base holds water, and soaking can loosen the bond between the layers. Keep it out of the washing machine and dryer, out of direct sun and hot cars, and away from harsh detergents, bleach and alcohol-based cleaners.
Storing the mat
Roll it cork side out and keep it somewhere cool and dry, out of the sun.
Common questions
The mat smells of rubber. Is that normal? Yes. A new natural rubber base has a light smell that fades. Air the mat out in a well-ventilated room.
The grip feels weaker in a cold room. Cork grips best with a little warmth and moisture. Mist the surface lightly before you start.
The mat slides on the floor. Wipe the rubber base. Dust on the base stops it gripping the floor.
