Never Roll a Wet Mat • How to Air Dry Your Yoga Mat Properly

To keep your yoga mat in good condition for longer, you should never leave your mat rolled up wet or damp for extended periods of time. It is important to clean and wipe off excess water with an absorbent towel, and then let air in a well-ventilated area until your mat is completely dry. Never use a clothes dryer or hair dryer since aggressive heating can wear out mat materials. 

Overview

• Air drying your mat is essential for removing excess water before you roll it up and put it away.
• If your mat is heavily saturated drying time can go up as high as 24-48 hours.
• Open-cell natural rubber mats generally require longer drying times because they absorb more moisture than other closed cell materials.
• Proper air drying is essential to prevent microbial growth and resist damage from moisture.
• Avoid intense heat sources like drying machines.
• When you can, it is better to leave your mat unrolled and only roll it up when storage becomes essential.
• Antimicrobial cork mats are more odour resistant and dry faster than other materials since they channel moisture away rather than absorb it.
• Closed cell materials, like most plastic mats, resist absorbing moisture and can air dry in as little as 5 minutes.

How to air dry your yoga mat

If it’s lightly damp: Wipe it down with a cotton cloth and let it air dry fully. Closed-cell mats, like PU, require much less drying time because they absorb little to no moisture.

If it’s wet: For mats that are very saturated, or have an open-cell design like natural rubber, allow for an extended drying time.

Lets talk mat materials

• Closed-cell mats (generally plastic mats like TPE): These materials barely absorb water, so even 5-20 minutes can sometimes be enough drying time for these mats. Do not submerge these mats, since it usually doesn't help for removing stains and if water seeps into seams, it can become trapped.
• Open-cell natural rubber mats: These are highly porous and absorb, and hold onto moisture. Expect much longer drying times, to allow water deep inside the mat to evaporate. Be cautious of sunlight when air drying since sometimes rubber polymer chains can be damaged by UV sun rays at a molecular level.
• Cork mats: Cork resists moisture by channeling it away because of its natural cell structure, so it generally requires less time to dry. However, because it makes such a great hot yoga mat it tends to get a lot wetter during sweaty practice and may sometimes require extra long drying times, up to 12-24 hours. 
• Hemp mats: Similar to cork mats, these should be air dried however they are also naturally moisture resistant and durable, making for the perfect beach mat. 

Is there any way to speed up drying time?

Airflow, airflow airflow!

• Position the mat near an open window to allow the breeze to help it dry faster.
• If humidity is too high you can try getting a dehumidifier to speed up drying time.
• If the mat is fully soaked hang it to dry instead of leaving it on the floor.
• If you can, leave your mat outdoor in a shady spot or briefly under direct sun. Sunlight also helps to naturally clean and disinfect your mat.

What to avoid when drying a yoga mat?

A few habits ruin mats faster than any amount of sweat ever could.

• Never put your mat under direct heat like in a clothes dryer. Intense heat that's meant for clothes or hair, is not meant for yoga mat materials and may cause permanent damage.
• Alternate between letting your mat dry on the floor and hanging it to dry. Hang to dry only as needed since repeated pressure points can warp materials over time.
• Don't try to squeeze moisture out of your mat. Use a towel instead.
• Always allow your mat to dry fully before rolling it up.

How long does a yoga mat take to dry?

Drying time depends entirely on method and material but here are a couple general rules of thumb:

1. Most of the time you can expect a 5-60 minute drying time, regardless of material if sweating was minimal.
2. After a hot yoga class however, drying time can easily take 24 hours or more.

How to practice good storage habits

1. Store your mat rolled with the top side facing out. If you must use a bag, make sure its a breathable material, like cotton, or use a strap. 
2. Unroll your mat regularly even if you don't use it, since humidity can still take its toll on your yoga mat's materials.
3. It's better to store your mat in an open room than in a closed closet space, since this allows for better airflow.

Why Crk mats hold up to moisture

Crk offers a line of organic cork mats that have an anti-microbial surface and that resist moisture by channeling it away. Your cork mat will not only maintain great grip during your sweaty session, but it will also feel cleaner and stay in better condition over time.

Takeaway

Open cell natural rubber mats tend to hold onto sweat, which means extended drying times are essential even if you no longer see or feel moisture on the surface. Closed-cell mats, usually plastic mats, can be dried in as little as 5 minutes. Cork make excellent hot yoga mats since they channel moisture away and may dry relatively quickly, while still needing extended drying times for hot and sweaty practice. In addition to air drying your mat, you can also invest in a high quality mat cleaning spray for deep cleans of your yoga mat.

⋆｡°✩ Browse the current lineup and pick the mat that fits your practice.

Additional Sources

Make Your Own Yoga Mat Cleaning Spray - Tea Tree Oil Anti-Microbial Actions

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