How to Clean an Exercise Mat or Yoga Mat (Without Damaging It)

Quick answer: To clean an exercise or yoga mat, mix warm water with a couple of drops of mild dish soap (no bleach), lay the mat flat, and wipe it with a soft cloth or mop. Wipe again with a cloth dampened in plain water, then let it air-dry completely before rolling it up. For daily care, wipe off sweat after each workout. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, strong essential oils, the washing machine and direct sunlight, which can damage foam and PVC mats.

Key takeaways

• Daily: quick wipe after every sweaty workout.
• Weekly: mild soap and water clean.
• Always air-dry before rolling, or you trap moisture and odors.
• No bleach, no harsh cleaners, no washing machine.
• Store flat or loosely rolled, out of direct sunlight.

How often to clean your mat

Use	Quick wipe	Deeper clean
Light yoga or stretching	After each use	Every 2–4 weeks
Sweaty HIIT, hot rooms	After each use	Weekly
Under equipment (rack, bike)	Sweep or vacuum weekly	Monthly
Shared family mat	After each use	Weekly

How to deep-clean a large exercise mat

1. Clear and sweep: remove dust, hair and chalk with a soft broom or vacuum.
2. Mix the solution: warm water plus a couple of drops of mild dish soap, no bleach.
3. Wipe or mop: use a soft cloth or mop, working in sections.
4. Rinse: wipe again with a cloth dampened in plain water to remove soap film (soap residue can make mats slippery).
5. Flip it: clean the underside occasionally too, especially on hard floors.
6. Air-dry: leave it flat until completely dry before using or rolling it.

Quick daily wipe

• Keep a microfiber towel and spray bottle (water with a drop of mild soap) nearby.
• Spray lightly, wipe, and let it dry for a few minutes.
• Use a towel on the mat during very sweaty sessions.

What not to use

Avoid	Why
Bleach	Can discolor and break down mat materials
Harsh household cleaners	Can leave residue and degrade the surface
Strong essential oils	Can make surfaces slick or break down some materials
Washing machine or dishwasher	Can tear or warp large foam mats
Soaking	Water trapped inside can cause odor
Direct sun or heaters for drying	Can warp, fade or dry out the material

Always check the care instructions for your specific mat first.

How to get rid of mat odors

• New mat smell: some new mats have a mild smell from packaging. Unroll it and let it air out in a well-ventilated room for a day or two.
• Sweat smell: clean with mild soap, rinse well and dry completely in a ventilated space.
• Prevent it: never roll up a damp mat, and avoid storing it in a closed, humid space.

How to store mats

• Large mats: leave flat where you use them, or roll loosely with the top surface facing out and secure with straps.
• Avoid folding, which can leave creases.
• Keep away from sunlight and heat sources.
• Upright storage in a corner saves space for rolled mats.

Caring for GXMMAT mats

• GXMMAT large exercise mats are 7 mm high-density foam with a non-slip textured surface on both sides. Clean them with warm water and a couple of drops of mild dish soap (no bleach) using a soft cloth or mop. They roll up with the three included Velcro straps and come with a carry bag (plus a free pair of workout gloves).
• GXMMAT yoga mats are high-density foam with a soft, wavy texture for barefoot workouts, in 7 mm and extra-thick 9 mm options. Wipe after use, clean gently, and air-dry flat.
• GXMMAT kneeling pad (NBR foam, 24" × 10" × 0.6"): wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap.

Choosing a mat? See the mat size guide for bikes and rowers and our power rack stability guide for using mats under equipment.

Keep your whole home gym clean

• Wipe bars, handles and bench pads after use.
• Brush and oil your barbell regularly: barbell care guide.
• Run a dehumidifier in damp garages and basements: winter garage gym guide.
• Wash hands before and after training, especially in cold and flu season: should you work out when sick.

FAQ

What is the best way to clean an exercise mat?

Wipe it with warm water and a couple of drops of mild dish soap, rinse with a damp cloth, then let it air-dry fully before rolling it up.

Can I use disinfectant wipes on my yoga mat?

Harsh wipes can damage some mats. Check your mat's care instructions, and stick to mild soap and water when in doubt.

How do I make my mat less slippery after cleaning?

Rinse off all soap residue with a cloth dampened in plain water, and let the mat dry completely.

Can I put my exercise mat in the washing machine?

No. Large foam or PVC mats can tear or warp. Clean them by hand instead.

Why does my yoga mat smell?

New mats may have a mild packaging smell that fades after airing out. Ongoing smells usually come from sweat or rolling the mat up damp.

Written by Yuvien Royer for GXMMAT. This article is general information. Always follow the care instructions for your specific product.