If you ask a yogi, they will tell you that their yoga mat holds a special place in their life. For many yogis, their beloved mat is more than just yoga equipment—it is a representation of their personal healing space. Every single time you roll it out, it catches you without throwing any judgments—almost like a shrink.
The last thing you want to do is take your mat for granted. After every practice, you should roll it back up and store it in a safe place. In this article, you will learn about how to store a yoga mat properly.
Storing Your Yoga Mat
If you practice yoga regularly, you know that you can’t do so without a mat. It is a must-have item whether you practice at home or studio. This means that you should also take care of it. In most cases, when we talk about maintenance, we immediately jump into maintaining the cleanliness of the mat. But honestly, daily maintenance also includes how you store your mat.
If you only practice at a yoga studio, usually there is a designated space for all the mats to be stored—given that they have enough racks, or cabinets to store all of them securely. All that’s left for you to do is just fold your yoga mat at the end of your session and place it in the right space.
On the contrary, if you feel that your yoga studio is cluttered with too many props and accessories, it’s probably wise to take it with you.
Why Is It Important to Store It Properly?
Simply put, your yoga mat is a lot more than just a platform to support your body. Needless to say, if it is not stored properly, you can end up damaging it. The grip, the surface, and most importantly, the cushion of the mat can be destroyed over time. So, to ensure that your yoga mat is serving its purpose, you must store it properly.
6 Ways to Store Your Mat
Let’s get to the point. We have prepared a list of six different ways for you to store your precious yoga mat. Keep reading to choose what suits you best.
Hang the Mat Bag
You need a mat bag to hang your mat. So if you don’t have one, get one. All you need to do is fold your yoga mat and find a place to hang it. We must admit—this grab and go option is probably the most convenient one out there.
Mat Basket
Any clothing basket without a lid can be a mat basket, as long as you can roll your mat and store it. This is a true DIY yoga mat storage option. You can get readily available woven baskets from any domestic retail stores like Bed, Bath, and Beyond. You can get one with or without a lid according to your preference. The best thing about these mat baskets is that you can store more than one in them. A mat basket can add to the vibe of your room decor.
Mat Hanger
Another essential accessory for a yoga enthusiast is a mat hanger. If you haven’t considered buying one already, then you should get your hands on one. Hanging your mat in a designated place with the help of a hanger ensures that you are kept in a compact and safe space.
You should have a yoga mat hanging in your home as a must-have accessory for any yoga practitioner. Most yoga fans have already purchased one, but if you haven’t, you may get one online or at a store.
It will provide you with a secure and easy spot to store your yoga mat. A yoga mat hanger can be used in a variety of ways. It can also be used to store other stuff at home.
Mat Rack (Wall Mounted)
A mat rack is suitable for individuals who own more than one mat. Or if you are an owner of a yoga studio, you must get a wall-mounted mat rack. It is a space saver if you have to store multiple yoga mats on a daily basis.
A wall-mounted yoga mat rack is a great way to decorate a yoga studio. The best thing about these racks is that you can adjust them based on the number of mats.
If you want to use them for your personal use, you can also do that. They have a multifunctional design, which allows you to hang other things like yoga belts, resistance bands, etc.
Storage Cart
A storage cart is another efficient way to store your yoga mat safely. It is a great way to ensure all your workout essentials are stored in an organized manner. The benefits of storing your yoga mats properly mean that you are ensuring they are rolled away safely.
The surface, edges are all being properly protected which is a good maintenance habit. As the name suggests, a cart is easily movable, so you can transport your mats easily too.
Display Rack for Yoga Mats
This is almost like a set of wire towel holders. A typical display rack for yoga mats can hold up to 6 mats in total. It adds an earthy feel to the decor of the yoga room or studio. They are sleek, space-saving wire mounts that can store yoga mats, towels, or even foam rollers.
The best part about these display racks is that it does not need any assembling, you can attach them right away. All the parts of the display racks including anchors and screws usually come in the instructional box, making it easy to set up.
Mat Cabinets
A cabinet for your mats is again more suitable for people who own more than one mat. You have probably already seen one of these in your yoga studio if you go to one. They are the best option in terms of reliability. A cabinet means all your workout accessories are hidden inside, maintaining their cleanliness.
Basic Guidelines for Mat Maintenance
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, storing your yoga mat is just one aspect of maintaining it. We have prepared a few pointers for you to extend the durability of your yoga mat.
Hygiene
We strongly recommend you wash your hands and feet before rolling out the mat. It is a hygiene measure. If you practice this step, you will ensure that your mat is not collecting dirt from your body. Washing your hands and feet before your practice also ensures that you have a better grip for your poses.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning is an excellent way to maintain your mat. The benefits of wiping your mat with a cloth using a disinfectant mean that you are preventing any bacteria build-up. Your mat is a collector of germs, so the moment you roll it out for your practice, it starts to absorb moisture from your body and even the dirt from the floor.
There are very easy cleaning steps that you can follow for regular cleaning and deep cleaning. There are cleaning solutions available in stores for you to spray and wipe off. Deep cleaning should be done once or twice a month depending on the frequency of your practice.
Make sure that the cleaning solution you buy or make complements the material of your mat. Make sure you look at the manufacturing details on your mat before you use any active ingredients to clean it.
Use a Towel
A yoga towel can make your life super easy. You don’t have to worry about your sweat dripping on your mat. Plus a yoga towel can be washed regularly. In fact, a yoga towel on your mat enhances your grip and provides more cushions during your practice.
Keep It out of Direct Sunlight
Never expose your mat to direct sunlight. The UV rays from the sun can damage the surface. It can fade the color and destroy the grip. If you want to dry it after deep cleaning it, rather put it in an airy space, but not under direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance and adequate storage help in taking proper care of all of your yoga essentials, not just your mat. If you are confused about your options, do a little research about the materials of your mat—this will definitely help you to pick the right way to clean and store your mat.
All the options mentioned in this article are great ways to store your mat safely. Hopefully, this list of yoga mat storage ideas at home or for a studio can now be transformed into actions. Additionally, storing your mats properly means you are making an effort to stay organized and declutter. After all—yoga is all about finding your peace and calm. Click here to read more about how machine wash your yoga mat!
