How to Clean and Store Yoga and Fitness Mats Properly

By GoFit Fitness Equipment - GoFit. | Published: 2026-10-15

Category: Tips & Care

A practical yoga mat cleaning guide: wipe, dry, roll, and store your mat the right way to extend yoga mat life and keep every home workout fresh.

Quick answer

Wipe your mat after every session with a damp towel and a mild soap solution, let it air dry fully on both sides, then roll it with the top surface facing out and store it away from direct sun and heat. That simple routine is the core of mat maintenance for home gym setups and is the fastest way to extend yoga mat life.

Why mat material changes your cleaning method

Closed-cell foam mats, like the GoFit Double Thick Yoga Mat, have a non-slip surface that resists absorbing sweat and moisture, so a damp-towel wipe is usually enough. Open-cell or fabric-topped mats can trap moisture deeper, which means they need more drying time and gentler products. Check your mat's surface texture before choosing a cleaner: if water beads on it, you can clean lightly and often; if it soaks in, you need to dry it more thoroughly to prevent odor.

What to keep away from your mat

Skip harsh disinfectants, bleach, and abrasive scrubbing pads. They can break down the foam or grip surface and shorten the mat's usable life. Also avoid leaving a mat in a hot car or direct sunlight for long periods, since heat can warp foam and make it brittle. If you use a gym mat shared by others, a mild soap-and-water wipe is still the safest default unless the manufacturer states otherwise.

How often to clean based on use

For daily yoga or stretching, a quick wipe after each session and a deeper clean once a week works well. For heavier sweat sessions or HIIT Yoga Fusion, wipe immediately after use and deep clean every few sessions. If you notice lingering odor or visible residue, clean more often rather than scrubbing harder. A consistent light routine protects the surface better than occasional aggressive cleaning.

Step-by-step mat cleaning and storage routine

Wipe after every session: Mix a few drops of mild soap with water, dampen a microfiber towel, and wipe the entire top surface. For the GoFit Double Thick Yoga Mat, a damp towel is enough because its closed-cell foam resists moisture. Checkpoint: the towel should be damp, not dripping. Wring it out first.
Deep clean weekly or after heavy sweat: Use the same mild soap solution but wipe more slowly and cover edges and corners. Avoid soaking the mat or submerging it unless the manufacturer allows it. Common mistake: pouring cleaner directly on the mat. Apply it to the towel instead.
Dry flat on both sides: Lay the mat flat or hang it over a shower rod or drying rack, then flip it once the top is dry. The GoFit Fitness Mat's 3/8-inch thickness needs extra drying time underneath. Checkpoint: no cool or damp spots before you roll it up.
Roll with the top surface facing out: Roll from one end with the gripping side outward. This keeps the surface you practice on protected and helps the mat lie flat next time. Common mistake: rolling too tightly, which can crease foam over time.
Store away from heat and sun: Keep the rolled mat in a cool, dry spot such as a closet or mat bag. Avoid hot cars, direct sun, and damp floors. This is the simplest double thick yoga mat storage habit to protect the foam. Checkpoint: if the mat smells musty, unroll and air it out before your next session.

Mat details that affect care

Double Thick Yoga Mat: The GoFit Double Thick Yoga Mat is double-cushioned closed cell foam with a non-slip surface, and it wipes clean with a damp towel. Because it is closed-cell, you can clean it with a simple damp-towel wipe rather than soaking it, which helps it dry faster and stay fresh.
Fitness Mat: The GoFit Fitness Mat has a 3/8-inch thickness and is designed for floor exercises. Its thicker cushioning means you should dry it fully on both sides before rolling, since trapped moisture under foam can cause odor over time.