Your new yoga mat is slipping: What can you do?

You love your yoga mat; the color and material feel really nice. The only problem is that it slips. This is definitely annoying and needs to be fixed. There are various solutions, which we'll discuss below, so you can soon practice your asanas again with joy and motivation. You'll find all the important information and tips in this article. Enjoy!

The mat slips: What to do if the problem exists from the beginning?

If your newly purchased yoga mat is slippery, you should definitely take the following tips to heart.

• Even though your mat is labeled as non-slip, you feel a lack of grip during your exercises. This may be because the non-slip properties develop gradually. The reason is this: Some materials retain a certain amount of residual moisture on the surface after production. This makes the mat less stable and less slippery. The good news is that this dissipates with use, allowing you to perform your yoga poses with increasing stability. This problem is common with PVC mats. With regular use and cleaning of the surface, slipping almost disappears automatically.
• If your mat is made of a different material, you can definitely contact the manufacturer. They will explain why this is the case, and if it is a defect, you can certainly get a new mat quickly and easily.
• For many yogis, excessive sweating on their hands or feet also causes the mat to lose its grip. You can help with this, too. Use a soft towel and place it on the mat. You'll see that it absorbs your sweat and keeps the mat firmly in place.

This is something you should keep in mind when buying new mats!

Are you unsure which mat is right for you? You should learn about the different materials and their properties to make sure you choose the right one.

To avoid slipping in the first place, you should choose ones made of natural materials, such as natural rubber. If you choose a version made of this material, you'll be less likely to experience the problem.

How can you make a used mat more slip-resistant?

Many yogis only notice the slipping over time. If this is the case for you, here's what you can do:

• Check your yoga mat for any sweat residue or other dirt. If so, it's a good idea to degrease or clean it. Depending on the material, use just water or a mixture of water and vinegar. If the mat is heavily soiled, you can use dish soap, but use a very small amount to avoid making the material more slippery. Experts recommend not cleaning natural rubber mats with soap or dish soap—only with water and vinegar. Always check with the manufacturer to make sure you do everything correctly. If you're mixing a large amount of vinegar and water, you can add a small drop of essential oil; tea tree oil is recommended because of its antibacterial properties. Make sure you use just one drop, ensuring the concentration in the water and vinegar mixture is low.
• The residues of the cleaning mixture must be completely removed.
• Then, roll the mat in a towel to completely absorb the liquid. You can also hang the mat outside. However, avoid direct sunlight. It's also not recommended to place it on a radiator.

Important : Complete soaking (placing the mat in a full bathtub or in the washing machine) is rarely recommended.

More tips for more slip resistance!

In addition to proper cleaning and the right materials, you should make sure your hands and feet aren't moisturized or oiled beforehand. This increases the risk of slipping. If you have oily hands and are about to begin your practice, sit comfortably on your meditation cushion and do a short breathing exercise to settle into the moment before you begin. Damp hands should be thoroughly dried.

Additionally, rubbing some mats with salt can be beneficial. However, this should only be done after consulting the manufacturer to avoid damage to your favorite mat.

When practicing various yoga poses, it's important that you stay firmly planted on the mat and maintain stability in your core. This can also help prevent slipping.

Have you ever had a slipping yoga mat? If so, what did you do and how did you solve it?