Cork is a renewable natural material that is used in many areas of our everyday life, ranging from wine stoppers to fashion and from insulation to yoga mats. Cork is sourced from the bark of the cork oak tree, which is stripped from its bark every 9 years. It’s important to know that this process doesn’t harm the tree, and cork oaks absorb more carbon dioxide in their stripped form than otherwise.
A cork yoga mat has many benefits over synthetic mats, in that they are easier to clean and maintain. This is all down to the phenolic extracts found in cork, making the material antimicrobial and consequently resistant to bacteria growth.
Over the past few months, we have received many questions on how to clean and maintain the cork yoga mat. Time then to give you some inside on this subject.
What To Use To Clean The Cork Mats And Other Cork Yoga Gear?
Keeping the cork clean is quite easy when you regularly maintain it, meaning removing the surface dirt by washing it with mild soap water or vinegar.
Using a 50-50 water-white vinegar solution is good for proper cleaning of your cork yoga mat. Naturally, you can also clean your cork mat with a solution made of a mixture of natural soap and water.
Once you made a solution for cleaning the mat, use a moist cloth together with the solution to wipe the mat over the cork surface. It is also perfectly possible to put the cleaning solution in a spray bottle and spray it over the exercise mat. If the mat gets very wet the mat should be dried first before rolling it back up. It is also possible to dry the mat outside in the fresh air or under the sun.
How Often Should I Clean My Cork Yoga Mat?
The frequency of cleaning cork yoga mats depends entirely on your practice intensity and environment. Understanding when and how to clean cork mats ensures optimal hygiene while preserving the natural antimicrobial properties.
1. For home practice yogis who use their mat 2-3 times per week, a thorough cleaning once weekly is sufficient. However, we recommend refreshing your cork yoga mat after each session with a quick wipe using a damp cloth and your preferred cleaning solution to remove surface sweat and maintain freshness.
2. If you practice in yoga studios, fitness clubs, or outdoor environments, clean your cork mat after every session. These shared and outdoor spaces expose your mat to more bacteria, dirt, and environmental contaminants that require immediate attention. Studio floors and outdoor surfaces can transfer oils and debris that compromise your mat’s grip and cleanliness.
Remember that while cork’s natural antimicrobial qualities actively fight bacteria and prevent mold formation, sweat, skin oils, and environmental dust still accumulate on the surface. Regular cleaning removes these buildups and maintains your mat’s performance and longevity.
What Not To Do When Cleaning Cork Yoga Mats
Proper cork mat maintenance requires avoiding certain cleaning methods that can damage the natural material. Never submerge cork yoga mats in water or place them in washing machines, as excessive moisture can cause the cork to deteriorate and lose its structural integrity. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, or alcohol-based solutions that can strip cork’s natural oils and antimicrobial compounds.
Additionally, never use abrasive scrubbing tools, stiff brushes, or rough cloths when cleaning cork mats, as aggressive scrubbing causes cork particles to break away and creates an uneven surface that affects grip and comfort.
In conclusion, with the variety of yoga mat options available today, choosing natural materials like cork aligns perfectly with a healthy and sustainable yoga lifestyle. Making informed decisions about mat care and maintenance ensures your investment serves you well throughout your practice journey.
Our cork yoga mats represent an excellent choice for dedicated yogis seeking natural, antibacterial, high-performance equipment that delivers exceptional durability. The combination of cork’s inherent antimicrobial properties and proper cleaning techniques creates an ideal practice surface that supports both your health and environmental values.
We welcome your questions about cork yoga mat care or any other topics related to natural yoga equipment and sustainable practice methods.
Other Materials You Can Check:
