How Long Do Yoga Mats Last

A yoga mat is a vital component in how fulfilling your practice is. With a huge variety on the market, you can find lots of contradicting information over “how long do yoga mats last?”.

There are a few factors that can play into this, for instance:

How often do you practice
Do you look after it well
Where do you keep it

Generally speaking, a yoga mat lasts six to twelve months, if they are looked after properly. This obviously depends on how regularly you practice too.

Looking after your yoga mat

The question “How long do yoga mats last?” has varying answers depending on the level of TLC it is given. Here are a few suggestions on how you can keep your yoga mat in tip-top condition.

How Long Do Yoga Mats Last

Wash your mat with soapy water

This is probably the most common method used to clean yoga mats. Fill a spray bottle with soapy water and wipe with a cloth once a week throughout its life. Make sure to use a soap that is oil-free.

Essential oils to invigorate

This is a great way to spruce up your mat. Choose your favorite essential oil to make your practice more relaxing. You can also buy mat sprays that already include the different scents.

Vinegar and water

This is not just a great way to eliminate any odors but will kill any bacteria lingering on your yoga mat too. Whip up a mixture of 50% cider vinegar and 50% water to wipe down your mat. Make sure you have somewhere well ventilated to hang it after, preferably outside.

Use baby powder or baking soda

Over time our yoga mat loses the stickiness it had when we bought it. If you are not ready to invest in a new mat, sprinkling your mat with a little baby powder or baking soda is a great way to give it that new lease of life. Use a dry cloth to distribute it evenly over your yoga mat. You will find, it will also help to soak up any excess water or oil while you are working out.

How Long Do Yoga Mats Last

How do I know when I need a new yoga mat?

Even with all of the above tips, there will come a time when you and your yoga mat will have to part ways. It is important to keep an eye out for signs as they can be detrimental to your practice. Sometimes even dangerous!

The padding on your mat has become uneven
You start to see tears appearing
Your mat has become dangerously slippery
The mat has an odor even after various cleaning
It isn’t easy to balance anymore

So….how long do yoga mats last? Only you will know your own mat but the better care you take of it, the more time you will have together. Think you might need a new yoga mat? Check out the Backify website and see the mats you can claim cashback on.

Last updated: June 16, 2023 by The Backify Team
All photos taken from free stock