Fix it
Yoga Block Troubleshooting (2026)
Fixes for common yoga block problems: a block that slides, a block that feels too hard or too soft, cork that sheds, and foam that dents.
Most yoga block problems come from the wrong material for the job, or from a block that has had a hard life. Work through the fixes below in order, starting with the surface and the job, before assuming the block has failed.
The block slides across the floor mid-pose
Use the block on a mat, not on a bare smooth floor, since foam and cork both need grip underneath as well as on top. Wipe the block and the mat clean, since dust makes any surface slippery. If the block still slides, switch to cork, which grips better under weight, or put a damp towel under the block for standing work. A wedge needs a mat underneath more than a flat block does.
The block feels too hard under my knees
Switch to foam for kneeling and restorative work, since cork is firm by design and will not soften. Put a folded blanket or a second mat under the block to cushion it, and use the block on its flat face rather than its edge. If you practise restorative yoga often, keep a soft foam pair like the Trideer blocks for floor work and save the cork for standing poses.
The cork block sheds crumbs
Wipe the block with a dry cloth after the first few sessions, since new cork sheds a little and then settles. Do not soak the block, which makes shedding worse, and do not scrub it with a brush. If crumbs keep coming off after a month, the cork is low grade and a denser block like the Bean Products pair will shed less.
The foam block has dented and will not spring back
Stop standing on the block, since foam dents under full body weight and the dent is permanent. Use the dented face down so the flat face is up, and keep the block for seated work and stretching, where the dent does not matter. For standing work, switch to a denser foam like the Manduka recycled blocks, or to cork, which does not dent at all.
Questions, answered
Why do my two blocks feel different heights?
Cut foam blocks can differ slightly in height from the factory, which shows when you stack them. Set both blocks on the floor together and check them before you stack them in a pose. If one is taller, use the taller one on the side that needs more lift, or swap the pair for a moulded set that matches.
Can I use a yoga block outside?
Yes, on a smooth surface, but rough concrete and sharp stones will scuff and chip any block. Foam handles outdoor use better than cork, which chips at the corners. Wipe the block after outdoor use and store it dry, out of direct sunlight.
When should I replace a yoga block?
Replace it when the foam has dented permanently, the corners have crumbled, the cork has chipped deeply, or the grip has worn smooth. A block that has gone soft or lopsided will not support you properly and can strain your wrists and shoulders. A well-kept block lasts years, but a block used for the wrong job can fail in months.