Fix it
Yoga Mat Problems: Slipping, Smell, Curling, and Wear (2026)
Fixes for the most common yoga mat problems: slippery surfaces, rubber smell, curling edges, and premature wear.
Most yoga mat problems have straightforward fixes. Below are the four complaints practitioners report most, with what actually resolves each one.
My new mat is slippery
New PVC mats ship with a slick factory film. For a Manduka Pro, do the sea-salt scrub: dampen the mat, cover it with coarse salt, rub it in, leave 24 hours, wipe clean. For other PVC mats, several weeks of regular use wears the film off. Rubber mats like Jade grip immediately; if one slips, it likely needs cleaning, not breaking in.
My natural rubber mat smells strongly
The rubber odor is normal and fades over weeks. Unroll the mat in a ventilated room, wipe it with a damp cloth and mild soap, and let it air dry. Avoid sealing it in a bag between sessions, which traps the smell. Do not use harsh cleaners or essential oils to mask it; they can degrade open-cell rubber.
The edges curl up and will not lie flat
Curling comes from tight rolling. Reverse-roll the mat (roll it with the top surface facing out) for a few hours, or lay it flat with books on the corners overnight. Storing the mat loosely rolled rather than tightly wound prevents recurrence.
The surface is flaking or wearing thin
Flaking means the top layer is done. On budget foam mats this is normal end-of-life after 6 to 18 months; replace the mat. To extend the next mat's life, avoid dragging it across rough floors, keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight, and clean with mild soap rather than abrasive cleaners.
Questions, answered
Can I machine wash my yoga mat?
No. Machine washing destroys open-cell rubber and delaminates PVC mats. Hand-wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry flat.
Why does my mat slide on the floor?
A mat sliding on the floor (rather than your hands sliding on the mat) usually means dust or moisture underneath. Wipe the floor-side clean and make sure the floor is dry; on very slick floors, a thin rug pad underneath solves it.